Mediaplanet Launches Disaster Preparedness Campaign in USA TODAY, Providing Practical Guidance for Natural and Cyber Emergencies
NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mediaplanet today launches its Disaster Preparedness campaign, published within USA TODAY and online through its Impacting Our Future digital content hub. The campaign brings together leading organizations to help individuals, families, small businesses and communities prepare for natural disasters, cyber disruptions and the challenges that can follow.
The need for preparedness has become increasingly evident as the United States experiences more frequent high-cost weather and climate disasters. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. experienced 27 weather and climate disasters causing at least $1 billion in damage in 2024, bringing the total number of billion-dollar disasters since 1980 to 403. The 2024 events caused an estimated $182.7 billion in damage.
NOAA's historical data also shows the scale of the increase: the U.S. averaged 3.1 billion-dollar disasters per year during the 1980s, compared with 12.8 per year during the 2010s.
While preparedness often centers on hurricanes, floods, wildfires and severe storms, today's risks extend beyond physical disasters. Cyberattacks, technology disruptions and loss of access to critical digital systems can also interrupt businesses, services and communications, making digital preparedness an increasingly important part of emergency planning.
The Disaster Preparedness campaign provides actionable information covering the full disaster lifecycle—from preparing before an emergency to staying connected during an event and navigating recovery afterward. Topics include:
- Protecting homes and businesses through practical resilience and preparedness measures.
- Creating emergency communication plans and maintaining access to information when power or cellular networks are disrupted.
- Understanding insurance coverage, deductibles and disaster assistance before they are needed.
- Preparing for cyber disruptions and protecting critical information and systems.
- Strengthening disaster response through advance planning, supplies and community partnerships.
- Supporting long-term recovery, including housing, economic stability and community needs.
- Meeting the needs of children and families during emergency response and recovery.
Featured organizations include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Team Rubicon, U.S. Small Business Administration, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), World Central Kitchen, Insurance Information Institute, Center for Disaster Philanthropy and Baby2Baby, among others.
The campaign emphasizes that disaster preparedness is not simply about reacting when an emergency happens—it is about taking practical steps today that can help individuals, businesses and communities respond and recover when disruptions occur.
The Disaster Preparedness campaign is available in USA TODAY and online through Mediaplanet's Impacting Our Future digital content hub beginning Friday, September 25, 2026.
Media Contact:
Joelle Hernandez
SOURCE Mediaplanet
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