When major disasters strike, visit the U.S. Census Bureau's Emergency Management page to access demographic and economic data for the impacted areas. You will also find our mission critical tools: Census Business Builder, OnTheMap for Emergency Management, COVID-19 Interactive Data Hub, local Weather Forecasting Offices and more.

From Ready.gov, 2021 National Preparedness Month:

“National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The 2021 theme is ‘Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.’

Weekly Themes

Each week in September, the campaign will focus on a different aspect of preparedness for individuals, families and communities.

Week 1 September 1-4: Make A Plan

Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control recommendations due to the coronavirus.

Week 2 September 5-11: Build A Kit

Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home.  Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.

Week 3 September 12-18: Prepare for Disasters

Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family.  Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert.

Week 4 September 19-25: Teach Youth About Preparedness

Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.”

Source: American Housing Survey (AHS).

Note: The American Housing Survey is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. It is the most comprehensive housing survey in the United States. National data are collected every odd-numbered year, and metropolitan area data are collected on a rotating basis.

From Census.gov > Topics > Emergency Management. 

From America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers:

Source: Quarterly Services Survey (QSS) (2009-2021).

Source: 2019 County Business Patterns (CBP).  

• NAICS 6242: Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services
• NAICS 62421: Community Food Services
• NAICS 62422: Community Housing Services
• NAICS 62423: Emergency and Other Relief Services

Source: 2017 Economic Census. 

Source: Decennial Censuses 1790 to 2010.

Note: The interactive data visualization above is set to the year 2010. Click on the image to reach the active webpage, which is parked on 1790.  Move the date slider to any decennial census year ending in zero, or click the play icon to see the U.S. county population grow from 1790 to 2010.

From Current Population Reports: Estimates and Projections (P25 Series), 2020 back to 1940: