U.S. state and local governments have unmatched resources and legal authority to address disaster-related needs. Governments can also respond to disasters by orchestrating extensive logistics efforts, such as moving large amounts of relief supplies or stockpiling medicine.

Government’s role starts long before a disaster arises. It helps prepare, gather information and pre-position key supplies. In the United States, preparation is the mission of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In 2008, the federal government released its updated National Response Framework, which outlines how the government will work with all response partners to prepare for and provide a unified national response to catastrophic disasters and emergencies.

At the onset of a disaster, governments can initiate a variety of actions to aid relief and recovery. Federal, state and local governments can get food, water, shelter and other life-saving material to where it is needed and can provide funding to other governments, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

A wealth of emergency planning information created by government agencies is available online. FEMA has published a comprehensive "Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry” and offers emergency planning information and advice for businesses and individuals through its Web site www.ready.gov. The federal government brings together other disaster information resources at www.usa.gov.