Hundreds of communities and thousands of businesses now participate in the initiative, which brings together government, individuals and the private sector in partnership to reduce the toll from disasters. Seventeen major disasters were declared this year for four Atlantic hurricanes involving 14 states, and two current emergencies were declared for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to Hurricane Lenny. The 17 declared major disasters surpassed the previous high of 11 issued during 1985 for Elena, Gloria, Juan and Kate. This year also surpassed last year's 10 declarations for Bonnie, Earl and Georges. Floyd also reportedly set records for the number of people evacuated due to a natural disaster and is setting in motion the largest disaster buy-out program in FEMA history.
Every community is at risk for some type of natural disaster.
Risk reduction actions should be taking place everywhere in order to reduce the terrible toll that disasters are taking on this nation.