Prepared for Anything: A Colleague’s Hurricane Experience in America

Recently, one of our colleagues Tom Haskey, found himself in the path of not one but two hurricanes while on leave in the United States.

During Hurricane Milton, Tom, who was in Florida, experienced torrential rainfall, fierce thunderstorms, and intense winds. Hurricane Milton made landfall over the western coast of the central Florida peninsula on 10th October with maximum sustained winds of 205 km/h, categorising it as a powerful Category 3 hurricane. The storm wreaked havoc across the region, causing 35 fatalities and leaving a trail of destruction that resulted in billions of dollars in damages. The sheer force of the hurricane disrupted daily life, bringing the city to a standstill and highlighting the devastating power of such natural disasters.

At local supermarkets, he encountered long queues and water rationing as residents scrambled to stock up on essentials, following urgent advice from local authorities. A curfew was enforced to ensure public safety, and the atmosphere of urgency was heightened by flood and tornado warnings. The city’s infrastructure struggled under the strain, with widespread power outages leaving many in darkness.

Throughout the ordeal, Tom witnessed the resilience and solidarity displayed by the community. Neighbours supported one another, sharing resources and offering assistance wherever possible. Despite the challenges, the indomitable spirit of Orlando shone through, proving that even in the face of adversity, unity can prevail.

As these powerful storms approached, his phone buzzed with automated warning messages from local authorities. These alerts provided critical information about the storm’s trajectory, safety measures to take, and the locations of nearby shelters. For a visitor in an unfamiliar country, these timely messages were a lifeline, underscoring the importance of having access to accurate and actionable emergency information.

This experience highlights a crucial lesson: wherever you are in the world, it’s essential to assess your risks, understand potential hazards, and have a personal emergency plan in place. As a tourist, you might not be familiar with local threats or emergency procedures, making government-issued alerts and clear communication to visitors even more vital. Including tourists in emergency messaging ensures that everyone can respond appropriately to protect themselves.

Having a personal emergency plan can make all the difference. This plan should include:

Identifying the types of hazards you might face in your destination.
Knowing evacuation routes and shelter locations.
Ensuring your phone is set up to receive local emergency alerts.
Keeping a basic emergency kit with essentials like water, snacks and necessary medications.
Sharing your travel plans and emergency contacts with friends or family.

At RAB, we understand the importance of preparedness. We offer services like Flood Response Plans, Business Continuity Management (BCM) Plans, and comprehensive risk assessments to help businesses and organisations remain resilient in the face of emergencies. Our solutions ensure you’re ready to protect your people, assets, and operations when it matters most.

Preparedness is not just a precaution — it’s a mindset. Let’s take every experience, like our colleague’s, as a reminder to stay informed and prepared, no matter where life takes us. More information is available here on our website, or you can get in touch for an informal discussion on your specific project by email to enquiries@rabconsultants.co.uk or call our head office in Lichfield on 0330 223 6475.