The interim director of emergency management for Jacksonville says first coast residents should be thinking about recovery plans in case of natural disaster.
The city is conducting hurricane drills this week. Capt. Billy Estep says it's about improving efficiency, especially for first-responders in a case of severe weather or any big emergency. He says residents, now more than ever should be coming up with emergency plans and recovery. Estep says as the city gears up just ahead of hurricane season, residents too, should begin to consider their preparedness plans.
"Our world today since 9/11, the emphasis of preparedness is not just for hurricanes and it's not just for tornados but unfortunately its for the all-hazards approach."
Estep says residents should be thinking of these plans. He says, "The folks in Oklahoma today are going through that period of recovery." He also notes that beyond initial recovery what's also challenging is emotionally coping after natural disaster strikes. He urges residents, "We want them to know the process they need to go through in order to efficiently recover from that disaster."