42 U.S.C. § 5131 — Federal and State disaster preparedness programs

(a) The President may establish a disaster-preparedness program using the services of all suitable agencies. The program must include plans for mitigation, warnings, emergency operations, rehabilitation, and recovery; training and exercises; reviews after disasters; yearly program reviews; coordination of Federal, State^*, and local programs; use of science and technology; and research. (b) The President must give States technical help to develop complete, workable programs for preparing for disasters, including reducing, avoiding, and mitigating hazards; helping people, businesses, and State and local governments after disasters; and recovering damaged or destroyed public and private facilities. (c) On a State’s application, the President may give that State grants totaling no more than $250,000 to develop preparedness and prevention plans, programs, and capabilities. The State must apply within one year after May 22, 1974, and must name or create an agency to plan and administer the program. Through that agency, the State must submit a plan that (1) gives a complete and detailed program for preparation and assistance after emergencies and major disasters, including help for people, businesses, and local governments, and (2) provides for appointing and training staff, creating needed rules and procedures, and conducting required exercises. (d) The President may give grants covering no more than 50 percent of the cost of improving, maintaining, and updating State disaster-assistance plans, including evaluating natural hazards and developing measures to mitigate them. A grant may not exceed $50,000 per year for a State.