The Environmental Collaboratory
Emergency Preparedness

Engage with Community-Level Preparedness for Increasingly Severe Weather

Preparing Communities for Increasingly Severe Weather: Report Launch

This video introduces the 2025 report Community-Level Preparedness and Recovery for Increasingly Severe Weather. The report outlines the challenges communities face during extreme weather events and provides actionable guidance for preparedness and recovery. Based on discussions with hundreds of stakeholders, The Environmental Collaboratory at Drexel University identified key actions to strengthen preparedness, bolster community resilience, reduce loss of life and livelihood, and help communities thrive into the future.

Quote-gradient Preparing for increasingly severe weather is a shared responsibility. By collaborating across the public and private sectors, we can build a region that is stronger, safer, and better equipped to face the challenges ahead.” 
Amy Verbofsky of Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

As highlighted in the video, community-level preparedness is built through ongoing collaboration among residents, researchers, utilities, health systems, and local governments. Each has a distinct and essential role—from improving household readiness to strengthening infrastructure and communication networks. Email Maya to subscribe to our newsletter and receive monthly spotlights on individual contributors to this work, including academic researchers, students and young people, healthcare professionals, emergency managers, community organizers, and more.

Learn more about specific actions you and your organization could take to improve the preparedness of your local community in the report. If your organization is interested in getting involved with The Environmental Collaboratory's efforts toward community-level preparedness for increasingly severe weather, please contact us.