Unexpected Debt

Unforeseen Circumstances
The United States government has been providing emergency fiscal support for states and individuals since as early as 1803. The U.S. government has continually provided ad hoc support for disasters such as hurricane relief, floods, fires and more. At first it was just general support provided when needed, but as time passed, ad hoc support became official through different acts and agencies. Because it was put together in bits and pieces, this type of system required cooperation and coordination from many different agencies and was extremely inefficient. On April 1, 1979, President Jimmy Carter created the Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as FEMA, as an official government agency specifically to address such situations.

FEMA
“The Federal Emergency Management Agency coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.”

Public Support
As of November of 1988, every state as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and a few other territories are eligible to declare a State of Emergency and receive assistance from the government. To do this, the Governor submits an application directly to the President, requesting support. The President and his staff then decide how much money the city or state in question will receive. The federal government will commit no less than 75% and up to 100% of all funding.

==== Categories of Support ====
 * Debris removal
 * Emergency protective measures
 * Water control facilities
 * Public buildings and contents
 * Public Utilities
 * Parks, recreation and other facilities