Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Waffle House Index
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Feb 19, 2025 Discover the unique Waffle House Index, a quirky measure of disaster response based on the restaurant's status during emergencies. Learn how this beloved chain keeps its doors open with backup generators and limited menus, serving communities and first responders alike. Enjoy nostalgic tales as hosts reminisce about favorite hash brown creations and their evolving dining experiences. The blend of food culture and crisis management paints a vivid picture of resilience in the face of challenges.
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Waffle House and Hurricane Katrina
- Waffle House's disaster preparedness started after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
- Seven restaurants were destroyed, and 100 were shut down, but they reopened quickly.
Origin of the Waffle House Index
- Craig Fugate, former FEMA administrator, created the Waffle House Index.
- He observed Waffle House's ability to stay open during disasters and saw its potential as an indicator of disaster severity.
Waffle House Index Color Codes
- The Waffle House Index uses a color-coded system.
- Green signifies normal operations, yellow indicates a limited menu, and red means the Waffle House is closed, suggesting severe impact.