Preparing for the Storm: Essential Tools and Solutions for Hurricane Response

In 2023, a total of 20 named storms occurred, including seven hurricanes, three of which intensified to major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher). This made the 2023 season the fourth-most active on record, tied with 1993. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-normal hurricane season. NOAA forecasts 17 to 25 named storms in 2024, with 8 to 13 expected to become hurricanes, and 4 to 7 likely to develop into major hurricanes. With above-normal activity anticipated, what preparations and responses are in place to combat nature’s wrath?

We all know the drill when a hurricane approaches: board up the windows, stock up on food, and evacuate. “Batten down the hatches,” as the saying goes. This is sound advice and should be taken seriously. But once the hurricane passes, what remains? When a hurricane strikes, the devastation can be overwhelming.

Hurricanes like Michael, Matthew, and Katrina have highlighted the critical need for reliable shelters, effective warning systems, and robust rescue operations. Leading disaster relief organizations, such as the Red Cross, FEMA, and the Coast Guard, utilize a wide range of essential tools to protect lives and property. These include emergency shelters, essential medical supplies, advanced warning systems, and life-saving rescue equipment.

During Hurricane Michael, FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue Teams (USAR), the U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, state responders, and volunteers carried out numerous life-saving operations. These efforts included 110 evacuations and over 15,000 shelter-in-place checks. Similarly, the American Red Cross provided over 48,000 overnight stays in shelters. These organizations depend on shelter solutions like the E-Z Up Utility Shelter System, Deployed Logix ASAP Shelters, and FORTS Emergency Shelters to house those unable to return home or whose homes were severely damaged.

While shelters remain a top priority for those outside the “strike zone,” the priorities within the affected area are entirely different. Swift Water Rescue Teams, equipped with dry suits and search and rescue helmets, begin surveying the flooded areas by walking or using water rescue boats to search for those who have become stranded due to rising water.

In 2018, Hurricane Florence inundated New Bern, NC, with reports of water reaching up to 4 feet inside homes. More than 400 people were reportedly rescued from the rising waters, as boats from the harbor were scattered across the streets of downtown New Bern. This, along with other debris, posed severe threats not only to those stranded but also to the rescue teams, especially at night. Rescue workers, equipped with solutions like Team Wendy Exfil SAR Helmets and Princeton Tec Headlamps, navigated the darkened town, but how can people know they are coming to assist those stranded?

Long-range acoustic devices, such as the Genasys LRAD 100X and LRAD 360 XL, have the capability to be heard from miles away. These tools are invaluable in hurricane response efforts, as they can broadcast clear messages to those stranded, informing them that rescue teams are on the way. By providing emergency warnings and mass notifications, these devices help reassure those awaiting rescue and ensure that critical information reaches people even in areas with power outages or damaged communication infrastructure. The ability to communicate over long distances can significantly enhance coordination and efficiency during rescue operations, ultimately saving more lives.

In the face of increasingly active hurricane seasons, as seen in 2023, and the above-normal hurricane activity forecast in 2024, these types of solutions have become a crucial part of emergency preparedness plans and rescue efforts. Not just for hurricanes, but other natural disasters as well. Safeware’s comprehensive range of response and preparedness solutions enable efficient, life-saving operations in even the most challenging conditions.

Contact us today to inquire about your mission critical solutions or download our Hurricane Response Flyer to see just some of the solutions available from Safeware.