who makes a request to the president that a federal disaster be declared?
A governor's request for a major disaster declaration could mean an infusion of federal funds, but the. governor must also commit significant state funds and resources for recovery efforts. A major disaster could result from a hurricane, earthquake, flood, tornado or major fire which the. president determines warrants supplemental federal aid. The event must be clearly more than state or. local governments can handle alone. If declared, funding comes from the president's Disaster Relief.