“Stafford Act Authorities… The Stafford Act describes the programs and processes by which the Federal Government provides disaster and emergency assistance to State and local governments, Tribal nations, eligible private nonprofit organizations, and individuals affected by a declared major disaster or emergency. The Stafford Act provides for a Presidential declaration of a major disaster or emergency after a Governor’s request for assistance if: (1) an event is beyond the combined response capabilities of the State and affected local governments; and (2) based on joint Federal-State-local assessments, the damages are of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant assistance under the Stafford Act. In a particularly rapidly developing or clearly devastating disaster, there may be an expedited declaration. Further, the President may issue an emergency declaration under the Stafford Act to provide direct emergency assistance without a Governor’s request if an incident involves a subject matter that is exclusively or preeminently the responsibility of the United States Government. In such a case, the President will consult the Governor of the affected State, if practicable. Also, after a Presidential declaration has occurred, FEMA may provide accelerated Federal assistance and support where necessary to save lives, prevent human suffering, or mitigate severe damage, even in the absence of a specific request for particular resources or assistance from the Governor. In such cases, the Governor of the affected State will be consulted if practicable, but this consultation will not delay or impede the provision of such accelerated Federal assistance. Prior to a major disaster or emergency declaration, the Stafford Act authorizes FEMA to improve the timeliness of its response by pre-deploying personnel (who may be from any number of Federal agencies) and equipment to reduce immediate threats to life, property, and public health and safety”. (FEMA, Statement of Paulison, Hearing on: “Nuclear Terrorism: Providing Medical Care and Meeting Basic Needs in the Aftermath - the Federal Response,” June 26, 2008, p. 4)