Natural disasters come in many forms and cause damage in a variety of ways. Time and again, we have seen cities rebuild and bounce back — this time, with better plans to prevent significant damage.
In some cases, governments will revamp efforts to decrease the impact of future storms. A successful example of an updated continuity of operations plan happened in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
New York hopes to follow suit, but Governor Andrew Cuomo's plan intends to impact many parts of the state. Efforts include repairing over 100 bridges and expanding the Empire State's weather detection system, the Asbury Park Press reported.
"Extreme weather is the new reality," Cuomo said during a press conference. "And we have to deal with it."
Since Cuomo took office three years ago, New York experienced nine "federally declared disasters." Because infrastructure and systems continue to wear down over the years, Cuomo felt it was important to commit $5 billion out of the $17 billion plan to implement back-up power systems and install gas stations along popular highways.
Vice President Joe Biden attended Cuomo's announcement, applauding Cuomo for rebuilding "in a way that you cannot be victimized by a similar storm again, [b]ecause if we don't, then we're wasting money."
Superstorm Sandy challenged New York State in 2012, and the state is still reeling from its effects. Cuomo hopes that by increasing emergency management efforts, residents won't feel as crippled after a natural disaster.
Companies and communities that want to revamp their emergency management efforts can benefit from business continuity consultants. These professionals can devise a plan, as well as table top exercises, which would help affected parties know what to do when a storm does occur.