Katherine J Howington, CFM, ANFI’s Post

In just seven years, the number of disasters FEMA responded to surged from 30 in 2016 to a staggering 71 in 2023. As hurricane seasons grow more intense, FEMA is stepping up its game to ensure faster responses to impending catastrophes. But it's not all smooth sailing—NOAA predicts an 85% likelihood of an ‘above normal' hurricane season this year, and staffing shortages add an extra layer of complexity to FEMA's critical mission. Check out this great article where they discuss these important subjects.

Did You Know About the Impact of Recent Hurricanes on Florida's Infrastructure❔ In this week's installment, we dive into the recent hurricanes that have shaped Florida's landscape and tested the resilience of its infrastructure. As you all know, hurricanes can severely affect infrastructure and disrupt our daily lives - and with events like these happening right now, it's more important than ever to reflect on past storms and their impact. These storms wreak havoc and highlight the importance of disaster preparedness and coordinated response efforts. Hurricane Ian (2022) Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 storm, caused widespread devastation in Florida, leading to significant infrastructure damage and prolonged power outages. However, the impact was somewhat mitigated - all thanks to proactive disaster preparedness measures - like the pre-storm positioning of federal resources and a rapid response by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The resilience demonstrated during this crisis showcased the effectiveness of thorough planning and quick action. Hurricane Milton (2024) Fast forward to Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm that struck Florida’s Gulf Coast. While it brought high winds and heavy rains, Milton also exposed gaps in emergency response systems. The state’s emergency preparedness efforts, including the declaration of states of emergency and the deployment of crucial resources, played a vital role in managing the situation. This event emphasized the need for continuous improvement in response strategies. Hurricane Helene (2024) Most recently, Hurricane Helene, another Category 4 hurricane, caused severe damage across Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. The coordinated efforts of federal and state agencies, including FEMA and the National Guard, were instrumental in providing aid and supporting recovery efforts. This disaster illustrated how collaboration can make a significant difference in response and recovery. These instances highlight the ongoing need for robust disaster preparedness and the effectiveness of coordinated response efforts in reducing the impact of such catastrophic events. As we reflect on these hurricanes, it's clear that learning from past experiences is crucial for improving future readiness. #DidYouKnow #WeeklySeries #AssetIntel #DisasterPreparedness #emergencyX #HurricaneResilience #InfrastructureRecovery #EmergencyResponse #HurricaneImpact #FEMAEfforts #FloridaStorms #CrisisManagement #CommunityRecovery #StormResponse #InfrastructureSafety #NaturalDisasterPlanning

🌪️ Preparedness in the Face of Hurricane Francine: A Call to Action 🌪️ As Hurricane Francine makes its way through Texas, the impact on power infrastructure and the ensuing outages highlight the critical importance of preparedness. The recent Texas Tribune article sheds light on the challenges faced and the measures being taken to address them. 🔑 Key Insights on Hurricane Preparedness: Advance Planning: Effective preparedness starts with detailed planning. Understanding the potential impact on power and infrastructure allows communities to develop robust contingency plans and allocate resources efficiently. Power Backup Solutions: The extensive power outages caused by Hurricane Francine underscore the need for reliable backup power solutions. Investing in generators and exploring alternative energy sources can provide essential support during extended outages. Community Readiness: Building community resilience through preparedness initiatives is vital. Educating residents on emergency procedures, establishing local support networks, and conducting preparedness drills can significantly enhance collective readiness. Infrastructure Upgrades: Strengthening critical infrastructure, such as power grids, helps mitigate the effects of severe weather. Long-term investments in infrastructure resilience can reduce the severity and duration of disruptions. Communication and Coordination: Effective communication with the public and coordination among various agencies are key to managing emergency situations. Providing clear and timely updates helps keep everyone informed and supports smoother recovery efforts. The challenges posed by Hurricane Francine remind us of the importance of being proactive and prepared. Let’s use this as an opportunity to reinforce our preparedness strategies and ensure we’re ready for any future events. Stay safe and stay prepared! #HurricanePreparedness #EmergencyPlanning #InfrastructureResilience #PowerOutages #CommunityReadiness #HurricaneFrancine #DisastersExpoUSA #DisasterManagement #PreparedandAware https://lnkd.in/eGVUx4hZ

The first time I saw the effects of a hurricane in person was in New Orleans in 2005. I was there as part of the team covering the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina for NPR. It is impossible to fully convey the magnitude and complexity these kinds of events. I think of that every time a new storm hits — while reading stories of the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene, and the catastrophic warnings as Hurricane Milton approaches. Each individual story is important, but also part of the bigger picture that feels overwhelming. Effective leadership in times of crisis is hugely important. And here’s the thing — it is a skill that can be learned. That is why I often want to hand people a copy of Ed Conley's book, Promote the Dog Sitter (amzn.to/4dI9N6J). It’s a how-to for leading during disasters, based on Ed’s experience responding to events all over the world. If you’ve paid attention to the news at all over the past several decades, you’ve seen the effects of his work. The book is full of interesting stories — far too many to list here — but also practical advice. Literally, what to do when there is a crisis and you want to help. I didn’t know it at the time, but I saw Ed’s approach in action when I covered Hurricane Katrina and talked with members of his FEMA team. Since leaving journalism I’ve been lucky enough to work with a lot of people who worked with Ed, and I’ve learned so much from them. These leadership and communication skills are needed all the time. Not just when a hurricane hits. So even if you don’t think you do disaster response, I suggest you reconsider. It might not be a major disaster, but what feels unstable in your community right now? What is changing, whether people like it or not? If you want to help — and would like some guidance on how to do that — this is a great place to start.

As Hurricane Milton rapidly intensifies into a Category 5 storm, Florida faces yet another major threat. With life-threatening storm surges, damaging winds, and widespread flooding expected, emergency responders are working around the clock to protect communities. Our latest blog breaks down the storm’s path, its potential impact, and how Juvare’s tools like #CrisisTrack and #WebEOC will support recovery efforts. Full Blog 👇 https://lnkd.in/gEHvf-k7 #HurricaneMilton #Juvare

As Hurricane Milton rapidly intensifies into a Category 5 storm, Florida faces yet another major threat. With life-threatening storm surges, damaging winds, and widespread flooding expected, emergency responders are working around the clock to protect communities. Our latest blog breaks down the storm’s path, its potential impact, and how Juvare’s tools like #CrisisTrack and #WebEOC will support recovery efforts. Full Blog 👇 https://lnkd.in/gC3SR-rm #HurricaneMilton #Juvare

September is National Preparedness Month. As we enter the peak of hurricane season in Georgia, it's time to have important conversations about readiness and take steps to prepare our homes and businesses for the worst. #HurricaneSeason #DisasterPreparedness #ATLDisasterRecovery

What happens if you fail to conduct or take seriously readiness testing? Hurricane Pam is a prime example of what can and does happen if proactive resiliency testing isn't taken seriously. In July of 2004, the Federal Emergency Management Agency facilitated a readiness exercise named Hurricane Pam, a disaster simulation exercise in which a fictional, Category 3 - with risks of a Category 4 - hurricane named Pam would descend upon New Orleans. During this week-long exercise, emergency officials from across over 50 parish, state, federal, and volunteer organizations faced this scenario, hosted at the Louisiana State Emergency Operations Center. The purpose of the simulation was to help officials and representatives develop joint response plans for a catastrophic hurricane. Although many found the exercise helpful in executing a better response to the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina, the exercise also showcased lessons learned that failed to be implemented, nor did it anticipate certain vulnerabilities that Katrina exposed. In August of 2005, just one year following the Hurricane Pam simulation, Hurricane Katrina made landfall, causing complete and utter devastation to the greater New Orleans area. Creating an emergency plan can take upwards of months, or even years depending on various factors or criteria, which is why it is crucial to continuously think about prevention and mitigation of risk. Speaking from experience, it is FAR better to plan for risk proactively, rather than be forced to respond to it reactively. Dealing with threats, risks, or problems after they've already occurred can have devastating consequences, from loss of life, to explosive financial losses, to substantial long-term or permanent industry impacts, and more. #riskmanagement #businesscontinuity #lessonslearned

Do you have a hurricane preparedness plan? It's crucial to establish an evacuation strategy to ensure workers can safely reach shelter in the event of a hurricane potentially impacting the area. Continue reading for additional tips on hurricane preparedness and response via U.S. Department of Labor #HurricanePreparedness #WorkerSafety #WorkplaceSafety https://bit.ly/4daaBkX

🌪️ Hurricane Beryl: The Need for Resilient Logistics Systems 🌪️ In light of Hurricane Beryl making landfall in Texas on July 8, 2024, bringing severe winds, flooding, and power outages, the American Logistics Aid Network (#ALAN) has once again shown the crucial role logistics plays in disaster response. ALAN swiftly mobilized its network to coordinate with non-profit and business partners, addressing the immediate needs of affected communities. At #GINFON GROUP, we are deeply committed to supporting efforts like ALAN’s and believe in the importance of building resilient logistics systems that can quickly adapt to and recover from natural disasters. Our advanced #logistics technologies and innovative solutions are designed to ensure high efficiency and reliability, even in the most challenging circumstances. As we witness the impacts of such events, it is clear that robust, flexible logistics systems are essential for timely and effective disaster response. We stand ready to contribute our expertise and resources to aid in these efforts, ensuring that communities receive the support they need swiftly. We hope for a future where logistics systems are ever more resilient and capable of rapid response, minimizing the impacts of natural disasters on communities. #DisasterResponse #Hurricane #Logistics #SupplyChain #Resilience #Innovation #FutureOfLogistics #HumanitarianAid 👁️Read more：https://lnkd.in/gdPpfZt6