In this 2024 Climate Resiliency Report, produced in partnership by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Allstate, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, showed that investing in infrastructure and engineering for disaster preparedness, such as flooding barriers, fire, and erosion resistance, yields a 1:13 return on investment. 

An accepted ratio is that $1 of investment reduces the damage and cleanup costs of a disaster by $6.  

What is less known—and what this study set out to find—is how investments in resilience and preparedness impact a community’s local economy, including jobs, workforce participation, production (GDP), and earned income for residents. Adding this piece brings the economic benefit to a ratio of $1:$13. 

Each $1 invested in disaster preparation saves $13 in economic costs, damages, and cleanup.