Massachusetts can do a better job preparing its citizens for and protecting them from catastrophe

Unfortunately, the risk of a major hurricane striking Massachusetts is all too real.

The New England Hurricane of 1938 should be a reminder to those residents that may not be taking the necessary steps to prepare their home or business for catastrophe.  Massachusetts residents must be proactive and do more now, before the fact, rather than waiting for the next catastrophe to strike.  In particular, coastal development has increased substantially, and with the real risk of hurricanes looming, it is time for Massachusetts to limit development in the most high-risk areas.

Encouraging and enforcing stronger building codes will also 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, Massachusetts will undoubtedly turn to the federal government for financial recovery assistance.  Rather than waiting for a crisis and reacting to an emergency, ProtectingMassachusetts.org believes lawmakers should make it a top priority to establish a comprehensive, integrated solution which 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.

Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Nonnie Burnes has expressed support for a similar fund on the regional level, and a Massachusetts state senator predicted homeowners insurance will ‘be the leading consumer protection issue in the area of insurance in the coming years.’  A national catastrophe fund – financed by private insurance dollars – would provide a necessary backstop for the private insurance market to help families, businesses and communities in the case of extraordinary events.