Lessons learned from Hurricane Irma.

Abstract

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Emergency Managers looked at the challenges faced during the storm and found areas for improvement. Some of those challenges included evacuation procedures, staffing at the Emergency Operations Centers, slow debris removal times, and prolonged power outages. This research considers various counties impacted directly and indirectly by Hurricane Irma. The After-Action Reports of several counties have been summarized, including not only the problems, but recommendations for improving or preventing those problems from occurring again. The lessons learned from Hurricane Irma could lessen the impact of future storms, not only for those who dealt with Irma, but for all communities that can face high impact natural disasters.