Understanding Disasters Through Federal Data

This paper examines how federal data can be used to better understand the people and communities affected by Hurricane Helene. By combining datasets from the U.S. Census Bureau, FEMA, NOAA, and other agencies, it highlights patterns in disaster exposure, social vulnerability, and recovery assistance. The analysis shows how factors such as wind, rainfall, power outages, and community resilience influence recovery outcomes. Together, the findings demonstrate the value of integrated federal data for improving disaster analysis, preparedness, and recovery planning.