Who is responsible for issuing state or area emergency declarations based on damage assessments?

The individual responsible for issuing state or area emergency declarations based on damage assessments is typically the state governor. The governor has the authority to evaluate the situation, review damage reports, and determine the need for a formal emergency declaration. This declaration allows for the mobilization of state resources and assistance for affected areas, and it often serves as a prerequisite for requesting federal aid.

While local emergency managers play a crucial role in managing and assessing emergencies within their jurisdictions, they generally do not have the authority to issue state-level declarations. Their focus is primarily on the immediate response and recovery efforts at the local level. FEMA is a federal agency that provides assistance and support during disasters but does not issue state emergency declarations. Similarly, community leaders may advocate for assistance or support locally, but the formal authority to declare an emergency resides with the state governor.