Spring is here. And it could not have come soon enough, after a particularly difficult winter for most of the U.S. Record-setting snow falls, flooding, and extreme cold temperatures plagued businesses, homeowners and travelers from November through March. Businesses shut down, flights were grounded, and many people were forced to hunker down and stay home.

The number cargo thefts in the U.S. fell last year compared to 2013, but the average value of the heists increased.

In 2016 FEMA will approve disaster-preparedness funds only for states whose governors approve hazard-mitigation plans that address climate change. 

Despite extensive, persistent drought in the western United States, 2014 saw notably low numbers of wildfire incidents.

Many businesses across the US score poorly on being prepared for severe winter weather.

 Although there is room for improvement, the U.S. overall is highly prepared in the event of a health emergency or disaster, according to this year's National Health Security Preparedness Index. 

Officials are planning the first major rollout of California's earthquake early warning system next year.

Reggie Harrison, deputy city manager and acting director of the Long Beach Airport, was named director of disaster preparedness and emergency communications.

Nearly two-thirds of Californians say they’re worried about injury or property damage from an earthquake or other disaster, but they’re increasingly confident in the government’s ability to respond, according to a new Public Policy Institute of California survey.

Save The Children is taking a closer look at just how ready schools are to handle emergencies like Sandy Hook, natural disasters and acts of terrorism in its 2014 Disaster Preparedness Report.