...from the 04 Sep 05 - 11:54 post (link) dealing with Ms. Blanco's request to the president for help:

"In response to the situation I have taken appropriate action under State law and directed the execution of the State Emergency Plan on August 26, 2005 in accordance with Section 501 (a) of the Stafford Act. A State of Emergency has been issued for the State in order to support the evacuations of the coastal areas in accordance with our State Evacuation Plan and the remainder of the state to support the State Special Needs and Sheltering Plan."

Please read the entire request.

Also note, once again, the emergency plans are generated and controlled by state emergency agencies. The feds help where they are asked to help but they do not, buy law, have the authority to run the show.