Hurricane preparedness, response and recovery: Is everybody ready?

Abstract

Nothing strikes a heightened level of awareness among coastal and island communities, emergency managers and critical infrastructure owners like the start of another hurricane season. Even though the season starts at the same time every year — 15th May for the Eastern Pacific region, and 1st June for the Atlantic and Central Pacific regions — too many organisations, agencies and communities are ill-prepared for a hurricane to strike. For emergency management professionals and critical infrastructure owners, however, this is not an option: the communities served by these organisations are counting on them to be prepared. This paper provides a reminder that when it comes to getting ready, there is no time like the present.