While hurricane “season” in the Atlantic may have officially begun, experts warn that the storms are coming earlier, growing stronger, and striking unpredictably. This year’s forecast calls for an “above-average” season with potentially more than two dozen named storms—a scenario supercharged by record-breaking ocean temperatures and a warming atmosphere.
But it’s not just the storms that make this season especially dangerous. Our ability to respond is also being tested like never before. From climate-driven chaos to shrinking federal support, communities across the country are facing a perfect storm of risks—and far fewer resources to weather them.
Here are three urgent reasons why disaster preparedness matters more than ever in 2025—and how Greater Good Charities is stepping up to fill the gaps.
One: Disasters don’t follow a calendar
Traditionally, hurricane season spans from June 1 to November 30. But climate change is rewriting the rules.
As sea surface temperatures rise, the conditions that fuel hurricanes—warm water and unstable air—are arriving earlier in the year and lingering longer. According to Kristen Corbosiero, an atmospheric sciences professor at the University at Albany, “We will likely see earlier and longer hurricane seasons moving forward.”
The storms themselves are becoming more intense. A 2020 study found that major hurricanes—those with winds above 111 mph—are now 25% more likely than they were just 40 years ago.
“Hurricanes don’t have calendars,” climate scientist James Kossin told BBC. “They respond to the environment they’re in.” If June looks like September, storms will behave like it too.
In this new reality, “hurricane season” is a misnomer. Disasters—including wildfires, earthquakes, and floods—strike anywhere, anytime. That means we must prepare year-round—not just react after the fact.
Two: Federal cuts will mean less funds to prepare
Even as the frequency and severity of disasters grow, the systems meant to monitor and manage them are under enormous strain.
This year, staffing shortages at the Weather Service mean some forecasting offices no longer have enough people to monitor the forecast overnight, according to the New York Times. Meanwhile, FEMA is facing a historic capacity gap. According to NPR, the agency has lost one-quarter of its full-time staff and one-fifth of the personnel responsible for coordinating large-scale disaster responses.
With fewer boots on the ground, delays in deploying resources, and increasing costs from billion-dollar disasters, many communities are now left to fend for themselves—often long after the headlines fade.
When federal response falters, the burden shifts to state and local governments, voluntary organizations, and neighbors helping neighbors. But without coordination and preparation, these efforts can fall short of what’s truly needed.
Three: Local communities are expected to carry more of the burden
In this changing landscape, nonprofits and voluntary response organizations are no longer supporting players—they are the backbone of disaster relief.
But this shift brings its own challenges. Smaller organizations may lack the scale to respond quickly. Local shelters can become overwhelmed. And families often face hard choices—like whether to prioritize medications, food, or fuel when supply lines are cut.
How do we prepare communities before disaster strikes?
At Greater Good Charities, we know what it means to show up when others can’t. And we know that what happens before a disaster is just as important as what happens after.
Here’s how we help communities get ahead of the next crisis:
- Creating Aid Hubs: This year, we identified eight high-impact disaster zones and created specialized aid hubs with pre-positioned resources to ensure rapid relief to people and animals when it’s needed most. These hubs build on our existing network of 100+ distribution points nationwide.
- Listening Locally, Responding Globally: We work hand-in-hand with local partners to understand what's needed and how we can best support their response plans—from humanitarian and animal aid, emergency transport to veterinary services and to environmental recovery. This community-first approach ensures our response is timely, targeted, and effective.
- Continuous Learning: We refine our strategies each year based on what we learn on the ground. Our teams participate in national, state, and local coalitions to stay ahead of evolving needs and align with best practices across the disaster response community.
How you can help
Preparedness takes all of us. And every action matters.
You can support our work by:
- Donating to help us build more pallets and deploy faster
- Sponsoring a truckload of pet and human relief supplies
- Raising awareness in your community about disaster readiness
- Partnering with us to pre-stage goods in your region
- Volunteering to help assemble packs and ship supplies
The bottom line
Disasters don’t wait. Neither can we.
The future of disaster relief isn’t just about reacting—it’s about preparing. With federal support waning and storms on the rise, organizations like Greater Good Charities are stepping into the breach.
But we can’t do it alone.
Your support today ensures we’re ready for tomorrow—because when disaster strikes, the time to act is already past.
