FEMA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield FEMA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In the ICS structure, which section is responsible for providing resources and services such as supplies facilities, and transportation? → Logistics Section
2. What is a Virtual EOC? → An EOC that operates using technology to connect personnel in different locations
3. What is the primary purpose of the Incident Command System (ICS)? → To create an organizational structure for managing emergency incidents
4. What is the standard federal cost share for FEMA Public Assistance grants? → 75% federal, 25% non-federal
5. Which of the following responsibilities involves FEMA-certified first responders directly protecting public health and safety during a disaster? → Evacuating communities at risk
6. Which of the following is NOT a major component of the ICS structure? → Communications Unit
7. Which ESF covers Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Temporary Housing, and Human Services? → ESF #6
8. Under the NRF, what document authorizes federal assistance to a state following a major disaster? → Presidential major disaster declaration
9. Who has the authority to establish command at the scene of an incident under ICS? → A designated Incident Commander (IC)
10. What is the purpose of a Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) Group? → To coordinate policy-level decisions among agency executives during large incidents
11. According to NIMS, what is the correct order of incident command staff positions in the ICS organization? → Incident Commander → Command Staff → General Staff → Supervisors → Single Resources
12. What is a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) required to include? → A risk assessment, capability assessment, and mitigation strategy with action items
13. FEMA-certified first responders are required to be trained in which of the following activities during an emergency? → Resource management
14. What is a Joint Information Center (JIC) and how does it relate to EOC operations? → A JIC coordinates public information and messaging to support EOC strategic communications
15. What is the primary document that an EOC uses to track tasks and resource requests? → Incident Action Plan (IAP) or EOC Action Plan
16. Which NRF Support Annex addresses how federal departments work together to deliver resources? → Logistics Management Support Annex
17. Which of the following types of incidents may trigger the deployment of FEMA personnel? → Major natural disasters, public health emergencies, and man-made incidents
18. In NIMS, 'scalability' means that the incident management system should: → Expand or contract as needed to meet the demands of the incident
19. Which NIMS-compliant tool is used to formally request resources from another jurisdiction or organization during an incident? → Resource Request Message (or a formal written request through the EOC)
20. How often must local Hazard Mitigation Plans be updated to maintain eligibility for FEMA mitigation grants? → Every 5 years
21. Which concept ensures that the EOC can expand or contract based on incident needs? → Scalability
22. In a disaster response, what is one of the primary roles of FEMA’s National Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams? → Conducting search and rescue missions in collapsed structures
23. According to NIMS, the recommended span of control for supervisors during emergency operations is: → One supervisor for every three to seven subordinates, with five being optimal
24. What is the purpose of an EOC Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)? → To ensure the EOC can continue operations if its primary facility becomes unavailable
25. What is the primary purpose of the Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) during FEMA deployment? → To assist local authorities in managing incident operations
26. FEMA-certified first responders maye deployed to support recovery efforts in which of the following situations? → Nationality declared natural disasters
27. Which section in an EOC-ICS structure is responsible for coordinating resource procurement and tracking? → Logistics Section
28. What is the role of the EOC Director? → To provide overall leadership and coordination of the EOC and its activities
29. Which of the following is NOT an eligible category under FEMA's Public Assistance program? → Private individual housing repair
30. What is one of the primary reasons FEMA deploys personnel during a federally declared disaster? → To assist in coordinating response and recovery operations