The Stafford Act is the principal source from which the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator obtains his authority. Through this act, the Federal Government is authorized to provide disaster and emergency assistance to local governments, nonprofit organizations, and individuals.
The Stafford Act outlines the process to declare an emergency or disaster. The discretion to declare an emergency or disaster rests solely with the President of the United States.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinates within the federal government to equip the United States to prepare and respond to disasters. FEMA was officially created in 1979 through an executive order by President Jimmy Carter, but FEMA's history can be traced as far back as 1803. In March 2003, FEMA became part of the Department of Homeland Security.
From the SC Attorney General's Office:
The price gouging law (SC §39-5-145) is a general prohibition of unconscionable prices during times of disaster. It is in effect until the state of emergency expires or is terminated. Price gougers can be charged for excessive pricing, a misdemeanor offense punishable by a $1,000 fine and/or 30 days in jail.
Normal fluctuations in price are to be expected and are not price gouging, but if you feel like you are the victim of price gouging there are certain steps you can take to help our office investigate. Please do the following:
Our office will need that information to conduct a thorough investigation. Please email any examples and documentation to pricegouging@scag.gov. You can also give us that information on our website at https://www.scag.gov/price-gouging/. If you don’t have access to email or our website, you may call 803-737-3953 and leave a message if you have witnessed a likely violation. Please include the details we need to be able to investigate.