The majority of the United States is dangerously unprepared to face the risks exposed by extreme weather. From drought to wildfires, from coastal flooding to landslides, much of the country is uninsured and unprepared for recovery from these disasters – and insurance agents can help.
A new report from the States at Risk Project, “America’s Preparedness Report Card,” grades each of the 50 states on their exposure to weather-related threats and the action those states have taken to prepare themselves.
Only a small number of states – about five – received A grades for the preparation. Far more hover at the C-level, and another five states received Fs.
The best prepared states include:
- California
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- New York
- Pennsylvania
And the worst prepared states, those receiving an F, include:
- Arkansas
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- Texas
Overall, the report found that states are least prepared for extreme heat risk. Although all states in the continental US face this threat, only 14% were found to be taking strong action to prepare for it. This is particularly concerning as heat wave days are projected to more than triple b 2050 in every state except Oregon.
States were best prepared for coastal flooding, but even so, only half of states at risk for this threat were judged to be taking strong action to prepare.
And looking to the future? More than half of all states assessed have taken no action to plan for future climate-related inland flooding risks or taken action to address them.
“This report card lays it out plain and simple: very few states have taken sufficient action to prepare for future changes in weather patterns that are already impacting us – and if we don’t take action now it will only get worse,” said former Alaska Senator Mark Begich.
