The Best and Worst Prepared States for Weather Emergencies

Special Report

June 28, 2019 5:28 pm

Last Updated: February 17, 2020 3:44 pm

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30. Kentucky
> Disasters declared since 1953: 77 (15th most)
> National guard members: 12,526 (2.8 per 1,000 residents)
> State emergency dept. budget: $5.5 million (0.05% of total budget)
> Infrastructure score: 5.2 out of 10 (tied — 23rd highest)
> Population: 4,468,402

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29. Michigan
> Disasters declared since 1953: 38 (7th fewest)
> National guard members: 15,333 (1.5 per 1,000 residents)
> State emergency dept. budget: $14.9 million (0.03% of total budget)
> Infrastructure score: 5.8 out of 10 (tied — 17th highest)
> Population: 9,995,915

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ALSO READ: States Most (and Least) Prepared for a Disaster

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28. Oregon
> Disasters declared since 1953: 112 (6th most)
> National guard members: 9,352 (2.2 per 1,000 residents)
> State emergency dept. budget: $253.4 million (0.34% of total budget)
> Infrastructure score: 5.8 out of 10 (tied — 17th highest)
> Population: 4,190,713

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27. California
> Disasters declared since 1953: 303 (2nd most)
> National guard members: 56,782 (1.4 per 1,000 residents)
> State emergency dept. budget: $60.2 million (0.02% of total budget)
> Infrastructure score: 6.2 out of 10 (tied — 14th highest)
> Population: 39,557,045

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26. Florida
> Disasters declared since 1953: 147 (5th most)
> National guard members: 36,901 (1.7 per 1,000 residents)
> State emergency dept. budget: $331.1 million (0.40% of total budget)
> Infrastructure score: 5.2 out of 10 (tied — 23rd highest)
> Population: 21,299,325

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