Study: Miami-Dade and Broward Rank Among Florida’s More Prepared Counties for Natural Disasters
As Florida continues to face increasing risks from hurricanes, flooding, extreme heat, and severe storms, community preparedness for natural disasters has become more critical than ever. A new analysis based on data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reveals how well Florida counties are positioned to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies—placing Miami-Dade and Broward counties among the more resilient areas in the state.
The study was conducted by A1 Garage, a garage door service provider, which analyzed FEMA’s Community Resilience Scores. These scores assess counties using key indicators such as housing conditions, access to healthcare, education, communication infrastructure, and poverty levels. FEMA assigns each county a score out of 100, with lower scores indicating lower resilience and preparedness.
According to the findings, Glades County ranks as the least prepared county in Florida, with a resilience score of 0.70, followed by Hendry and DeSoto counties. At the other end of the spectrum, St. Johns County emerged as the most prepared county statewide, earning a score of 81.99.
In South Florida, Miami-Dade County received a resilience score of 37.11, while Broward County scored 44.84, placing both counties in the upper half of the statewide ranking. While these scores suggest stronger infrastructure and recovery capacity than many rural counties, experts caution that urban areas still face significant risks due to population density and exposure to severe weather events.
“Although some factors affecting resilience—such as healthcare access and socioeconomic conditions—are beyond individual control, homeowners can take practical steps to protect their properties and reduce risk,” said Tommy Mello, founder and CEO of A1 Garage.
Mello recommends starting with basic home maintenance and reinforcement, including securing heavy furniture and appliances, avoiding the placement of heavy items on high shelves, and keeping hallways and stairwells clear to ensure safe evacuation routes. He also emphasizes the importance of sealing cracks around doors, windows, and roofs, as well as maintaining gutters to prevent water damage during storms.
The garage, often overlooked, is another critical area. Properly securing water heaters, shelving units, and hazardous materials—such as fuel or chemicals—can help prevent injury and damage during extreme weather. Ensuring garage doors are well maintained can also improve a home’s ability to withstand strong winds.
Outdoor preparation is equally important. Trimming trees, removing debris, and keeping flammable materials away from structures can significantly reduce damage during hurricanes or wildfires. Additionally, residents are encouraged to know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity, maintain basic emergency supplies, and review insurance coverage to ensure protection against local risks.
For residents of Miami-Dade and Broward, the findings serve as both reassurance and a reminder: preparedness at the household level remains a key factor in strengthening overall community resilience.
