Can FEMA Still Protect Us? Deanne Criswell on Disaster Response, Katrina’s Lessons, and America’s Readiness

Former FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joins The People’s Cabinet for a conversation about the state of America’s disaster preparedness, what’s at stake this hurricane season, and why FEMA must remain nonpartisan in order to save lives.Criswell talks to Dan Koh about:- How FEMA has evolved since Hurricane Katrina — and where she fears the agency is slipping backwards- How FEMA positions resources for disaster relief and long-term recovery efforts- Lessons from Hurricane Helene, Texas flooding, and why speed and coordination matter most- The controversy around FEMA’s Immediate Needs Assistance program and misinformation about aid- Why FEMA’s leadership gaps could put lives at risk in future disastersSubscribe to The People’s Cabinet on your favorite podcast platform.