Preventing Our Next Natural Disaster Act

H.R. 3655, the Preventing Our Next Natural Disaster Act, aims to shift the federal focus from reacting to natural disasters to preventing damage before it occurs. The bill would more than double the amount of funding FEMA sets aside for pre-disaster mitigation projects, increasing it from 6% to 15% of disaster relief funds. It also directs FEMA to prioritize assistance for high-risk areas, low-income neighborhoods, and communities facing environmental justice challenges.

For citizens, this legislation could lead to more local infrastructure projects designed to withstand extreme weather, such as improved drainage systems or reinforced buildings. The bill also requires the creation of a public, user-friendly database and interactive map so residents can track exactly how and where federal, state, and local money is being spent on disaster prevention and recovery in their communities. Additionally, it authorizes FEMA to update its risk assessments and building standards to better account for the impacts of climate change.