FEMA Lists ‘Equity’ Among Top Goals Even As Americans Face The Aftermath Of Hurricane Helene

The Biden administration’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) 2022-2026 strategic plan outlines three “ambitious goals,” with the first focusing on equity as the death toll from Hurricane Helene surpasses 100.

Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, hit Florida Thursday and has since swept through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee, with at least 120 people killed due to the storm, according to the New York Post. FEMA, the agency responsible for the federal response to hurricanes, has previously centered its focus on equity and community in hopes of helping the agency “address the increasing range and complexity of disasters” within diverse communities, the strategic plan states.

“Wide-ranging and long-term, the goals defined in the plan respond to the changing landscape in which we find ourselves. While some activities in this plan can be quickly realized, some will require efforts through 2026,” the agency’s site states.

“The plan outlines three bold, ambitious goals to meet this challenge,” the site continued. “These goals position FEMA to address the increasing range and complexity of disasters, support the diversity of communities we serve, and complement the nation’s growing expectations of the emergency management community.”

FEMA’s first goal is to “instill equity as a foundation of emergency management,” the second is to “lead the whole community in climate resilience” and the third aims to “promote and sustain a ready FEMA and a prepared nation.”

As cities like Asheville, North Carolina, face devastation from flooding, the agency has been criticized online, with users questioning the lack of assistance. Journalist Nick Sorto criticized the Biden administration and FEMA while assisting in the storm’s aftermath.