Who develops emergency management policies at the federal level?

The President of the United States plays a crucial role in developing emergency management policies at the federal level. The President has the authority to establish national priorities for emergency management and can direct federal resources and response agencies during a disaster. This leadership position allows the President to formulate comprehensive strategies and policies that guide how federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and emergencies.

While the Secretary of Homeland Security oversees the implementation of these policies and coordinates efforts among various federal and state agencies, it is ultimately the President who sets the overall direction and priorities for emergency management at the federal level. The involvement of State Governors and the National Guard pertains more to state-level emergency management and response, as they take on leadership roles in their respective states when responding to disasters.