This podcast episode of "Stuff You Should Know" discusses the Waffle House Index, a system used by FEMA to assess the severity of damage in disaster-stricken areas based on the operational status of Waffle House restaurants. The hosts explain how Waffle House's disaster preparedness, including backup generators, limited menus, and "jump teams," makes its restaurants reliable indicators of community impact. They detail Waffle House's proactive approach to remaining open during emergencies, citing examples like a North Carolina location operating during a hurricane. The Waffle House Index uses a color-coded system (green, yellow, red) to represent operational status, with red indicating the most severe damage. The episode concludes with a humorous discussion about personal Waffle House experiences and a recommendation to visit a Waffle House if in the South.
