Ben H. Read '43 Lecture: Examining Federal Response to Natural Disasters in the U.S.
Devastating wildfires, relentless hurricanes, and destructive flooding are among the natural disasters that many Americans deal with each year.
This year's Benjamin H. Read '43 Scholar, Ben Michel '26, researched the United States' domestic policy toward natural disasters and why these catastrophes continue to cost billions of dollars.
Ben's curiosity led him to explore what can be learned from other countries when it comes to recovery efforts. He presented his findings on Jan. 14 during Chapel. Watch here.
"During my lifetime, the United States has already experienced over 200 natural disasters, each causing more than $1 billion in damage," explained Ben. "Every year, four million Americans are directly affected, and our country spends roughly $16 billion on disaster relief. The future is more uncertain."
Ben tapped the expertise of Vanderbilt University's Dr. Mark Abkowitz, Columbia University's Dr. John Mutter, and Dr. Jeff Schlegelmilch, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness.
"They revealed a major issue," shared Ben. "Our disaster response system is far more reactive than proactive."
Many recovery programs are underfunded and expect federal agencies like FEMA to step in, he explained. "FEMA itself frequently rebuilds communities in the same disaster-prone areas," Ben pointed out.
Dr. Schlegelmilch told Ben, "We cannot pump money into recovery efforts. We must be in a preparation mindset. Working with nature is always better than fighting against it."
Improved technology and Artificial Intelligence are promising for the future. But a statement by Dr. Schlegelmilch changed Ben's thinking when he shared, "We must be careful not to replace the social aspect of disaster response."
"That statement changed my project completely. I realized I had been so focused on systems and technology that I had overlooked the most important part of any disaster: the people."
Ben then connected with the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, where he learned that disasters inexorably impact people with disabilities. Despite preparations, many become stranded with little support.
"People with disabilities often have fewer resources during disasters and are frequently overlooked in emergency response systems," said Ben. He found that during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, it was residents living in poverty and the disabled who were the most likely to be stranded with little access to shelters.
This revelation prompted Ben to become an advocate through the Red Cross, where he used his project stipend to design and build sensory-relief kits that were distributed to emergency shelters in southeastern Pennsylvania. He also published an educational report that outlines strategies to support people with disabilities during disasters, with recommendations for safer preparedness.
The annual research project and lecture are made possible through the generosity of the Benjamin H. Read '43 and Chuck Bryant Stipend Funds.