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                      Tribal Declaration Process
                  
                                        
                    
          
                    
                            
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          Tribal Declaration Process
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FEMA & Tribal Nations - Disaster Recovery Center sign in town



Federally recognized tribal governments have the option to request a presidential emergency or major disaster declaration independent of a state.



Tribal governments may still choose to seek assistance, as they have historically, under a state declaration request.



This tribal declaration process was incorporated on January 29, 2013, when President Obama signed the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013, which amended the Stafford Act.



How to Request a Disaster Declaration



After a Tribal Nation is affected by a disaster, the Tribe can take initial steps to begin the disaster declaration process.



The first five steps are optional for tribes, but may help the tribe prepare its formal declaration request.



Download the ProcessPDF Link Icon



Graphic
              Thumbnail of one-pager



1. Activate Emergency Plan



The Tribal government first activates its emergency plan, dedicates resources to response activities and requests mutual aid from partners and voluntary/government organizations.



2. Collect Damage Estimates



Tribal government collects initial damage estimates to identify needs.



3. Determine Remaining Need



After all resources are exhausted,  Tribal government confirms there is still need.



4. Conduct Damage Assessment with FEMA



Chief Executive requests joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA) from the FEMA Regional Administrator or decides to participate in the joint FEMA-state PDA.



alert - infoFind your FEMA regional contact.



5. Decide if Stafford Act Assistance is Needed



Tribal government reviews results of joint PDA and determines whether Stafford Act assistance may be needed.



6. Submit Request to FEMA



If requesting directly, the Chief Executive submits a request to the President through the FEMA Regional Administrator within 30 days of the end of the incident. The Chief Executive can also request an extension.



7. FEMA Sends to President



FEMA reviews the request and sends a recommendation to the President.



8. President Makes Decision



The President makes a determination. FEMA notifies the Chief Executive.



FEMA Tribal Recovery Video Series



These videos outline:



Tribal declaration pilot guidanceDisaster assistance processKey decision points for tribal leadersWatch on YouTubeExternal Link Arrow



**This series is hosted by External Affairs Officer Ricardo "Zuni" Zuniga**



Downloads



These resources are intended to help tribal government understand the disaster declaration process, as well as the various disaster assistance programs they may receive.



Documents to Submit



**FEMA Form 010-0-13**Request for Presidential Declaration for Major Disaster or Emergency



**Sample Cover Letter**Tribal Declarations Cover Letter Template



Additional Guidance



New Recipients GuideHow to Get a Disaster DeclarationPilot Guidance: Tribal Declarations2023 Recovery Enhancements for Tribal Nations



alert - infoReview a list of Tribes that have received federal disaster declarations.
Last updated April 2, 2024

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