After several near hurricane misses, the director of FEMA is worried complacency may be setting in for Floridians.
Two consecutive record-breaking hurricane seasons have passed, leaving the majority of Florida unimpacted, and this may lull people into complacency despite hurricanes in the Gulf intensifying more rapidly.
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National Hurricane Center Director Ken Graham, along with FEMA Director Deanne Criswell, spoke at the annual National Hurricane Conference Wednesday in Orlando, Florida.
Their message intends to bring communities together before the upcoming hurricane season to discuss the future impacts of the storms.
An obvious trend has been stronger storms. Last year’s Category 4 Ida, was an example; along with Laura in 2020, Michael in 2018, and Irma the year prior.
Ida in particular showcases how stronger storms are staying more intense longer. It came ashore in Louisana and maintained Category 4 strength some 4 hours after landfall. In total it stayed a hurricane 16 hours after landfall bringing impacts farther inland than most storms.
Hurricanes also are getting stronger quicker. Most of the recent storms reached winds over 150 mph did so in just 3 days of becoming a tropical storm leaving people little time to prepare. Hurricanes don’t care about your timeline which is why now is the time to prepare.
First-time homeowners, many of who recently relocated to our area, need to know their risk in the area. It is critical to know how to harden your homes and what evacuation routes are possible.
Reaching diverse communities through outreach is critical for groups that are most at risk due to language barriers and economic impediments to preparedness and evacuation travel.
NOAA is hiring more diverse employees to reach these groups including a Spanish speaking public affairs officer who will soon take over the position.
Ever since 2017 more people died from generator carbon monoxide poisoning than storm surge. Rember people can get through the storm, but the dangers persist after the storm strikes.