1. What is FEMA?
The federal government has a long history of providing disaster relief to Americans. This history dates back to at least 1803, when a devastating fire in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, threatened commerce in the newly founded United States.[1]
Today, FEMA–which stands for the “Federal Emergency Management Agency”–leads the federal government’s response to disasters. President Carter established FEMA by executive order in 1979.
In 1988, Congress refined FEMA’s role with the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ...
1. What is a dangerous condition on public property?
When most people consider “dangerous conditions on public property,” they typically think of outdoor hazards. From uneven sidewalks to potholes in the road, hazardous situations on public property frequently cause injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.
Hazards indoors, however, can also give rise to dangerous conditions. Faulty flooring or broken railings can also create hazards that injure members of the public who are using public buildings and facilities.
Practically, any condition on public property ...