Not only is FEMA getting out of the ice-supply business after a disaster, but seems to be trying to distance itself from the notion of the agency as a temporary housing solution.

FEMA banned further use of its poison-laced travel trailers as an option for temporary housing in October 2007, because of the formaldehyde.

But last week the agency released its 2008 disaster plan, with revised guidelines for use of its trailers in “unusual and extraordinary disaster conditions”, and furthermore placing the burden of choosing the temporary housing squarely upon the shoulders of the state in which a disaster happens.

In releasing its disaster plan the agency stated that, as of May 29, 2008, there were 7,500 unused temporary housing units in its inventory, with only 889 units ready for use in response to disasters.