National Hurricane Conference Begins in New Orleans, Highlights Emergency Preparedness

The National Hurricane Conference commenced in New Orleans, focusing on strategies to improve preparedness for the upcoming hurricane season. This year, the conference is particularly significant as it marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, prompting discussions on lessons learned and best practices from past disasters. However, the event is notably lacking representation from federal agencies like NOAA and FEMA due to cost-saving measures implemented by the Trump administration, which has raised concerns among disaster preparedness experts. Attendees emphasized the importance of federal input for accurate forecasts and effective storm preparations. Local emergency managers from states impacted by recent disasters shared insights on recovery strategies. Despite the challenges, the conference remains a vital platform for hurricane experts to collaborate on enhancing disaster response and resilience.