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Top FEMA official Bob Fenton says "we're ready for hurricane season"
Updated on: May 27, 2026 / 6:43 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- FEMA is conducting disaster response exercises like 'Silent Echo' in preparation for the 2026 hurricane season.
- Acting administrator Bob Fenton expressed confidence in FEMA's readiness, despite the agency facing challenges like a government shutdown and staffing shortages.
- Fears about FEMA being hollowed out are addressed by Fenton, who highlights his extensive experience and the agency's commitment.
- Concerns were raised about FEMA's workforce availability, with a letter warning of significant employee losses and vacant leadership positions.
- Fenton stated that FEMA's disaster workforce availability is currently between 30-40%, which he considers normal.
- The agency is recovering from disruptions caused by government shutdowns, which impacted readiness and preparedness work.
- FEMA experienced a low point in its Disaster Relief Fund, leading to restricted spending before hurricane season.
- Efforts are underway to rebuild FEMA's workforce, including rehiring disaster response employees and an aggressive hiring process.
- The HURREVAC evacuation planning tool's contract renewal was jeopardized but is expected to be ready for use.
- FEMA's preparations are complicated by overlapping events like the FIFA World Cup, wildfires, and ongoing COVID-19 reimbursements.
- The agency is still processing COVID-19 reimbursements but is nearing completion, with billions in disaster and COVID funding recently released.
- FEMA is piloting the use of artificial intelligence in its Individual Assistance program to speed up survivor support.
- A FEMA Review Council report recommended shifting more disaster response responsibility to states and local governments.
- Fenton stressed that FEMA grants are for immediate needs, averaging about $6,000, and recommended insurance as the best protection.
- There's a push to transfer flood insurance coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program to the private market.