The US recorded 27 individual weather and climate disasters in 2024, each causing at least $1 billion in damages, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information. This follows 28 billion-dollar events in 2023, which set a record.
A University of Reading study predicts that hurricanes in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific oceans will become more intense and frequent in the next decade. Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identifies the Eastern and Central US as global hotspots for the most frequent and damaging tornadoes.
These findings underline the urgent need for Americans to prepare for storms, floods and wildfires. Propane supplier DCC Propane has emphasised the critical role propane can play in preparation, response and recovery. As a versatile fuel, propane supports resilience during natural disasters by powering homes, backing up critical infrastructure and aiding humanitarian efforts.
Propane is independent of the electric grid, can be stored on-site, and remains effective for long periods. Unlike diesel and gasoline, it does not degrade over time. It is also straightforward to transport and is considered safer to move than many other fuel types. Its stability allows deployment to vulnerable areas when other fuel supplies are disrupted.
During the 2024 hurricane season, communities in Florida and along the Gulf Coast used stored propane to maintain essential services when electrical grids failed. Propane-powered generators kept refrigeration units, lighting, and security systems running. It also provided power for medical equipment and communication infrastructure, including cell towers.
Propane can be used in hybrid energy systems with wind, solar and other renewable sources. It presents minimal environmental risk if it leaks or spills and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than many traditional fuels, according to the Propane Education and Research Council. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024, propane-powered systems kept emergency communications operational while maintaining lower emission levels during rescue operations.
In crisis situations, propane’s uses extend to heating, cooking and sanitation. Propane-powered heaters can warm displaced families in shelters or temporary housing, while portable cooking equipment helps provide hot meals. It can also power water pumps and heaters, supporting access to clean water and hygiene.
The National Propane Gas Association notes that propane burns more cleanly than many other fuels. This was demonstrated after wildfires in California in 2024 when propane fuelled temporary housing and water purification systems, aiding recovery while producing up to 43 percent fewer greenhouse gases than equivalent grid electricity.
Adam Wilburn, national commercial sales manager at DCC Propane, said: “We already see propane as being a powerful, reliable, and safe energy source that’s fueling homes, businesses, and vehicles across the US. This versatile and environmentally friendly energy solution can also prove important when preparing and dealing with the devastating effects that extreme weather can have on communities. Whether it is someone looking for a long-term gas storage solution when preparing for extreme weather, a means of keeping power on during a damaging storm, or ensuring displaced families receive humanitarian aid without delay in the aftermath of a natural disaster, propane is there to help.”