Disaster Preparedness is a Shared Responsibility

Back in January, Taofik Oladipo and I wrote a blog about the LA fires, a stark reminder of how quickly disaster can strike even in areas familiar with seasonal threats. In that piece, we noted how evacuation orders were issued late, leaving many residents scrambling with little time to react. That event underscored the importance of being prepared, not after an alert goes out but well before.

It made clear that preparedness needs to be a constant priority, not just a reaction to crisis. The responsibility of preparedness is a shared responsibility and the federal, state, and local government should ensure communities are not alone when facing a crisis. Communities have demonstrated incredible resilience in the face of natural disasters throughout history, and through these experiences, we’ve learned key strategies for preparing for such events. 

Yet, many communities continue to bear simultaneously the long-term impacts of past disasters, the presence of major polluters, and the relentless challenges of climate change—and more than ever, it feels like we’re facing it all alone.

At a time when the climate crisis is intensifying, we’re witnessing cuts to critical federal programs and funding, right when communities need support the most. Communities also lean on nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to support during a disaster, preparing them with programs, help centers, and other direct responses. Many communities depend on the support of both federal programs and NGOs, yet we’re now witnessing these essential resources come under threat.

How does federal funding impact our disaster preparedness?

Federal funding plays an important role in ensuring communities are not left behind when disaster strikes. Programs like the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) initiative provide essential support by helping local governments invest in disaster-resistant infrastructure, such as flood control systems and wildfire mitigation projects.

This program helps governments and Tribal Nations reduce hazard risks by building community capacity, encouraging innovation, supporting infrastructure projects, and strengthening partnerships.

However, recent cuts to BRIC funding threaten to undermine these critical efforts, especially after the Trump administration announced its plans to dismantle the program—the largest climate adaptation initiative the federal government has ever funded—leaving vulnerable communities at greater risk.

These reductions not only hinder the ability to prepare for future disasters but also place a greater burden on already stretched local governments and force individuals to fend for themselves. Ensuring sustained investment in disaster resilience is vital to protecting lives, property, and long-term community stability.

The Environmental Protection Agency has also been directly impacted by federal funding changes, including cuts to its Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights Office (OEJECR), a division dedicated to ensuring that vulnerable communities receive the federal support they need in order to be equally protected against environmental hazards.

Across the country, frontline and fenceline communities continue to bear the brunt of pollution and environmental harm. In many cases, these communities are left with the responsibility of cleaning up toxic sites, a burden that should not fall on them.

As the climate continues to change rapidly, affecting millions  of Americans, individuals should be focused on their own disaster preparedness, not left to tackle large-scale environmental challenges on their own. These concerns deserve urgent attention and action. The lack of state and federal investment in tackling pollution and environmental hazards in frontline communities makes it difficult for them to prepare for and recover from disasters.

Those who are most at-risk of damage from disasters are oftentimes made vulnerable because they’re experiencing disproportionate environmental harm, including issues like health problems and outdated infrastructure. These funding cuts in environmental justice programs exacerbate the disaster risks that many low-income neighborhoods and communities of color are already facing. 

Other critical EPA funded programs and grants that support communities disproportionately affected by environmental injustices, such as the Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (TCTAC) and the Environmental Justice Grant Changemakers, are now being completely cancelled. These initiatives, designed by communities for communities, aim to restore long-overdue resources and support to those disproportionately affected by pollution, climate change, and natural disasters.

For too long these communities have paid the price with their health, livelihoods, and environments. Programs like TCTAC and Grant Changemakers offered a meaningful path toward equity, restoring resources to the people who need them most. Taking that away not only halts progress, but also deepens the harm.

The cancellation of these programs and other similar initiatives makes communities lose vital support that was already in place, with programs that were securing communities through grants, opportunities, and cleanup efforts, leaving them even more exposed to environmental and health risks.

How can local governments support disaster preparedness?

Cities are leading the way in preparing communities for disasters. We’ve seen many cities implement programs that help their residents become more resilient and ready for future challenges. One of the most effective strategies is building climate resilience, which helps prevent severe damage and supports faster recovery when disasters occur.

Being climate resilient doesn’t mean a city can avoid disasters altogether, but it does mean it can bounce back more quickly. Local governments play a crucial role in this effort. An engaged local government that listens to its residents is key to developing proactive plans that protect the community. Across the United States, many cities have stepped up by creating and implementing Climate Action Plans tailored to their specific needs and priorities. These plans serve as detailed policy guides that outline steps a community will take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Ultimately, they help cities anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related challenges more effectively. Notable examples of cities with strong Climate Action Plans include Denver, Boston, and San Luis Obispo.

What steps can my community or I take to prepare for disasters?

Here are some important steps you can take as an individual to ensure you’re prepared. First, sign up for alerts and warnings from local weather services, government agencies, and law enforcement to stay informed about potential events in your area.

Next, creating a well-thought-out emergency plan is crucial. Depending on your location, consider developing plans with your family, neighbors, or close friends so that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency based on your specific needs, identifying local resources in advance, and following a preparedness checklist for your home.

One of the most challenging steps, particularly during an economic crisis, is saving. For many working families, setting aside savings can be difficult, as daily expenses, debt, and basic necessities often take precedence. Individuals and communities with limited resources, chronic health issues, and those facing ongoing environmental or climate challenges require more robust support to effectively prepare for disasters.

This support should include access to adequate healthcare, infrastructure improvements, financial assistance, and resources to help them build resilience, ensuring they are not left more vulnerable in the face of future crises. Additionally, stronger environmental protection policies are crucial to prevent further harm and create safer, healthier environments for these communities.

If your city lacks an emergency plan, emergency center, or Climate Action Plan (CAP), use your voice to advocate for one. Push for federal funding to be reinvested in local communities and support efforts that center equity and resilience.

The delays during the LA fires showed us what happens when systems fall short but they also highlighted the power of individual action. Preparedness starts long before a crisis, with each of us staying informed, planning ahead, and helping our communities stay resilient. Community preparedness starts with informed, empowered people like you speaking up and taking action. 

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