In 2005, it was Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The year before that it was Ivan and Charley. One of the more costly hurricanes ever to hit the United States, Hurricane Andrew struck Florida in 1992. In 1965, it was Hurricane Betsy and in 1969 it was Hurricane Camille. The Galveston Hurricane struck in 1900. All of them hit the Gulf States, killing more than 9,100 people and causing billions of dollars worth of damage.

The Gulf States can do a better job preparing their citizens and protecting them from catastrophe.

Encouraging and enforcing stronger building codes is one important way to help minimize damage and speed recovery in the case of catastrophe.  In the long run, the upfront costs of building to code are an investment in the future.  For every dollar put into mitigation, we can save $3 to $5 in future losses. Stronger building codes, enforcement, education, planning and preparedness will save lives, reduce property losses and protect neighborhoods from the damage of future catastrophe.

In the case of a mega-catastrophe, the Gulf States will undoubtedly turn to the federal government for financial recovery assistance.  Rather than waiting for a crisis and reacting to an emergency, ProtectingTheGulfStates.org believes lawmakers should make it a top priority to establish a comprehensive, integrated solution that includes a national catastrophe fund in order to provide greater economic protection at a lower cost to the people who are at the greatest risk.   Such a solution would establish needed financial protections before catastrophe strikes, while also mitigating the damage of a future catastrophe by improving building codes, strengthening first responders, improving land use planning, enhancing public education and incorporating a process of continuous improvement.

Officials throughout the Gulf States have expressed their support for a comprehensive natural catastrophe management solution. Senators Bill Nelson (Fla.), Mary Landrieu (La.) and Thad Cochran (Miss.) co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to address the issue.

In addition, Florida, a state that throughout its history has felt the full effects of mega-catastrophes on its people and property, created a state catastrophe fund in 1993 after the devastation of Hurricane Andrew in order to provide a safety net for its citizens. The State of Louisiana is strongly considering such a fund, and other Gulf States should consider a comprehensive, proactive solution as well.

A national catastrophe fund – financed by private insurance dollars – provides a necessary backstop for the private insurance market to help families, businesses and communities in the case of extraordinary events.

Learn more details regarding a comprehensive, integrated solution, including strengthening first responders, preventing and mitigating problems through stronger building codes and consumer education, and advocating for a financial backstop.