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FEMA's 2023 Report Highlights Key Trends in Disaster Preparedness
FEMA's latest National Preparedness Report for 2023 is out, giving us a snapshot of how ready we are for emergencies. This year's report zeros in on four main areas:
The report, drawing from various 2022 surveys and reviews, offers solid advice on boosting resilience and preparedness nationwide.
Eye-Opening Findings from the Report
Yet, there's a hitch. The federal government can't enforce these building codes directly. Instead, they link them to federal funding incentives. No single federal agency oversees these codes, leaving states and local governments to adopt and enforce them.
This results in a mixed bag of practices. Some areas are up-to-date with hazard-resistant measures and code enforcement, while others lag behind. This inconsistency affects how well communities can respond to emergencies.
What Else the Report Reveals
Community risk levels are high, and many households aren't as prepared as they could be. This gap in individual and household readiness is a concern that needs addressing.
In short, the 2023 FEMA report sheds light on where we stand in terms of disaster readiness and points out the critical role of building codes in mitigating risks.
FEMA's latest National Preparedness Report for 2023 is out, giving us a snapshot of how ready we are for emergencies. This year's report zeros in on four main areas:
- Fire Management and Suppression
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Public Health, Healthcare, and Emergency Medical Services
- Long-Term Vulnerability Reduction
The report, drawing from various 2022 surveys and reviews, offers solid advice on boosting resilience and preparedness nationwide.
Eye-Opening Findings from the Report
- From 2020 to 2022, the U.S. experienced 60 climate-related disasters, leading to 1,460 deaths and 2,939 injuries. Each of these disasters cost over $1 billion, showing a sharp rise in the financial impact of climate disasters.
- Building codes are a big deal. The report stresses that using up-to-date codes, like those from the International Code Council, can save $11 for every $1 spent. This is confirmed by FEMA’s own studies, which tout the life-saving and property-protecting benefits of modern building codes.
Yet, there's a hitch. The federal government can't enforce these building codes directly. Instead, they link them to federal funding incentives. No single federal agency oversees these codes, leaving states and local governments to adopt and enforce them.
This results in a mixed bag of practices. Some areas are up-to-date with hazard-resistant measures and code enforcement, while others lag behind. This inconsistency affects how well communities can respond to emergencies.
What Else the Report Reveals
Community risk levels are high, and many households aren't as prepared as they could be. This gap in individual and household readiness is a concern that needs addressing.
In short, the 2023 FEMA report sheds light on where we stand in terms of disaster readiness and points out the critical role of building codes in mitigating risks.