America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers

A Key Player in Disaster Response

As people watched Hurricane Irma rage across their TV screens toward the Florida panhandle in 2017, the Cape Coral Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) prepared for action.

Key to their efforts? Information from the U.S. Census Bureau, including stats gleaned from the most recent census.

The team used population maps derived from Census Bureau data to identify distribution points for supplies — and to send wheelchair-accessible vans to pick up mostly older residents who initially wanted to stay put and ride out the storm.

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The 2019 theme is “Prepared, Not Scared.”  It’s important for people to remember that a key to disaster prep is responding to the 2020 Census, which can lead to more effective and efficient emergency response times and rescue operations, and allocation of funds for rebuilding communities. To find out more about how Census data informs emergency response before, during and after disasters, continue reading...

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About America Counts

America Counts tells the stories behind the numbers in a new inviting way. It features stories on various topics such as families, housing, employment, business, education, the economy, emergency preparedness, and population. Contact our Public Information Office for media inquiries or interviews.