If FEMA did what I suggested, they wouldn't to buy and inventory material and emergency supplies.
The could just order what was needed from these companies and pay them to deliver the material. There would probably be a good discount if the Salvation Army, Catholic relief charities and local churches handled the distribution to those who are in need.
"The could just order what was needed from these companies and pay them to deliver the material."
Oh, I agree with you (or at least mostly). There are likely to be certain things that places like Wal-Mart, Lowe's, and the like wouldn't have as normal inventory stock. For instance, I could see FEMA having stocks of field tents and such.
The could just order what was needed from these companies and pay them to deliver the material. There would probably be a good discount if the Salvation Army, Catholic relief charities and local churches handled the distribution to those who are in need.
Good thinking. Reduce FEMA's role to that of letting companies like Home Depot and Wal-Mart know what government and donated supplies are coming, and route them to another company if one can't handle any more.
They'd still need the military or Guard to distribute some supplies, though, as they have the equipment to get to places with blocked, damaged or no roads. And the Guard to maintain order, of course; you can't outsource law enforcement.