Hurricane Season 2025: What Cities and Towns Can Do to Prepare Beyond the Basics

Reassess Your Local Emergency Plans
Many Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) haven't been stress-tested since COVID or the last major storm. Now is a good time to:

• Update contacts for all department leads and emergency personnel.
• Ensure that primary and backup personnel are clearly assigned—and trained—for roles such as shelter operations, debris management, and emergency communications.
• Conduct a brief tabletop exercise with key municipal staff using a realistic hurricane scenario.

Strengthen Communication with Residents
During a storm, people turn to local government for trusted information. Now is the time to:

• Pre-load your CodeRED, Everbridge, or other alerting system with current contact info.
• Schedule a review with your communications team to ensure readiness for:
  • Text/email alerts
  • Website banners
  • Social media templates (in multiple languages if applicable)
  • Develop plain-language messages for common storm impacts (flooding, power outages, road closures)

Coordinate With Local Housing and Vulnerable Populations
Housing authorities, elder services, and nonprofit housing providers are often key partners in storm response—but they may not have formal emergency roles. Host a coordination call or meeting with housing managers and group home operators to:

• Share sheltering and evacuation plans
• Clarify who’s checking on residents before/after storms
• Confirm communication channels
• Ask local Boards of Health and Human Services to help identify and check in on residents who may need extra assistance, such as those with medical equipment, limited mobility, or limited English proficiency.

Review and Rehearse Municipal Infrastructure Response
Storms often test the capacity of your DPW, water/sewer, and facilities departments. Get ahead of potential issues by:

• Clearing storm drains, catch basins, and known flood-prone areas
• Reviewing backup power coverage for water pumps, traffic lights, and shelters
• Updating fuel supply plans and mutual aid contacts
• Also, confirm that your emergency shelter(s) have:
  • Backup power
  • Cots/supplies (or a plan to get them)
  • Staff trained to operate them
    

Consider Recovery and Debris Planning Now
Recovery starts before the storm hits. FEMA reimbursement requires good documentation and planning. Towns and cities should:

• Identify debris staging sites in advance
• Pre-arrange or update contracts for tree removal, debris hauling, and emergency repairs
• Review the FEMA Public Assistance Guide with your finance and public works teams

Final Reminders for Municipal Leaders
This year’s hurricane season is forecasted to be more active than normal—and early preparation by cities and towns will make a measurable difference in how communities weather the storm.

• Don’t wait for a watch or warning—engage departments, align partners, and communicate early.
• Share MEMA’s hurricane preparedness resources but localize your planning and outreach.
• Focus on coordination and clarity—who’s doing what, when, and how you’ll reach people.

If your municipality has specific needs or would like support with any of the preparedness steps listed above—or other hurricane planning efforts—please contact:

Elizabeth Robert
Emergency Preparedness Manager
[email protected]

MAPC is available to assist with local emergency planning, training, coordination, and resilience-building efforts across the region.

Access MEMA’s full 2025 Hurricane Season Preparedness Guidance

Let’s prepare now—so that when the next storm comes, your community is ready to respond, recover, and protect your residents.