Washington, D.C. – September 18, 2020 — Today, the SmarterSafer Coalition released the following statement in recognition of National Preparedness Month.
“Each September, the SmarterSafer Coalition recognizes National Preparedness Month as an opportunity to promote federal, state, and local disaster planning that strengthens our communities before natural catastrophes strike. The theme of this year’s National Preparedness Month is ‘Disasters don’t wait. Make your plan today,’ which serves as a critical reminder as we continue to grapple with an active hurricane season, destructive wildfires, and lingering damage from the August derecho. Given the ongoing global health crisis, these natural disasters pose the ultimate test to our already strained disaster response systems.
This National Preparedness Month, we have encouraged individuals to take necessary steps to prepare for a disaster before it’s too late. The wildfires and hurricanes we are experiencing show in real time the importance of communicating with friends and family, planning before a disaster strikes your neighborhood, and gathering necessary supplies ahead of time.
These proactive steps are critical, but they are no substitute for smarter, safer policies. Leaders at all levels of government must invest in pre-disaster mitigation and climate-resilient infrastructure that better prepare communities before a disaster strikes, saving both lives and taxpayer dollars.”
Earlier this year, the SmarterSafer coalition released a climate policy paper, Policy Solutions for a Changing Climate: Adaptation Measures to Protect Communities and Taxpayers. The paper details policy recommendations regarding flooding, infrastructure, housing, pre-disaster mitigation, and taxpayer protection and risk transfer. Read the full paper here.
SmarterSafer.org is a national coalition made up of a diverse chorus of voices united in favor of environmentally responsible, fiscally sound approaches to natural catastrophe policy that promote public safety. SmarterSafer members include taxpayer advocates, environmental groups, insurance interests, housing organizations, and mitigation advocates.
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