Study Reveals What We Already Know, Mother Nature Likes Idaho Better
Recent events make everyone think, ‘How prepared am I for an emergency?’ If trouble comes at your home, are you ready? Does Idaho know how to prepare for the types of emergencies that show up here? What should Idaho prepare for?
Since 2012, there have not been many Declared Disasters by FEMA from Idaho. Weather doesn’t wreak havoc on Idaho the way it does on states like Louisiana, Florida, or Delaware which have hurricanes to contend with. Insuranks reports flooding as Idaho’s main issue from 2012 to 2022, though it seems like there are more fire management assistance requests - 13 according to FEMA.
Many people in Idaho have lost a fence or some shingles due to wind. Many have had damage due to fires. Snowmageddon in 2017 caused flooding which was a severe problem for much of the state. It can most likely be a cause of 4 of the 5 reported flood disasters declared by FEMA.
When severe weather DOES strike, how prepared are residents? 86% of people have been surprised by severe storms and only 60% feel they are prepared for it. Perhaps having an emergency kit and an emergency plan can help Idaho feel ready for the next disaster that will hopefully never come. One-third of the country has thankfully never had to live through a FEMA severe weather declared disaster, but that doesn’t mean they won’t.
Severe weather hits Idaho, but perhaps not as often or as powerfully as other areas. Should we tell other people how tame the weather is here, or is this a whispered statement to keep close to the vest only divulging to those we deem worthy enough to join us? 1 in 6 people have thought about moving because of the severe weather in the area they live in. But do we want them here?