The Waffle House Index is an informal way for FEMA to gauge how quickly a community might bounce back after a disaster. Former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate started using it when he was the head of Florida’s Department of Emergency Management.
Why does Waffle House Matter?
Because Waffle House as a company is a model for disaster preparedness.
How does it work?
Red: Area Waffle Houses are closed
Yellow: Waffle Houses are open with a limited menu
Green: Waffle Houses are open with a full menu
This is key for FEMA because revenue generated by local businesses is key to an area’s recovery.
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