Fixing Gaps in Hurricane Preparedness Act

The Fixing Gaps in Hurricane Preparedness Act directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to research how people understand and act on hurricane forecasts and warnings. It requires NOAA, in partnership with the National Science Foundation, to study public behavior - including responses from vulnerable groups like the elderly, people with disabilities, and those facing language barriers - in hurricane-prone areas. Key provisions include a pilot study using surveys and interviews to assess preparedness (such as disaster supplies, evacuation decisions, and trust in warnings), plus research on improving forecast accuracy and economic value of extended warning times. The goal is to develop more effective hurricane warning systems that better protect all communities, especially those most at risk.