Why won't the president declare the parts of Arkansas hit by the recent tornados a federal disaster area?

Question

Until he does, they can't receive assistance from FEMA, which is ridiculous, because the trailers that were meant for hurricane victims are right down the road. Could the governor just kind of "commandeer" some of those trailers?

Answer 1

I don't know what his criteria is for declaring "disaster areas"- but I have a sneaking suspicion- it's much higher in states with Democratic majorities, or homes of former ex presidents... :)

Answer 2

There is no hard and fast rule as to when a President declares any place a federal disaster area, but there are some general ones: Generally the governor of the state in question must request such declaration, since the federal government cannot intervene in a state emergency without state permission. In order for an area to be declared a federal emergency usually requires a minimum area of effect and/or minimum total damage costs. If President Bush hasn't declared the areas of Arkansas hit by the tornadoes a disaster area it may simply be because such declaration may not have been requested. Residents of the far western part of Kansas have to have been subjected to almost total destruction before being willing to ask the federal government for help, and this may be the case in Arkansas.

Answer 3

With his intelligences, he most likely has no idea where Dumas, Arkansas is located. They lost most everything they had. These FEMA Trailers would look good to anyone without a home. Not much as been achieved on the Gulf-Coast in Mississippi, nor New Orleans. So where are those promises to help these people as a government should?

Our government hasn't wasted anytime rebuilding in Iraq & Afgan, while the people of this Country suffer! We build and they send rockets to blow them up & we turn around and build them again. It shouldn't take a Rocket Sciencetist to figure out, we are getting no where in these regions.

Answer 4

that is a good question!!!!there are people there who have no home or job and those trailors are just sitting there??????

Answer 5

I thought he did?