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Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act)

The main federal law that organizes how the U.S. government provides disaster and emergency assistance to states and local governments, and to individuals and businesses.

Waiver of duplication of benefits

A special permission that allows someone to receive more than one type of federal aid for the same loss from a disaster, even though usually this is not allowed to prevent 'double-dipping'.

Major disaster

Any natural catastrophe (like a hurricane, flood, tornado, earthquake, etc.) or, regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion that the President determines causes damage of enough severity and magnitude to warrant federal disaster assistance.

Emergency

Any occasion or instance for which the President determines that federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.

Public interest

The general welfare and well-being of the public or community, which is considered when making decisions about government policy.

Waste, fraud, or abuse

Refers to improper or illegal activities related to government funds or programs, such as using funds inefficiently, deceiving the government, or misusing power for personal gain.