FR 2025-06862

The document in question is a notice from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) seeking public comments on the reinstatement of the National Household Survey on Disaster Preparedness. This survey is integral for FEMA to assess how well individuals and communities are prepared for disasters, understand motivational factors, and identify barriers to preparedness.

General Summary

FEMA's notice highlights the organization's intention to gather data through the National Household Survey on Disaster Preparedness. The purpose is to understand the public's readiness for emergencies, which informs FEMA's strategic planning and public messaging. The survey will evaluate attitudes and behaviors related to disaster preparedness. Public comments are invited by May 22, 2025, to provide input on the necessity and effectiveness of the data collection.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several aspects of the document may raise concerns. One major issue is the lack of transparency regarding the estimated costs to the Federal Government and respondents. The document mentions a total annual cost to the Federal Government of $323,932 and a respondent cost of $58,524, but it does not explain how these figures were derived. An absence of detailed cost breakdowns makes it challenging to evaluate the efficiency and necessity of these expenditures.

Furthermore, the document fails to provide comprehensive details on the survey methodology, including how participants are selected. This lack of information might lead to questions about the reliability and representativeness of the survey results. Additionally, the fact that the previous public comment period garnered zero responses may indicate a need for enhanced outreach to ensure broader public awareness and participation.

Another concern is the vagueness surrounding the survey results dissemination. Although findings are compiled into a report made available to the public, the notice lacks specifics on the frequency and timing of these releases, potentially affecting accountability and transparency.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the document could positively impact the public by improving preparedness for disasters. By collecting valuable data on preparedness levels and barriers faced by individuals, FEMA can tailor its strategies to enhance public readiness, ultimately safeguarding communities more effectively. However, the unclear methodology and cost details might lead to skepticism among the public regarding the survey’s credibility and the efficient use of resources.

Impact on Stakeholders

For specific stakeholders like emergency management professionals and community planning organizations, the insights from the survey could prove invaluable. They provide a basis for informed decision-making and resource allocation, which could improve local disaster readiness initiatives. However, stakeholders might view the lack of detailed information on survey operations and costs as a hindrance to evaluating the survey’s potential return on investment.

FEMA’s request for public comments indicates an effort to involve citizens in shaping disaster preparedness strategies. Still, the document's shortcomings in transparency and outreach need addressing to ensure a more inclusive and engaging process.

The Federal Register document presents financial information related to a planned survey by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding disaster preparedness. This survey has financial implications both for the respondents and for the government, which are detailed within the notice.

Financial Overview

The document outlines several key financial figures associated with the proposed survey. For respondents, the estimated total annual cost amounts to $58,524. Interestingly, the notice states that there are no operation and maintenance costs or capital and start-up costs for the respondents, indicating that the financial burden on participants is intended to be minimal.

For the government, the estimated total annual cost is listed as $323,932. This figure reflects the expenses shouldered by the federal government in conducting the survey.

Discussion of Financial Issues

The notice lacks detailed explanations of how these financial estimates have been calculated. For instance, the $58,524 attributed to respondents' costs does not come with a breakdown of how this number was derived. This absence of detail can make it challenging for the public and interested parties to assess the reasonableness of this estimate or to understand the nature of expenses incurred by respondents.

Additionally, the $323,932 estimated cost to the federal government is provided without a detailed allocation of the costs involved. Without a clear breakdown, stakeholders are left without a complete understanding of what portions of the budget are allocated to various survey activities, such as data collection, analysis, or dissemination of findings.

These omissions could raise questions about transparency and accountability. A more comprehensive explanation of these figures would likely help the public and other stakeholders evaluate the financial efficiency and planning involved in this survey effort.

Furthermore, the document notes that the previous public comment period yielded no feedback. This could indicate that there is a need for better outreach or clearer communication about the financial aspects of the survey process to encourage public awareness and engagement.

Overall, while the document presents specific financial allocations, the lack of clarity and detail in these figures may lead to concerns or questions regarding the financial transparency and accountability of this information collection effort. A more detailed financial account could help address these issues and ensure public trust in the process.