FEMA can achieve a defacto moonshot in catastrophe mitigation resources by expanding state residential catastrophe mitigation efforts. This would accelerate our collective efforts to build national resiliency, as evidenced by our better preparedness for catastrophes, all while simplifying the process of states securing mitigation funding for homes.

States can make a good partnership with FEMA even better by building upon lessons learned from existing state wind mitigation programs to enhance the value derived by interacting with FEMA. Building out a state-based distribution channel for residential mitigation can help engage the private sector to multiply the value of each FEMA dollar spent on pre-disaster mitigation.

Insurers, experts in managing catastrophe risk, can be catalysts spurring much broader residential catastrophe mitigation, as a tangible plan addressing the effects of climate change. Supporting state efforts to build out residential wind mitigation can benefit insurers’ results, especially as residential mitigation is implemented nationally for other catastrophe perils.

Economic viability is linked to the mutual resiliency of businesses and individuals. Large and small employers in diverse industries can benefit from helping employees or designated members of the community to fortify their homes against hurricane and tornadoes. The benefits across business-unit silos may surprise you.