Editor's Letter

Wake Up Call: Hurricane Season Almost Here

“Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy.”
– Max Mayfield, director National Hurricane Center.
Have we learned from last year’s tragedy in New Orleans? It’s hard to imagine we haven’t, but what’s even harder to imagine is the cost of another debacle similar to the response to Hurricane Katrina last September.

Unfortunately, we’re likely to find out soon what, if anything, has been learned. The latest predictions indicate another active hurricane season, which begins in June this year. Considering the devastating experiences of the last two hurricane seasons, I don’t think the need to be prepared for disaster can be overstated. Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 21-27. If you live in a hurricane zone, don’t wait any longer to prepare for the next one.

Hurricane Katrina was a “wake-up call” for disaster responders to have evacuation routes set and emergency plans in place before the start of this year’s storm season, said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff at the annual National Hurricane Conference, held in Orlando, FL last month.

Building on lessons learned, FEMA says it is approaching the 2006 hurricane season with a renewed sense of commitment, improvement and urgency, building on a foundation of experienced professionals and the lessons learned from last year’s unprecedented
disaster response activities.

Though some have criticized it as another layer of bureaucracy, FEMA is implementing
multiple new measures designed to strengthen essential functions so the agency can more effectively respond to all disasters. While states and localities have the lead in emergency response, FEMA says it will be prepared to coordinate the federal government’s supporting role, recognizing the special needs of Gulf Coast states, which will include a need for assistance with evacuation planning, difficulties with manufactured housing, and diminished law enforcement capabilities.

Knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. The first thing to know is if you live in an evacuation area. Hurricane evacuations in Louisiana are expected to be common this year, experts say, exacerbated by the still broken levees and people living in trailers.

The National Hurricane Center urges facility managers and property owners to know their property’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. It recommends having a written plan based on this knowledge. At the beginning of hurricane season, check your supplies, replace batteries and use food stocks on a rotating basis.

If a storm threatens, heed the advice from local authorities. Evacuate if ordered. Whether you operate from a high-rise building or an industrial complex; whether you own, rent or lease your property; whether you are a large or small company, you need not have in-depth knowledge of emergency management. What you need is the authority to create a plan and a commitment to make emergency management part of your corporate culture.

To prepare for a hurricane, take the following measures:
• Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection
for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood,
cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure.
This will reduce roof damage.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat.
• Consider building a safe room.
While the Federal government’s response in New Orleans last year was disappointing, at best, FEMA’s response to the unprecedented Gulf Coast hurricanes was the largest mobilization of emergency response and disaster recovery resources in the history of FEMA — exceeding operational responses to the 2004 Florida hurricanes, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the Great Midwest Floods of 1993.

The 2005 hurricane season tested our nation as never before, and FEMA says it is is committed to increasing its preparedness. Will you do the same?

Thanks and good luck.