All disasters begin and end at the local level with the local population having to take the necessary steps to recovery.

An estimated 80% of disaster DO NOT receive a major disaster declaration from the Federal Government.

This means the entire disaster rests solely on the local population.

For DeKalb County to even qualify to request assistance there must be over $300,000.00 in uninsured losses within the county.

This includes, infrastructures like roads, bridges, electric systems, water systems, sewer systems, telecommunication systems, natural and propane gas systems along with other government and non-profit losses; in addition to uninsured homes, businesses, and other properties.  There are requirements for different types of assistance from the federal government when and if a major disaster declaration is received.  (see links below)

Even if DeKalb County experiences well over the uninsured losses threshold, this does not necessarily guarantee a major disaster declaration.

The State of Alabama also has a disaster threshold of almost $8,000,000 of uninsured losses required to qualify for federal disaster assistance.

These "thresholds" are rarely met in limited severe weather or other disaster related events.

The bulk of major disaster declarations come from large scale regional disasters.

This is why disaster preparedness is important for all.