Disasters are declared using established guidelines and procedures. Because all disasters are local, they are initially declared at the local level. This declaration is made by the local Chief Elected Official (CEO) (mayor, city manager, commissioner, county judge). Only when the CEO determines that local resources capabilities have been or are expected to be exceeded will the CEO of a community request State assistance. If the State chooses to respond to a disaster, the Governor of the State will direct implementation of the State's emergency plan.

If the Governor determines that the resource capabilities of the State are exceeded, the Governor can request that the President declare a major disaster in order to make Federal resources and assistance available to qualified State and local governments. This ordered sequence is important to ensure appropriate financial assistance.