Back during the Bush and Obama years, I remember hearing so many right-wing conspiracies about FEMA camps.
Why didn’t anyone ask “If FEMA has the ability to set up camps and transport large numbers of people, why aren’t they doing that every time there’s a big hurricane or wildfire?”
Just read a good article today about FEMA response. They said all response starts at the local level. At some level, there might be a FEMA rep involved, but the local or state leaders have to request the help. Even then, FEMA doesn’t run the show. It’s run by the state and local people with FEMA assisting to provide needed resources and guidance. Unfortunately, I can’t remember where I read the article.
IIRC, the camps of those days were after the fact for people who had lost their homes riding out the storms.
I have not once heard of FEMA bussing and housing people who couldn’t afford to evacuate before a hurricane. Has that ever happened?
Me either.
As Xorollo pointed out, they did set up trailer parks for victims who’s houses were destroyed after Katrina and in 2012. They were full of Formaldehyde and people experienced “breathing difficulties, persistent flu-like symptoms, eye irritation, and nosebleeds”.
It seems like you could only apply if your house was damaged. If you were renting and flat on your ass with your work and all your stuff destroyed or worse, SoL I guess.
When I hear of FEMA camps, this is what I think people are talking about. People have lived in these trailers long term while rebuilding damaged areas. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/FEMA_trailer