Not “woke” agendas, basic human rights: reimagining disaster preparedness through Maslow’s lens

Disaster preparedness has become increasingly essential in mitigating the personal impacts of climate change. However, vulnerable communities struggling with preparedness continue to face disproportionate risks and outcomes, particularly in Houston-a city affected by successive, historic federally declared disasters. This piece seeks to reframe disaster preparedness, response, and recovery through the lens of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, arguing that preparedness should be viewed as a fundamental survival need. Just as food, water, and shelter are critical for human survival, effective disaster preparedness ensures the ability to respond and recover during crises. For communities already bearing the compounded burdens of climate change and successive disasters, preparedness is not merely a response but a prerequisite for resilience. In light of this, this article advocates for policies and interventions that prioritize accessible, community-centered preparedness strategies.