Which federal agency oversees disasters and emergencies in the U.S.?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the primary federal agency responsible for coordinating the response to disasters and emergencies in the U.S., particularly when they exceed the capabilities of local and state authorities. FEMA's role includes preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating the impacts of disasters, such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or other emergencies.

FEMA provides assistance in the form of training for first responders, grants for emergency management planning and recovery, and support in the logistics of disaster response. They also work on the national level to improve the nation's overall readiness and resilience in the face of various hazards.

While other agencies like the Department of Homeland Security play a broader role in national security and emergency response, and the CDC focuses on public health, it is FEMA that specifically manages the federal government's response framework for disasters and emergencies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may assist during disasters, particularly in infrastructure and flood control, but they do not oversee emergencies in the same comprehensive manner as FEMA.