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Disaster Declarations

Disaster Declarations in Benton County

What is a disaster declaration?

A disaster declaration is a formal action taken by government officials during a serious emergency. A local declaration recognizes that an incident has exceeded—or may exceed—the community’s ability to respond with available resources.

A declaration does not automatically provide state or federal funding. However, it may give local officials additional flexibility to:

  • activate emergency plans and protective measures
  • redirect local funds and resources
  • enter emergency contracts and make urgent purchases
  • request mutual aid
  • order evacuations when necessary for public safety
  • request state or federal assistance

How does the declaration process work?

1. Local officials declare an emergency

First, a city or county governing body declares a local state of emergency according to its established procedures.

If a city needs the Governor to declare a state of emergency, it must submit its request through the county where most of the city’s property is located.

2. The county requests state assistance

Next, the county may submit a written request to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management when local resources have been expended and additional help is needed.

The request identifies:

  • the type and location of the emergency
  • current conditions and ongoing threats
  • deaths, injuries, and populations at risk
  • initial damage and impact estimates
  • actions taken and local resources committed
  • the specific assistance being requested

3. Oregon reviews the request

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management reviews the information and helps coordinate available state resources.

The Governor may then declare a state of emergency. This allows the Governor to direct state agencies, personnel, equipment, and other resources—including the Oregon National Guard—to support affected communities.

4. The Governor may request federal assistance

Finally, if the disaster exceeds state and local capabilities, the Governor may request a Presidential emergency or major disaster declaration.

Before making that request, local and state officials document the damage, complete initial assessments, and determine what assistance the affected communities need. FEMA then evaluates the disaster’s severity, magnitude, costs, and effects.

Why does damage documentation matter?

Accurate damage reports help officials understand the full impact of a disaster. They also help determine whether Benton County and Oregon may qualify for state or federal assistance.

FEMA uses per-capita impact indicators as one part of its review for the Public Assistance program. Public Assistance primarily supports eligible government agencies, tribal governments, special districts, and certain nonprofit organizations with emergency costs and damage to public infrastructure. FEMA also provides an Individual Assistance program as a resource to private property owners that is separate from the Public Assistance program.

Benton County

For federal fiscal year 2026, FEMA’s countywide indicator is $4.86 per resident.

Using Benton County’s estimated population of approximately 97,700 people, that equals roughly $475,000 in eligible Public Assistance damage and costs.

State of Oregon

For federal fiscal year 2026, FEMA’s statewide indicator is $1.94 per resident.

Using Oregon’s estimated population of approximately 4.27 million people, that equals roughly $8.3 million in eligible Public Assistance damage and costs statewide.

These figures are updated annually. They are evaluation indicators—not guarantees that assistance will be approved. FEMA also considers the disaster’s overall severity, localized impacts, insurance coverage, available resources, and other factors.

Every report helps tell the full story

Damage to homes and businesses does not necessarily count toward the Public Assistance indicators listed above. However, residents should still report disaster damage.

Community reports help officials:

  • identify areas with the greatest needs
  • understand how residents and businesses were affected
  • document the disaster’s overall impact
  • determine which state or federal assistance programs may apply
  • support requests for recovery resources

Meeting a financial indicator does not guarantee funding. Still, complete and accurate reporting gives Benton County the information it needs to pursue every available source of assistance.

Visit the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to see view the list of major disaster declarations in Oregon.

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