42 U.S.C. § 5121 — Congressional findings and declarations

because disasters often cause loss of life, human suffering, loss of income, and property loss and damage; and

because disasters often disrupt the normal functioning of governments and communities, and adversely affect individuals and families with great severity;

revising and broadening the scope of existing disaster relief programs;

encouraging the development of comprehensive disaster preparedness and assistance plans, programs, capabilities, and organizations by the States and by local governments;

achieving greater coordination and responsiveness of disaster preparedness and relief programs;

encouraging individuals, States, and local governments to protect themselves by obtaining insurance coverage to supplement or replace governmental assistance;

encouraging hazard mitigation measures to reduce losses from disasters, including development of land use and construction regulations;

providing Federal assistance programs for both public and private losses sustained in disasters; and

identifying and improving the climate and natural hazard resilience of vulnerable communities.