The Importance of the Hurricane Local Statement
posted by Mark Sudduth in informational resourcesWhen a hurricane threatens, local information will be the best information. But will you know where to find it?….
In my 12 years of working with the public concerning hurricane preparedness, one issue that comes up again and again is concerning local information when a hurricane threatens. Too often, we rely on national news media outlets for “breaking news” which seems to occur on a daily basis these days. Even the text crawls at the bottom of the cable news channels are chocked full of tid-bits of information or data. Therein lies the problem: none of this information is likely sent by local officials to these news channels. Sound bytes and quotes about an impending hurricane event are not sufficient when dealing with a hurricane threat.
Max Mayfield, former National Hurricane Center director, participated in several hurricane preparedness interviews while I was working with local governments over the years. He always stressed the importance of listening to the advice of local officials. But where can this advice be found? Oftentimes it is noted in what is called the “Hurricane Local Statement” (HLS) from your nearest National Weather Service office.
These are the men and women who take on the hurricane along the front lines in your community. Their office works closely with local emergency management officials to gather and disseminate information and data that is relevant to the local communities threatened by the hurricane. Evacuation orders, effects from the hurricane, storm tide information, rain fall predictions, tornado threats and other local considerations are discussed in fairly detailed, easy to understand language within the HLS. In fact, the local Weather Forecast Office in your area is the best source of information when you are looking for what impacts a given hurricane will have on your area. Since no two hurricanes are alike, they do not issue blanket statements but rather up to date and constantly revised information that can help you to better understand the nature of the threat headed your way.
I always make it a point to mention the HLS when there is a threat of a landfalling tropical storm or hurricane. The National Hurricane Center links to these statements within their advisory package page. It is easy to access and should be a tool that is part of your hurricane plan. Knowledge truly is power and in this case, the power that you are up against is far more overwhelming than most people can ever imagine. Arm yourself with the best local information that you can. When a hurricane or tropical storm threatens your community, look for the HLS via the National Hurricane Center’s web site or by visiting weather.gov and inputting your zip code. HurricaneTrack will also have links to these important statements throughout the duration of any hurricane landfall event. It’s critical information that you have paid for through your taxes. Use it and be in the know!
Tags: HLS, hurricane forecast, hurricane local statement, local hurricane information, National Weather Service
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This is all fine and dandy for Internet users…but what about the general public that doesn’t have internet ?
Why do you think you can drive around Florida during a hurricane
and see windows with masking tape all over them.
Because the State Officials do a piss poor job at educating the public about Hurricane Preparedness.
When it comes down to it.. Hurricanes ..Hurricane Season
is just a big money making business.
Everyone’s looking to make money during Hurricane Season
Like that one site Flash.org .. those little Hurricane Preparedness
posted on August 11th, 2008 at 10:46 pm - #48cards they have…they should be in the hands of the public..but they aren’t.
We just hope that those without Internet access have a radio (or perhaps television) where that important information is communicated through. The challenge is making sure broadcasters get that information AND are educated themselves on how to properly relay that to the public.
posted on August 12th, 2008 at 11:34 am - #49There are countless hurricane preparedness expos, seminars, town hall meetings, online events, TV specials and more that serve to educate the public about hurricanes. I have been invovled with many of these for the past 12 years and have seen events with 3 people showing up. They are publicized and advertised in various media outlets. But until a hurricane comes calling, the public in general is not interested in hurricanes. Talk about them too much, and it’s hype. Too little, and people feel they were not informed. Believe me when I say that the resources for educating the public are there. If people move to a state within a hurricane prone area, they should take the personal responsibility to learn as much as they can and seek out when and where these local preparedness events are being held.
As for people making money- yes they do. Just like people make money manufacturing fire hydrants, ambulances and weapons of war. We don’t want to have to use such items but are sure glad they are there when the time comes.
posted on August 22nd, 2008 at 3:18 pm - #56