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U.S. Code as of:
01/19/04
Section 5121. Congressional findings and declarations
(a) The Congress hereby finds and declares that -
(1) because disasters often cause loss of life, human
suffering, loss of income, and property loss and damage; and
(2) because disasters often disrupt the normal functioning of
governments and communities, and adversely affect individuals and
families with great severity;
special measures, designed to assist the efforts of the affected
States in expediting the rendering of aid, assistance, and
emergency services, and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of
devastated areas, are necessary.
(b) It is the intent of the Congress, by this chapter, to provide
an orderly and continuing means of assistance by the Federal
Government to State and local governments in carrying out their
responsibilities to alleviate the suffering and damage which result
from such disasters by -
(1) revising and broadening the scope of existing disaster
relief programs;
(2) encouraging the development of comprehensive disaster
preparedness and assistance plans, programs, capabilities, and
organizations by the States and by local governments;
(3) achieving greater coordination and responsiveness of
disaster preparedness and relief programs;
(4) encouraging individuals, States, and local governments to
protect themselves by obtaining insurance coverage to supplement
or replace governmental assistance;
(5) encouraging hazard mitigation measures to reduce losses
from disasters, including development of land use and
construction regulations; and
(6) providing Federal assistance programs for both public and
private losses sustained in disasters )1(!
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