Despite being one of the most disaster-prone states in the nation, North Carolina ranks second in the US for disaster relief charities per capita, according to a new 2025 report from SmileHub that evaluates how well states are positioned to handle natural disasters.
Overall, North Carolina ranks 15th in the nation for disaster preparedness using 14 key disaster readiness metrics. The report follows a destructive year for western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, and on the brink of yet another hurricane season, which officially begins June 1.
North Carolina ranks 4th nationally for disaster prevention planning and funding and 14th for resilience infrastructure and support capacity. While North Carolina is proactive and well-equipped to prepare for disasters, it faces some of the highest potential for damage from natural events. The state ranks 45th for disaster risk and lasting damage, placing it among the most vulnerable states for potential disaster impact.
The report evaluated each state’s resilience infrastructure by assigning equal weight to several key factors, including disaster relief charities per capita, physicians per capita, mental health counselors per capita, National Guard members per capita, Medical Reserve Corps members per capita, fire and police stations per capita, and access to a computer or smartphone.
Notably, North Carolina outpaced other states that were more vulnerable to disaster risks, such as Florida, Texas, and South Carolina.
Still, North Carolinians are working to rebuild the western part of the state after Hurricane Helene destroyed it last year. Government officials have struggled to manage disaster recovery aid for nearly a decade. The Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) has been under fire for struggling to complete recovery projects from Hurricanes Matthew and Florence since it was established in 2018.
Despite challenges in state government disaster aid, relief organizations have pushed North Carolina to the second-highest rank in the nation for disaster relief charities per capita.
Out of more than 4,600 evaluated charities across the country that help with disaster relief, four North Carolina-based groups ranked in the top 10, each receiving a 9.3 rating:
- 3rd: North Eastern Alamance Volunteer Fire Department Inc. (Burlington)
- 5th: Walkertown Volunteer Fire Department Inc. (Walkertown)
- 7th: Broadway Volunteer Fire Department (Wilkesboro)
- 8th: Meherrin on Mission (Severn)
According to the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, over 70% of North Carolina fire departments are volunteer. No matter the setup, they are the personnel showing up for almost every 9-1-1 call, assisting with fires, natural disasters, law enforcement needs, and EMS.
“Take the recent hurricane in Western North Carolina, for example. Firefighters were everywhere—not just handling emergencies but helping out in every possible way,” said NCSFA Executive Director Barry Overman in a comment to Carolina Journal. “They were in the neighborhoods clearing roads, cooking meals, cleaning up—it was nonstop.”
Overman believes people trust firefighters so much because they’re truly rooted in the communities they serve. He said the departments are made up of folks who live next door, work locally, and are always ready to help when it counts.
When it comes to preparing for emergency response, training is offered through various programs, including Emergency Management and local community colleges. However, Overman noted that some of the best training comes from experience.
“Those who have been through hurricanes, floods, wildfires, water rescues and the like know what really works when disaster strikes. They’re the ones out there passing that knowledge along and that is a great resource for all fire departments and firefighters,” he added.
According to NOAA, 2024 marked the 14th consecutive year the U.S. experienced 10 or more separate billion-dollar disasters.
“Disasters don’t care what time it is, and volunteers always show up when it counts. The truth is, a lot of communities couldn’t afford to pay for the level of service volunteers provide. These men and women do it because they care. They care about their neighbors, their hometowns, and being there when they’re needed most,” Overman concluded.
FEMA data shows that only 45% of U.S. adults feel prepared for a natural disaster, and 42% plan to prepare but haven’t yet. The NC State Firefighters’ Association said FEMA, state fire grants, and other aid have been vital for improving departments’ disaster readiness, but ongoing legislative support remains essential.
The post NC’s disaster risk met with the 2nd-highest charity rate in US first appeared on Carolina Journal.