FEMA’s 2023 National Preparedness Report


FEMA has recently released the 2023 National Preparedness Report, the 12th report dedicated to disaster preparedness across the U.S. The rise in the overwhelming number and severity of disasters over the course of 2022 has resulted in the loss of 165 billions dollars with 47 major climate-disaster declarations. According to the new report, there has also been a shift in the types of hazards communities are concerned about, with many in 2022 siting cyberattacks and pandemics as “the two most stressing threat and hazard types for their capabilities.” High-risk areas, mainly located on the coasts, struggle with meeting long-term, relocation, and sheltering goals. In addition to this, up-to-date building codes are not enforceable by the federal government, leaving room for vulnerable structures nation-wide.

Unfortunately, less than half of FEMA’s 2022 National Household Survey on Disaster Preparedness participants indicated that they were prepared for a disaster. While many more participants indicated they were going to prepare for future disasters, the number of responders who stated they were not going to prepare at all saw a 5 percent increase since 2020. In order to prepare for future disasters, which may prove even costlier, individuals and government entities must adapt and meet disaster preparedness goals. Part of this preparation includes enforcing up-to-date building codes on a national scale, collaborating more affectively across agencies, enforcing increased energy resiliency standards, and encouraging community members to engage in a Community Emergency Response Team program.

For further related reading, check out HSDL‘s In Focus topics on Climate Change, Cyber Infrastructure Protection, Disaster Economics, Energy Security, Extreme Heat, Hurricanes, Severe Winter Weather, and Wildfires. Additional resources on natural disaster planning and hazard mitigation can also be found.


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