New Report Ranks Indiana Among Least Prepared States for Disasters

Do you consider yourself prepared for a natural disaster? I’m not talking about an end-of-the-world type of prepper, but at least somewhat prepared in case Mother Nature throws you a curveball.

What the Stats Say About Disaster Readiness in America

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 45% of adults feel they are adequately prepared for a natural disaster, while 42% plan on preparing but just haven’t done it yet. I’m afraid to say I’m in a third category – someone who is NOT prepared and has NOT made any plans to get prepared.

Individual vs. State-Level Preparedness

So, there is preparedness on an individual level, and then there is preparedness at the state level. How prepared is your government to handle a natural disaster? That’s the question asked and answered by the SmileHub.org report Best States for Disaster Preparedness.

Results were determined by focusing on three main categories: 1) Resilience Infrastructure & Support Capacity, 2) Disaster Prevention Planning & Funding, and 3) Disaster Risk & Lasting Damage. The results were not great for Indiana, which certainly has room to improve to be more prepared.

Indiana’s Low Ranking: Here’s How We Scored

Indiana was ranked 44^th overall, which means the Hoosier State is the 7^th worst state for disaster preparedness. Indiana's lowest score was in the Disaster Prevention Planning & Funding category, where we ranked last (50^th).

ALSO READ: 18 Harsh Realities of Life in Indiana

Indiana was actually pretty average in the other two categories, ranking 26^th in Resilience Infrastructure & Support Capacity, and ranking 22^nd in Disaster Risk & Lasting Damage. That last-place finish, however, really brought down our total score and overall ranking.

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There is a bunch of information, including more Indiana stats for Indiana and how the rest of the country ranks, in the FULL REPORT.