Natural Disasters & Equity Policy Brief

This year, hurricane season will coincide with health, economic, and racial crises of a historical nature. Amid the pandemic, economic shock, murder of George Floyd, and unrest over police violence against Black individuals, communities across the South are facing what’s slated to be an above-normal hurricane season. NOAA predicts 6 to 10 Atlantic hurricanes, with 3 to 6 being major hurricanes (NOAA 2020). 

Preparations must go beyond debris removal contracts and FEMA reimbursement protocols. It is time to set a vision for disaster preparation, response, and recovery that commits to improving outcomes for Black, Brown, and poor households.