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Most disaster reporting happens in the immediate aftermath of a stormโwhether it’s a hurricane, tornado, flash flood, or wildfire. And information is often scattered across the internet: it is usually only in English, not reaching underserved areas, and confusing to navigate. We’re deepening connections with communities year roundโhelping them prepare well before a disaster strikes and staying committed to them during the long journey to recovery.
We’re continually assessing the most urgent information needs around disaster aid in the U.S. South. We are currently surveying community members and launching a community advisory board to help us create and distribute offline and online resources.
We partner with organizations, including journalism outlets, nonprofits, civic institutions, and community groups, to create and distribute this work. Read more here or email us community@southerlymag.wpcomstaging.com.
Disaster Glossary
Key terms and questions for before, during, and after a disaster.
READ OUR STORIES
Cancer Alley community leaders reflect on Ida as hurricane season looms
The Louisiana Just Recovery Network stepped in to rebuild homes in 2021. Theyโre still at itโand working to create jobs for former industrial plant workersโฆ
How a farmers market supports Louisiana growers before, during, and after disasters
At the Crescent City Farmers Market in New Orleans, vendors preach good food, help each other through disasters, and seek connection.
With disaster tours, eastern N.C. locals share stories, propose flooding solutions
Residents and activists Robeson County are drawing attention to those still struggling to recover from Hurricanes Matthew and Florence.
Kentucky communities aim to rebuild sustainably after floods intensify housing crisis
Local organizations join hands to help people who lost homes during flooding in four hardest hit counties in southeast Kentucky.
Mitigation, preparation, education: Q&A with coastal N.C. official about flooding
Southerly spoke with Belhaven town manager Lynn Davis about the challenges of evacuations, transportation, and shelters for residents.
‘We are not immune’: Q&A with Jackson student leader on disasters while navigating college
Jackson State University resident assistant Kayla Carter is responsible for disseminating information to fellow students during disaster events. She says out-of-state students, whose families areโฆ
2022 community reporting fellowship projects
In their own words, the fellows describe their experience and final projects.
โAnother layer to the inequality that existsโ: Q&A with N.C. disaster response organizers
Four Robeson County, NC residents have created a Disaster Survival and Resiliency School to engage community residents impacted by climate disasters as leaders and equalโฆ
Can community gardens bring rural and urban farmers together after disasters? Q&A with Sprout NOLAโs Terence Jackson
Farmers face many challenges trying to grow quality food in the midst of rapid climate change, storms, and economic instability. Jackson sheds light on howโฆ
What doulas can teach us about disasters: A conversation with Maybelline Valenti
We chatted with the founder of SWFL Doula and Naturalmente Mamรก Podcast on hurricanes and caring for expecting and new parents in Southwest Florida.
‘Your place is still with us’: Q&A with Appalachian nonprofit leader about flooding impacts
Nearly 14,000 homes in eastern Kentucky reported some damage from flooding this summer. Led by Gerry Roll, the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky is stepping upโฆ
Calcasieu Parish is still struggling to recover from Hurricane Laura. We’re tracking federal funding to find out why.
Hurricane recovery still looks like a patchwork of blue tarped roofs, ongoing insurance fights, and long waits for federal and state government relief. We examinedโฆ
Meet our 2022 community reporting fellows
Introducing our seven fellows, who will focus on disaster-related information access and storytelling.
Documenting disasters in southwest Louisiana
The Southwest Louisiana Journal is documenting disaster preparation, response, and recovery in Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish.
‘They want us gone’: Black Louisianans fight to rebuild a year after Ida
Residents of Ironton and West Point a la Hache are still pushing federal and state agencies to help them make their communities safer before theโฆ
Weโre launching a community reporting fellowship
Hereโs how it will work, why weโre doing it, and how to apply.
What you need to know about FEMA assistance for Kentucky floods
A guide for East Kentuckians on how to access aid after the floods.
How to navigate hurricane season as states loosen COVID-19 restrictionsย ๏ฟผ
We spoke to Angela Clendenin, a public health expert at Texas A&M University, about the importance of emergency management and public health officials working together.โฆ
‘Make copies of everything’: Documents to have in case of a hurricane
Many Americans turn to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for help in the long road to recovery after a disaster. The agency is taskedโฆ
Q&A: Hurricane prep with the National Weather Service
Southerly talks to Janae Elkins in Jackson, Miss. about how to best prepare for hurricane season.
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