Market Should Determine Hurricane Risk, Ex-FEMA Administrator Fugate Says

The transcript discusses FEMA's readiness to support states during disasters, highlighting the challenges in disaster response due to inadequate building codes and the high costs borne by taxpayers. It suggests leveraging market forces for risk management instead of government subsidies. The role of FEMA in Hurricane Maria is examined, focusing on the ambiguity in death toll reporting. The discussion concludes with the need for better building practices to enhance disaster preparedness and reduce reliance on federal aid.

What is the primary role of FEMA in supporting states during a storm?

• To provide financial aid directly to citizens

• To coordinate with state emergency operations centers

• To rebuild infrastructure after the storm

• To predict the exact path of the storm

What issue is highlighted regarding building codes in North Carolina?

• They are irrelevant to hurricane damage

• They are the strictest in the United States

• They were relaxed, increasing vulnerability to storms

• They have been strengthened to withstand hurricanes

What is suggested as a solution to reduce the financial burden of disasters?

• Increasing federal subsidies for rebuilding

• Relying solely on state governments for disaster response

• Allowing market forces to determine insurance rates

• Building more shelters in vulnerable areas

What is a key reason for the increasing cost of disasters?

• The inefficiency of FEMA

• The unpredictability of weather patterns

• The built environment in vulnerable areas

• The lack of federal funding

What is a significant factor in the controversy over the death toll in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria?

• The accuracy of weather forecasts

• The method of counting storm-related deaths

• The speed of FEMA's response

• The number of hurricanes that hit the island

Why is FEMA's size and capacity a concern according to the discussion?

• Because it only focuses on hurricanes

• Because it is not involved in disaster recovery

• Because it is growing too large and costly

• Because it is too small to handle any disaster

What question is raised about federal insurance in disaster-prone areas?

• Why is it limited to certain types of disasters?

• Why is it not available to everyone?

• Why is it more expensive than private insurance?

• Why does it encourage building in risky areas?