ZDNET Writer Urges 5 Disaster-Prep Steps as 27 U.S. Billion-Dollar Disasters Hit in 2024
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jun 24
ZDNET Writer Urges 5 Disaster-Prep Steps as 27 U.S. Billion-Dollar Disasters Hit in 2024
1 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jun 24
Summary
27 U.S. weather and climate disasters caused at least $1 billion each in 2024, and a ZDNET writer says that toll underscores the need for five basic preparedness steps.
The advice starts with identifying local risks, then building essentials across power, communications, food and water, first aid, cash, and a 72-hour bugout bag.
Backing up photos, IDs, insurance records, medical information, and passwords is a central recommendation because fires and floods can erase both possessions and access to digital accounts.
2.5 million to 3.5 million Americans are displaced by natural disasters each year, the report says; about a third stay away for more than a month and more than 1 in 10 never return home.
Children and pets need separate planning for food, medicine, transport, and comfort items, framing preparedness as practical insurance against worsening heat, wildfires, floods, and outages.