42 U.S.C. § 5121: Congressional findings and declarations

because disasters often cause loss of life, human suffering, loss of income, and property loss and damage; and because disasters often disrupt the normal functioning of governments and communities, and adversely affect individuals and families with great severity; revising and broadening the scope of existing disaster relief programs; encouraging the development of comprehensive disaster preparedness and assistance plans, programs, capabilities, and organizations by the States and by local governments; achieving greater coordination and responsiveness of disaster preparedness and relief programs; encouraging individuals, States, and local governments to protect themselves by obtaining insurance coverage to supplement or replace governmental assistance; encouraging hazard mitigation measures to reduce losses from disasters, including development of land use and construction regulations; providing Federal assistance programs for both public and private losses sustained in disasters; and identifying and improving the climate and natural hazard resilience of vulnerable communities. Except as otherwise expressly provided, the amendments in this division [see section 1201 of Pub. L. 115–254 , set out as a Short Title of 2018 Amendment note below] to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) apply to each major disaster and emergency declared by the President on or after August 1, 2017 , under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Except as otherwise expressly provided, the authorities provided under this division [div. D (§§ 1201–1246) of Pub. L. 115–254 ] apply to each major disaster and emergency declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act on or after January 1, 2016 .” An online interface, including online assistance, for applicants to complete application forms, submit materials, and access the status of applications. Mechanisms to eliminate duplication of benefits. If appropriate, enable the sharing of information among agencies and with State, local, and tribal governments, to eliminate the need to file multiple applications and speed disaster recovery. Any additional tools the Administrator determines will improve the implementation of this section. To the extent practicable, the Administrator shall deliver the system capabilities described in subsection (a) in increments or iterations as working components for applicant use.”