Future of FEMA uncertain as local emergency management agencies prepare for 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Hurricane season is a busy time for emergency management agencies in Alabama, even in inland counties like Montgomery and Elmore.

“We can still get some of the effects of the hurricane, such as high winds, tornadoes, heavy rain, which can also cause flooding and flash flooding,” said Laura Goudreau, deputy director of Montgomery County EMA.

Goudreau and Keith Barnett, director of Elmore County EMA, said their teams work year-round to stay ready for storms by reviewing plans, updating contact information, and practicing different exercises.

“There’s constant preparation that we’re doing in our office and reviewing our plans to try and make sure that we’re as prepared as we can be,” Barnett said.

When a storm is expected to impact Alabama, local emergency management agencies shift into high gear, monitoring conditions and deploying resources quickly.

“We have our 911 dispatchers receiving information, and our fire and police departments sending updates in real time to our emergency operations center,” Goudreau said.

Crews also assess damage and coordinate cleanup after the storm.

“We’re going around and doing evaluations — looking at how much debris we have and how much needs cleaning up. If the damage is widespread, we may need to call on the state or even federal agencies,” Barnett said.

Meanwhile, national conversations about disaster response are underway in Washington, where President Donald Trump is considering eliminating FEMA and shifting more responsibility to the states.

A coalition of emergency management associations supports FEMA reform but warns against dismantling the agency.

“We should allow the FEMA Review Council to complete its work before any additional significant changes are made to FEMA’s workforce, programs, or policies,” the coalition said in a joint statement.

There are also concerns that local and state emergency management agencies don’t have the budget or personnel necessary to handle large-scale disasters.

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