Chatham County recieves #HurricaneStrong recognition for hurricane preparedness

Sept. 21--Chatham County was honored this week for its hurricane preparedness and designated as the first #HurricaneStrong community in Georgia.

The honor is presented to a community for its commitment to hurricane safety and resilience.The recognition is part of a collaborative program hosted by the Federal Alliance of Safe Homes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and The Weather Channel as a way to streamline the promotional message of hurricane preparedness, said FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson.

"The designation for communities is new this year as an outgrowth of that (partnership)," she said. "What we've learned here today is that it's important to celebrate and recognize the leadership that leads the preparation before the disaster strikes. We don't always talk about the good things, but this here is a case study in best practices... We're going to be holding up Chatham County as a model for other communities across the country."

There are five key areas that a community, and its residents, must demonstrate to qualify for the #HurricaneStrong designation. These areas include personal safety such as knowing evacuation zones; family preparedness by building a disaster kit; financial security, which includes conducting an insurance checkup; damage prevention, such as strengthening one's home; and community service by helping a neighbor.

And earning the title could mean an increase in available resources for Chatham if disaster does strike the area, according to Chapman-Henderson.

"#HurricaneStrong communities are built upon a foundation of leadership, and Chatham County Commissioners have a legacy of putting resilience policies in place," she said. "Timely building code adoption, effective enforcement, and risk-informed floodplain regulations pay dividends now through flood insurance savings for citizens and economic stability for businesses. These same policies will provide benefits in the future, especially during disasters."

Chatham County was honored for it's responses during hurricanes Matthew and Irma.

"Over the past two hurricane seasons, it has become apparent that the Chatham County community is extremely resilient," said Commission Chairman Al Scott. "We are incredibly honored to be the first #HurricaneStrong community in the state of Georgia and I believe that this demonstrates the diligence of our county employees, partners and residents."

Chatham County is the third community in the country to receive the #HurricaneStrong recognition. Previous honorees include Leon County, Fla., and Miami-Dade County, Fla.

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