• FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell discussed the severity of California wildfires fueled by unprecedented winds.
• Criswell emphasized the importance of insurance for rebuilding amid rising concerns of coverage loss.
• She mentioned FEMA's role in jump-starting recovery but highlighted limitations without insurance.
• Community resilience is a priority in recovery efforts, with emphasis on infrastructure improvements.
• The FEMA administrator calls for cooperation with local officials and the insurance industry to aid recovery.

In a recent interview on Face the Nation, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell addressed the ongoing crisis of wildfires that have hit Los Angeles hard, attributing much of the devastation to unprecedented weather conditions. She noted that while local officials were “very prepared” for wildfires, the 100-mile-an-hour winds created challenges never encountered before, drastically affecting containment efforts and the safety of firefighters. The intense winds, coupled with dry conditions, have worsened the situation, leading to the deaths of at least 16 individuals and the destruction of over 12,000 structures across the region. Criswell urged residents to remain vigilant and follow local advisories to stay safe during such volatile circumstances, as conditions are projected to intensify once more in the coming days.

During the interview, Criswell remarked on the “real concern” surrounding insurance coverage for affected families. She cited many Californians had experienced cancellations of their insurance policies prior to the wildfires, which complicates recovery efforts significantly. “Insurance is the number one resource that families have to help with their rebuilding process,” she stated. While FEMA's assistance programs are set up to help kickstart recovery, they are not designed to replace insurance. The federal assistance cap currently stands at just under $44,000, a figure Criswell acknowledged is insufficient in California's high-cost environment.

Criswell highlighted the collaborative efforts that FEMA intends to pursue with various partners, including the Small Business Administration, during the rebuilding phase. She expressed the need for financial tools to support families aiming to restore their homes and lives following the fires. Notably, she emphasized encouraging families to consider building fire-resistant homes as communities move forward from these disasters. “It’s not necessarily just where you rebuild, it’s going to be how,” she explained.

In light of recent discussions about infrastructure resilience, Criswell advocated for initiatives such as moving power lines underground. This move, she argued, not only serves to mitigate potential wildfire ignition sources but also ensures continuity of power supply during adverse weather events. Although she did not have an exact figure regarding the total damages caused by the wildfires—acknowledging that the situation remains fluid and damage estimates are still being evaluated—she assured listeners that Congress has various programs available that can provide critical support for recovery efforts moving forward.

As communities brace for the ongoing threats posed by natural disasters, Criswell's insights underscore the importance of preparedness and resilience against the backdrop of a changing climate. During the recovery journey, the collaboration among federal, state, and local entities remains essential in ensuring communities not only recover but emerge stronger and more resilient. For more detailed insights from the interview, you can access the full transcript on CBS News.