Is America ready for the next Superstorm Sandy?

When Superstorm Sandy barreled up the eastern seaboard in 2012, the United States was, arguably, unprepared for the level of devastation the historic storm would leave in its wake. 

Direct U.S. deaths from the devastating storm — fatalities attributable to storm surge, rough seas and floods — reached 72, the most for the region since Hurricane Agnes in 1972. Sandy is the second-most-damaging storm in U.S. history, with most estimates placing the cost at more than $65 billion, in addition to $3 billion in other countries. Well over half a million homes were damaged, and 8 million lost power as high winds knocked down trees and electric lines.

One year on, families and communities are still struggling to return to the level of stability and comfort they enjoyed before the storm. With the anniversary of Superstorm Sandy upon us, we're asking Al Jazeera America readers to turn to the future.

Do you think the US is prepared for the next Superstorm Sandy? What can state, local, and federal institutions to address future natural disasters? Tweet your thoughts with the hashtag #AfterSandy and we'll collect the best responses below.