A Norfolk Southern train carrying incredibly hazardous chemicals crashed and exploded into flames in Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio.

The train was carrying vinyl chloride, hydrogen chloride, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethlyhexyl acrylate and isobutylene. All of these chemicals are incredibly harmful to humans, and some are carcinogens. The disaster has seemingly already started impacting the physical health of East Palestine residents, their pets, and local wildlife.

Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine requested federal relief for the disaster, according to Fox News. But the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) told Ohio’s lawmakers that the taxpayers of the state do not meet their requirements for disaster assistance. Despite experts citing the overwhelming evidence that this disaster is like setting off a nuclear bomb over the town, multiple arms of the federal government are refusing to do their job and help.

“The DeWine Administration has been in daily contact with FEMA to discuss the need for federal support, however FEMA continues to tell Governor DeWine that Ohio is not eligible for assistance at this time,” DeWine’s office said in a statement. “Governor DeWine will continue working with FEMA to determine what assistance can be provided.”

A FEMA spokesperson claimed that the agency is in constant contact with emergency operation centers in East Palestine, and that they’re coordinating with the Environmental Protection Agency. This is the same EPA that is telling local residents that everything is safe, despite all of the evidence to the contrary.

Don’t let your elected officials tell you the evidence isn’t there.

The role of government should always be to protect and serve those who elect them into power. The federal government is refusing to acknowledge the crisis in East Palestine. In doing so, they are failing in their purpose, poisoning their people, and helping to destroy the sanctity of our nation.

How the government is responding to the crisis in East Palestine is exactly how they will respond when you need help. We cannot let this continue.

If you want your local, state, and federal government to do something about the federal response to all major disasters, it’s time to use your voice. Sign up for www.Change.MillionVoices.org today (text MV to 80550) and share this article with your friends and family so they can stay informed and become citizen lobbyists in our fight against Big, Ignorant Government.