Discuss the below:
Q1. The disaster declaration usually happens after the disaster takes place. The jurisdiction has to submit paperwork showing the damage and the cost associated with it in order for the request to be considered. They have to demonstrate that they are unable to handle the situation locally, or even with state resources.
We saw an exception to this last summer. The disaster request from Texas for Hurricane Harvey was submitted and accepted before the storm came ashore due to the severe nature of the storm and the amount of damage it was predicted to cause (FEMA, 2017).
FEMA. (September 2017). Historic disaster response to Hurricane Harvey in Texas. FEMA.
Q2. I found that the EMTALA is a federal law that requires anyone coming to an emergency department to be stabilized and treated, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay (ACEP, 2016). As a result, it lead to emergency departments being unable to remain open due to the lack of payment. If emergency departments are closing in the poorest communities, does that make these communities more vulnerable during the aftermath of disastrous events?