US President Joe Biden, on Sunday, approved an emergency declaration for parts of New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island as Tropical Storm Henri made its landfall. 

The president, addressing from the White House, said FEMA had already prepositioned resources in the region ahead of the storm including food, water, and generators.

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“Preparations are in place to address significant power outages, and resources and support is staged at the edge of this storm to be able to move quickly in to help,” Biden said.

What does the emergency declaration mean?

As per FEMA, the President can declare an emergency for any occasion or instance when the President determines federal assistance is needed. These emergency declarations supplement State and local or Indian tribal government efforts in providing emergency services, such as the protection of lives, property, public health, and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States. The total amount of assistance provided for in a single emergency may not exceed $5 million. The President shall report to Congress if this amount is exceeded.

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In simple terms, the declaration makes federal emergency aid available to the state to supplement efforts to the emergency conditions in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Henri, beginning on Aug. 21 and continuing. 

With the President’s authorization, the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)will coordinate all disaster relief efforts, the White House said in a press release. Emergency measures, as authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, will be provided. 

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Albany, Bronx, Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, Montgomery, Nassau, New York, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan and Westchester are the counties covered. 

Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support will be provided at 75% Federal funding, the White House added.