Hurricane Season is Upon Us

Hurricane Precautions for Your Public Entity

With summer temperatures soaring, we’re also seeing an increase in other weather conditions. We are rapidly entering storm season, with several tropical storms and hurricanes right around the corner. Local governments will be called upon when storms bear down on communities and the public will rely on your services more than ever this year.  These are difficult times, but Mother Nature will continue to operate with business as usual when it comes to weather, so now is the time to take precautions and prepare.  Here are some tips to consider while preparing for storm season.

Review and Update Your Emergency Preparedness Plan

When was the last time your preparedness plan was reviewed? Was it before the pandemic? With changes made to employment, it might be time to review and revise your plan. Your plan should reflect local public health requirements, as well.

This could include physical changes to your plan, such as:

• Your shelter accommodations
• Additions to your personal protective equipment supply, such as face shield and face mask modifications
• Additional sanitary considerations, such as hand sanitizer stations and hand washing stations 
• Administrative and operational changes, such as having virtual coordination meetings with your staff and vendors
• Check-in with any vendors you may have arrangements with to ensure they can still meet your needs.
• Ensure that your food, water, medications, and supply options are still intact, as deliveries may take longer.

Technology Capabilities

Another primary concern will be the effectiveness of technology (internet and communication) capabilities during your response. 

• Ensure your radio communications are operational and your generators are tested and fueled. 
• Consider that you may need to conduct virtual welfare checks with residents and staff and have systems in place. 
• Ensure you have procedures and communications backed up to a cloud should your primary network go down. 
• It will also be imperative to call upon the public to report any damage and safety concerns to help coordinate resources. 
• Use your social media outlets to request them to do so with specific locations and photos.

Plan Ahead

In addition to the challenges posed by COVID during emergency response, it will still be necessary to plan with all of the standard preparations for storm season, such as tree trimming around buildings, securing loose equipment around your buildings, inspecting your roof, and making repairs as needed.

These are unprecedented times, with new challenges and obstacles, but if you can take the time to plan now before the storm is headed your way, you will be more prepared if it happens.

Have a Checklist Ready

Need some extra help getting ready? Trident Public Risk Solutions has your back. We’ve created a checklist to give you peace of mind for the upcoming storm season.

Download a copy for yourself here.