#disaster-preparedness

#disaster-preparedness

Hawaii lawmakers' legislation, the first in the US, increases lodging taxes for environmental protection and disaster resilience funding amid a growing climate crisis.

Smartphones have essentially all but replaced other methods of communication, but there are times when having access to a ham radio could be a lifesaver -- especially during disasters.

It was this high. Six years have already passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. We can make preparations here and now.

"Angelenos aren't strangers to disaster. And when disaster hits, our fundamental needs come into sharper focus - among them, what our next meal is and where it's coming from."

"It's challenge after challenge. The roof has definitely been leaking and needs fixing, and it's more expensive than we're able to manage," Preller told HPR.

The trauma begins with an evacuation order, and after experiencing the loss of a home, the recovery process can take years.

Adopting a pet versus buying one makes a significant difference for animals in need, with around 6.5 million pets entering U.S. shelters yearly.

Rural schools face unique challenges during disasters due to distance, limited resources, and lack of infrastructure, making recovery and continued education significantly harder.

"The State of California granted Monterey County $20 million for recovery following Pajaro's levee breach; however, only $1.4 million of that has reached residents and businesses to date."

Chris Miller evacuated during Hurricane Milton after witnessing the devastating storm surge during Hurricane Helene. He mentioned, "After we saw what we saw, we couldn't stay." The recent storm memories prompted a rare evacuation before Milton hit, with local officials noting that even the most dedicated residents chose safety.

"It's the most commonly misunderstood aspect of homeowners, property, and casualty insurance," says Gregg Barrett, CEO of WaterStreet, Kalispell, MI. "Standard policies typically don't cover flood damage, which can be a devastating realization after the fact, and we're going to see that play out in the aftermath of Helene. Many of those impacted may discover that they're not covered and must rebuild at their own cost."