Risk Communications

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Risk Communications

February 19, 2022

Following North Louisiana’s 2021 Valentine's Day Winter Storm and Hurricanes Laura, Delta and Ida I reviewed many news reports and social media commentary. I have always been interested in what people were thinking before the storm and what they did to prepare. I read enough to wonder if we as a country need to review how we are communicating all-hazards risk to our population. Some of our people seemed surprised, even shocked their power and drinking water would be disrupted for two weeks following a category 4 hurricane. I made similar observations in North Louisiana in response to the winter storm.

The public's role in preparedness and hazard mitigation is paramount. The more adversity families endure, the bigger the task by local and state government. By reducing the burden on families through mitigation and preparedness, the response and recovery efforts become more manageable. We need to mitigate high-risk areas and educate the population on their risks.

The local and state hazard mitigation plans (HMP) have come a long way since the passage of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. The HMP's do a good job characterizing our hazard history and provide insights into our future conditions.

The population's response to the 2020-2021 hurricanes and winter storm is an indicator we need to review what and how we are communicating to the people on a blue-sky day. It may be helpful for the Louisiana Public Service Commission, Louisiana Department of Insurance, the Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Team, Power Companies and others applicable officials to convene a meeting to discuss and update our communication plans.

The general population and business owners need to understand their environment before the storm.