Survivors of floods, fires and hurricanes are pressing for stronger emergency warnings and funding through a U.S. group seeking a larger political voice as communities confront the costs of disasters.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) found in its 2023 survey that 54% of respondents had experienced a disaster’s effects personally or through a family member, compared with 49% in 2022. The survey drew 7,604 responses and covered disasters generally, not extreme weather alone.
Extreme Weather Survivors listed a roundtable in Kerrville, Texas, for Oct. 8. KSAT reported that survivors affected by floods, fires and hurricanes gathered in the city and sought changes to emergency planning and funding. The organizer’s listing does not establish the date of the gathering KSAT described.
Kerr County puts the death toll from the July 4, 2025, floods at 119 in the county and 139 across Texas. KSAT reported that State Rep. Vikki Goodwin attended the Kerrville gathering. Goodwin called for better emergency communications and flood warnings.
In June 2026, Kerr County said its completed outdoor flood-warning sirens could be activated. Procedures for the broader system were still being finalized.
FEMA’s survey also showed a difference in emergency savings. Among respondents it classified as socioeconomically disadvantaged, 24% said they had saved for an emergency; the share was 35% for other respondents. After a federal major disaster declaration was approved for Kerr County in July 2025, qualifying residents could seek individual assistance.
The Guardian reported that survivors are seeking greater political influence. Extreme Weather Survivors says it offers free support and connects members with advocacy opportunities. It describes a community of thousands across all 50 states. Co-founder Sierra Kos told The Guardian the group had grown “sadly, quite rapidly.”
The group’s schedule lists Welch, West Virginia, as its next event location on Oct. 25.
