To build real resilience, we must simplify the federal system
“Since Helene struck, we have had to navigate a system that is fundamentally broken,” said a North Carolina commissioner. “Reform is clearly needed. We need less paperwork and faster relief.” Over the last decade, the federal government spent $558 billion on disaster response—in the ballpark of what it spent on its share to build the […]
Embracing flood-smart agriculture to reduce flood risk throughout a watershed
Farms and agricultural land cover hundreds of millions of acres across the United States, making them one of the most powerful levers for managing flooding. When farmers adopt practices that slow runoff, increase soil infiltration, and store water, they protect their own fields while serving as critical flood infrastructure for entire watersheds. But right now, […]
More than 60 local leaders gather in Washington, D.C. to prove resilience starts local
As storms grow stronger and floods become more frequent, the impacts are hitting communities faster than many can respond. Local elected leaders are often the first to face these challenges, and the first to demand action. In May, the American Flood Coalition (AFC) was proud to welcome local elected leaders from across the country to […]
Building resilience with flood-smart agriculture
Agriculture is the backbone of rural America and a lifeline that feeds the world. With one in five Americans living in rural areas and nearly half the country’s land used for farming, farmers and other agricultural producers make important decisions every day that shape the health and resilience of entire regions. This is particularly important […]
Six months after Hurricane Helene, Western NC leaders gather in DC elevate need for recovery and resilience resources
The American Flood Coalition (AFC) brought more than a dozen Western North Carolina local leaders to Washington, D.C., for meetings with senior leaders from the White House, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Capitol Hill to elevate the region’s ongoing recovery and long-term resilience needs. The trip marked the six-month anniversary since Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic […]
How to fix our broken disaster recovery system
“We can seize a once-in-a-generation window to overhaul our broken, business-as-usual approach to disasters. As more Americans are impacted by these tragedies, we know it’s possible to make the system leaner, more efficient and accountable.,” write Melissa Roberts, executive director of the American Flood Coalition, and Chris Sprowls, former speaker of the Florida House of […]
Where to apply for post-disaster assistance
After a disaster, communities and individuals can be overwhelmed by the amount of information available for recovery. As people worry about immediate needs like food, water, and power, they must also navigate a complex web of federal, state, local, and private resources, most of which involve applications and paperwork. This page is for local leaders […]
Everything you need to know about flood insurance
In the wake of hurricanes and storms, many households face long and costly recoveries. That’s partially because few of those affected by storms are insured against flooding: For example, when Hurricane Helene hit Buncombe County, which comprises Asheville, less than 1% of homes and businesses had flood insurance. While flooding is widespread and destructive — in the […]
Hurricane Milton: Resources for Response & Recovery
As communities in Florida deal with the impacts of Hurricane Milton, our thoughts are with those responding and recovering from the storm. To support leaders during the aftermath of Milton, the American Flood Coalition compiled these resources. Florida assistance details Florida has received a federal disaster declaration for Milton. NOTE: The following information is current as of October 15, […]
Hurricane Helene: Resources for Response & Recovery
As communities across the Southeast deal with the impacts of Hurricane Helene, our thoughts are with those responding and recovering from the storm. To support leaders during the aftermath of Helene, the American Flood Coalition compiled these resources. FEMA Public Assistance FEMA’s Public Assistance program can help communities shoulder the burden of recovery from the impacts of […]