Having been through one tornado and eight hurricanes (four or higher), here is my brain storm:

We should organize a FEMA reserve to deal with national disasters.  Like the Army Reserve or the National Guard, but organized around skill sets.  Like the Cajun Navy for water rescues.  Or an engineering corp equipped with chain saws and front end loaders to open the roads.  Or an electrician corp.  Or a field generator corps.  Or a plumbing corp to fix the water supply.  Or auxillary fire departments and paramedics.  Or field hospitals.  Or field kitchens.  Trained.  Drilled.  Ready to act.  Whatever this costs, it would certainly be worth it.

Here's my inspiration for a FEMA reserve. After Andrew, I remember standing in my backyard crying as the Jolly Green Giants came overhead.  After Charlie, an oak with about a 15 foot diameter dropped and closed our street.  Within two hours of daylight, everyone in our neighborhood  came out with hand saws and cut our way out.  Americans will do this.  They just need some leadership.  I survived Charlie about 800 yards from that picture, by the way.