A week after Hurricane Sandy flooded New York City’s streets and subways in 2012, the city’s schools were back in business. But schools in rural North Carolina did not reopen until almost a month after Hurricane Helene roared through in late September 2024.

While natural disasters and health crises may have long-lasting effects on any school system, in rural areas the lack of physical, financial, and organizational resources is amplified when disaster strikes.

Fortunately, there are solutions. Based on my professional research on emergency preparedness—and my experience working in educational settings—I’ve identified several strategies that may help.

Unlike urban areas, rural districts often have little access to the recreation centers, cultural institutions, university campuses, and other structures that could provide temporary sites for classes after a disaster.

Access to these buildings helped schools in New York City in the response to Hurricane Sandy.

Rural areas also have greater distances between homes, fewer buildings that can be used for temporary schooling, and deteriorating infrastructure. Educational resources are often insufficient, transportation is difficult, and many areas lack access to broadband.

Rural school districts may have weaker local funding streams. As a result, they may struggle to provide students full access to textbooks, technology, and other essential materials.

Another major barrier........

© Fast Company