The Best and Worst Prepared States for Weather Emergencies

5. Connecticut
> Disasters declared since 1953: 33 (4th fewest)
> National guard members: 6,795 (1.9 per 1,000 residents)
> State emergency dept. budget: $174.7 million (0.88% of total budget)
> Infrastructure score: 6.7 out of 10 (tied — 6th highest)
> Population: 3,572,665

4. South Carolina
> Disasters declared since 1953: 32 (3rd fewest)
> National guard members: 17,668 (3.5 per 1,000 residents)
> State emergency dept. budget: $20.0 million (0.09% of total budget)
> Infrastructure score: 7.1 out of 10 (tied — 3rd highest)
> Population: 5,084,127

3. Missouri
> Disasters declared since 1953: 70 (tied — 20th most)
> National guard members: 19,254 (3.1 per 1,000 residents)
> State emergency dept. budget: N/A
> Infrastructure score: 4.5 out of 10 (18th lowest)
> Population: 6,126,452

2. Delaware
> Disasters declared since 1953: 21 (the fewest)
> National guard members: 4,997 (5.2 per 1,000 residents)
> State emergency dept. budget: $134.0 million (3.28% of total budget)
> Infrastructure score: 6.7 out of 10 (tied — 6th highest)
> Population: 967,171

1. Louisiana
> Disasters declared since 1953: 81 (14th most)
> National guard members: 17,163 (3.7 per 1,000 residents)
> State emergency dept. budget: $1.30 billion (4.59% of total budget)
> Infrastructure score: 6.3 out of 10 (tied — 12th highest)
> Population: 4,659,978