State and Federal Disaster Relief: Expect the Best But Prepare for the Worst? | Brookings Institution

State and Federal Disaster Relief: Expect the Best But Prepare for the Worst? | Brookings Institution: As Hurricane Sandy bears down on the East Coast, it seems like an opportune time to revisit federal disaster relief. Even in an election year, this may be one of those rare topics where most Americans can agree. There is a strong argument for the federal government serving as a backstop against risk, and pitching in when natural and human induced catastrophes outstrip local capacities to respond.