We Could Have Told You That, Say, Seven Years Ago.

The good folks in New Jersey found out how helpful FEMA is in a disaster.  Answer:  Not very. 

I've been saying this for years.  In a disaster, FEMA is useless.  Often less than useless, and I speak from first-hand knowledge here, dear readers.   FEMA should be disbanded.  Period.  In it's place, we should create a civilian emergency response service.  Like the National Guard, but without weapons or police powers.  Each State would control their own service; but like the National Guard it would be funded by the Federal Government, and could be called to active duty by the State or Feds.