The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. While Rhode Island hasn’t had a direct hit since 1991, the state has been affected by the remnants of several hurricanes in recent decades. Morning host Luis Hernandez spoke with Mark Pappas, director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, about how his agency prepares for hurricane season, whether federal cuts to NOAA will affect our response, and what residents should know.
Interview highlights
On whether Rhode Islanders should be concerned about NOAA’s prediction of an above-average hurricane season
Marc Pappas: We really don’t put too much stock into the hurricane season outlook. It comes out every single year, and last year was predicted to be well above normal. This year is above normal, but truthfully, we always prepare for worst case. So no matter if it’s below average, above average, or average, it only takes one storm to impact Rhode Island, or remnants of a storm, truthfully, to have a big impact on this small state. So we prepare well in advance and always prepare for impact by a tropical storm system.
On recent upgrades to the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier
Pappas: They just did a refurb of a lot of the mechanisms that open and close the gates. Some of them were in a little bit of disrepair but that was all fixed. I think there’s just a little bit left to go, but we’re assured that if they need to close the gates, they could do so at any time. It’s perfectly functional.
On how changes at FEMA could impact hurricane response in Rhode Island
Pappas: Truthfully, we don’t see a lot [of changes]. I think on the backend, on recovery, they’re not going to have folks going door-to-door. So we’re planning here at EMA to work in volunteer organizations like the Rhode Island chapter of the Red Cross, who are amazing at what they do. They also staff all of our regional shelters when we have to put folks in there during and after a storm for a while. So we’re preparing to plus-up in the event FEMA can’t do some of those things on the backend, like recovery operations, just in case we need to do more. We’re factoring that into our hurricane prep this year.
On how cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration could impact hurricane preparedness
Pappas: I don’t know NOAA [in its] entirety, but I know for sure that the hurricane center is staffed well. … I don’t anticipate any real issues in hurricane prediction, especially if one starts to move towards the United States. I think they’ve got that down as any kind of storm is heading this way.
On what Rhode Islanders should do now to be ready for a hurricane
Pappas: You have to talk it through with your family and create a plan. … We always advise that that plan contains pet actions. So if you have pets to take care of, be sure that all the pets are safe. Check on your neighbors, check on the elderly, anybody who may need assistance to get out if they need to get out. That’s part of the prep involved.
Safety starts now. We want people to turn on their phone alerts because if you don’t do that, you won’t get wireless emergency alerts. … So if we say to evacuate it’s a big deal. Better to be safe than sorry.
Click here for information and resources on preparedness for hurricanes, floods, and more.
