Over the last decade and a half, the federal government has taken many steps to offer more inclusive efforts on disaster service delivery. This has been largely achieved through the works of advocacy groups. As a result, laws like the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act and the Disaster Recovery Reform Act adapt the Stafford Act to mandate more accessibility in disaster response services and recovery programs.

But what does this mean for local communities? The reality is more empowered citizens are more prepared and their communities more resilient.