Myths about hurricane preparedness that local governments need to be aware of to properly plan and prepare for hurricane season.
Preparing for Hurricane
Season
Separating fact from fiction
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MYTH #1
Hurricanes only impact coastal areas. THE TRUTH Hurricanes can cause deadly inland flooding, tornadoes, and power outages hundreds of miles from landfall.
THE TAKEAWAY
Inland counties must prepare evacuation, sheltering, and recovery plans, too, not just coastal zones.
MYTH #2
Power and communications restoration plans are someone else’s job. THE TRUTH Utilities and telecoms are not always under local control, and coordination gaps can delay critical services to hospitals, shelters, and EOCs.
THE TAKEAWAY
Include utilities and telecoms in pre-disaster exercises, MOUs, and your ICS structure to streamline restoration post-landfall.
MYTH #3
Our hazard mitigation plan covers everything we need. THE TRUTH Many hazard mitigation plans are outdated or overly generic and don’t reflect current infrastructure vulnerabilities or climate risk.
THE TAKEAWAY
Regularly update your mitigation plans with geospatial risk data, underserved community input, and disaster after-action findings.
MYTH #4
Our staff will be available when the time comes. THE TRUTH In a real event, essential staff may evacuate, be impacted, or burn out quickly, especially in small jurisdictions.
THE TAKEAWAY
Build a depth chart for continuity, cross- train roles, and have access to surge staffing contracts for EOC and field roles.
MYTH #5
Schools and public buildings are always safe shelter options. THE TRUTH Many older schools and facilities don’t meet modern wind or flood codes and may lack backup power, ADA access, or functional kitchens.
THE TAKEAWAY
Conduct pre-season facility assessments and create a shelter retrofit plan for long-term resilience.
Contact our team today for help with your hurricane preparedness plan.
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