IT IS MANDATED TO ASSIST CIVILIANS.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) does not have a legal mandate to interfere in private civilian relief efforts. Instead, FEMA’s role is to coordinate and support federal disaster response and recovery efforts, working alongside state and local governments, as well as non-profit and private organizations.

FEMA can provide guidance and resources, but it typically encourages collaboration with civilian efforts rather than interference. If private organizations are operating within the law and are effective in their relief efforts, FEMA generally supports their work rather than intervening. However, there might be situations where coordination is necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of relief operations.

FEMA's legal role is defined by several statutes, primarily found in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 93-288). This act outlines FEMA's responsibilities during disasters and emergencies, including how it can assist state and local governments.

Other relevant statutes include:
Homeland Security Act of 2002 - This act established the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under which FEMA operates, and outlines the agency's broader responsibilities related to disaster management and national security.
National Response Framework (NRF) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) - While not statutes, these frameworks provide guidance on how federal, state, and local agencies, including FEMA, should coordinate disaster response efforts.

Various federal regulations and policies that further delineate FEMA’s role, including the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), particularly Title 44, which covers emergency management and assistance