Hurricane Season in a PSAP

Preparing for Hurricane Season as a 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator

Hurricane season is June 1-November 30th and is a critical time for 911 public safety telecommunicators (PSTs), who are the lifeline for communities during emergencies. Preparing yourself and your Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for the challenges of severe weather can make all the difference in saving lives and maintaining operational efficiency. Here are essential steps to ensure readiness for the stormy months ahead.

Personal Preparation for PSTs

1. Develop a Personal Emergency Plan

   • Ensure your family and home are secure. Create an emergency kit with essential items like food, water, medications, and important documents.

   • Know your evacuation zone and have a plan in place if evacuation becomes necessary.

2. Communicate with Your Loved Ones

   • Inform your family about your work schedule and the importance of your role during hurricanes.

   • Establish check-in procedures to maintain contact during the storm.

3. Pack a Go-Bag for Work

   • Include items like spare clothing, toiletries, snacks, medications, and any personal comfort items to sustain you during extended shifts.

4. Practice Self-Care

   • The stress of hurricane response can be intense. Prioritize rest, stay hydrated, and use downtime to recharge mentally and physically.

Preparing Your PSAP

1. Evaluate Facility Readiness

   • Inspect your building’s backup power systems, including generators, UPS systems, and fuel supplies.

   • Confirm that all equipment, such as radios, CAD systems, and telephony infrastructure, is storm-ready.

2. Update Emergency Contact Lists

   • Ensure that all staff have current contact information for team members, emergency management partners, and utility companies.

   • Maintain a directory of resources like shelter locations and evacuation routes for callers.

3. Stock Supplies

   • Have ample food, water, and hygiene products to support staff during extended operations.

   • Ensure office supplies like batteries, flashlights, and paper logs are available.

4. Review Operational Plans

   • Conduct training and drills on hurricane-specific protocols.

   • Review mutual aid agreements with neighboring PSAPs to ensure continuity of operations if your center is compromised.

5. Establish Staffing Plans

   • Schedule extra shifts and secure relief staff ahead of time.

   • Plan for accommodations for staff who may need to sleep on-site during the storm.

6. Communicate with the Team

   • Keep staff informed about the storm’s progression and what to expect during response and recovery phases.

   • Emphasize the importance of teamwork and supporting each other through challenging conditions.

During the Storm

1. Stay Calm and Focused

   • Anticipate a high volume of calls and prioritize life-threatening emergencies.

   • Use clear, calm communication to provide accurate information to callers and responders.

2. Utilize Redundant Systems

   • Leverage backup communication tools in case of primary system failures.

   • Keep logs of any system outages or workarounds used.

3. Ensure Staff Safety and Well-Being

   • Monitor the health and morale of your team.

   • Rotate breaks to avoid burnout during peak response times.

Post-Storm Recovery

1. Conduct After-Action Reviews

   • Assess the effectiveness of your preparation and response efforts.

   • Identify areas for improvement and update your PSAP’s hurricane plan accordingly.

2. Support Your Team

   • Provide resources for mental health and stress management.

   • Recognize your team for the hard work they put in during this stressful event

3. Restore Normal Operations

   • Inspect and repair any damage to facilities or equipment.

   • Communicate with public safety agencies to resume standard protocols.

Hurricane Season Success in the PSAP comes from being prepared.

Tell us how your center is preparing for this year's hurricane season below!