Every year since 1953, FEMA has issued various declarations in response to natural and manmade disasters. Last year, 2023, was no different, except the number increased sharply from the previous year. This was especially true for major disaster declarations, which climbed to over 70 — versus 47 in 2022 — reinforcing the need for emergency preparedness in the year(s) ahead.
Most major disaster declarations issued in 2023 were associated with floods (21) and severe storms (31). Among the latest were DR-4752-UT (Utah Flooding) and DR-4751-TN (Tennessee Severe Storms and Tornadoes), declared in December. The latter of these declarations remains in effect today as people across Middle Tennessee, the home of BOLDplanning, continue to work through the recovery process.
Another major disaster declaration in 2023 pertained to fire, namely the Hawaii Wildfires, DR-4724-HI, which was declared in August. The fires, powered by high winds, prompted evacuations on the island of Maui and left the town of Lahaina in ruins. The fires also claimed the lives of 100 people (as of November 14, 2023), according to Maui police.
According to FEMA data, there were also seven major disaster declarations for winter storm events in 2023 and two snowstorms. On the opposite end of the weather spectrum were three major disaster declarations for tropical storms and four for hurricanes. These tropical weather events were Tropical Storm (and later) Hurricane Hilary, which impacted California and the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians; Hurricane Idalia in Georgia; and Typhoon Mawar in the U.S. territory of Guam.
As most know, major disaster declarations provide a wide range of federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure, including funds for emergency and permanent work. This includes hazard mitigation assistance for actions to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural haza