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Financially, FEMA may not be equipped to handle climate change

Jul 20, 2023
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster relief fund is likely to be in the red sometime next month.
While FEMA will be able to find the cash to handle disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, funding for rebuilding or mitigation programs are running thin.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Big storms are coming. Are we ready?

Jun 1, 2022
Networking plays a huge part in how prepared – and funded – communities can be for disasters.
Trees bend in the tropical storm wind along North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard as Hurricane Irma hits the southern part of the state September 10, 2017 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The powerful hurricane made landfall in the United States in the Florida Keys at 9:10 a.m. after raking across the north coast of Cuba.
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FEMA plans to double down on climate preparedness

Dec 10, 2021
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's new strategic plan focuses on helping communities adapt to the changing climate.
A FEMA task force searches a flooded North Carolina neighborhood in 2018. The emergency response agency is boosting its investment in helping communities withstand destructive weather.
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images

Disaster fatigue continues with the start of hurricane season

May 31, 2021
Hurricane preparedness had to factor in social distancing last year. What do plans for this year look like?
Home Depot customers walk past hurricane preparation supplies for sale on May 27, 2021 in Doral, Florida.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

FEMA officials in the hot seat over disaster preparedness

Jun 12, 2019
The agency's acting chief and President Trump's nominee for the permanent job face questions as recovery from past disasters drags on.
Activists rally in support of Puerto Rican families displaced by Hurricane Maria, on the steps of City Hall, April 19, 2018 in New York City.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

A worldwide earthquake drill may spur more homeowners to buy insurance

Oct 18, 2018
Do not be alarmed if, a bit later on Thursday, you turn to see a bunch of co-workers peering out from under their desks. It’s not an alien invasion or a spontaneous game of hide-and-seek. Nearly 60 million people around the world are signed up to participate in a earthquake drill, the 2018 Great ShakeOut, […]

A worldwide earthquake drill may spur more homeowners to buy insurance

Oct 18, 2018
Do not be alarmed if, a bit later on Thursday, you turn to see a bunch of co-workers peering out from under their desks. It’s not an alien invasion or a spontaneous game of hide-and-seek. Nearly 60 million people around the world are signed up to participate in a earthquake drill, the 2018 Great ShakeOut, […]

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Hurricane Florence is a big test for FEMA. Is it ready?

Sep 11, 2018
Hurricane Florence is expected to hit several states along the Eastern Seaboard, including North and South Carolina, and Virginia, on Thursday. More than a million people have been ordered to evacuate. Federal agencies are scrambling to coordinate the relief supplies that are probably needed in the days ahead. This will be the Federal Emergency Management […]
 Contractors apply a FEMA tarp to a home damaged by Hurricane Maria and without electricity on Dec. 20, 2017 in Morovis, Puerto Rico. 
Mario Tama/Getty Images

With ransomware attacks, it's not if, but when

What should cities do to make sure they can still function even if they’re struck?
Morris MacMatzen/Getty Images

Housing is still an issue in Santa Rosa's recovery from wildfires

The city lost 5 percent of its housing stock, the mayor says, and was struggling with a shortage before the fire.
Smoke billows from a neighborhood that was destroyed by a fast moving wild fire on Oct. 9, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California.
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