Former FEMA Director Warns California About Disaster Preparedness

California faces a critical juncture in its disaster preparedness, a challenge underscored by past wildfires and recent failures in local emergency response, according to Michael Brown, former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Brown, who led FEMA during the George W. Bush administration, recounted his experience during the 2003 Cedar Fire in San Diego, emphasizing that disaster management is fundamentally a local effort. "The federal government does not put out your fire. FEMA does not knock on your door at 2 a.m. and tell you to evacuate," Brown stated. He highlighted that the immediate responders are local officials, firefighters, and law enforcement, with federal aid focusing on coordination and support.

He drew a stark parallel between the lessons learned from the Cedar Fire and more recent events, such as the January 2025 Pacific Palisades fire. In that incident, a large reservoir reportedly sat out of service for nearly a year, leaving hydrants dry as the fire spread. An investigation later concluded the city's water system was inadequate for such a large firestorm. Similarly, in Altadena, after-action reviews for the Eaton Fire found that evacuation alerts were either delayed or never issued, leading to casualties. The author noted that the mayor of Los Angeles was abroad during the fire, later admitting the trip was a mistake.

Brown, who faced significant criticism for FEMA's response to Hurricane Katrina, emphasized that elected officials often prioritize political appearances over the tangible work of preparedness. He cited California's request for federal funds to combat forest beetles in 2003, which was denied, preceding a wildfire that weekend. He also pointed to current leadership failures, such as the empty reservoir in Pacific Palisades and delayed evacuation alerts in Altadena, as evidence that both parties have historically neglected essential local infrastructure and response protocols.

Looking ahead, Brown warned that California could face the dual threats of wildfires and flooding due to an anticipated powerful El Niño. He argued that relying on the organizational chart or task forces will not suffice when disaster strikes. Instead, he stressed the importance of "dull, unglamorous work" in local government that ensures preparedness before a crisis, a task often overlooked by politicians seeking public attention.

Brown urged Californians to consider who among their elected officials is genuinely committed to preparedness, suggesting that the upcoming elections offer a chance to elect leaders who will prioritize on-the-ground readiness over political theater. He concluded, "Somebody must be in the canyon, not in the conference room. Somebody must be on the beach before the tide takes the first house."