Builders and Communities Prep for Hurricane Season

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts 17 to 25 named storms this hurricane season, which began on June 1 and continues until Nov. 30. In response, home builders associations (HBAs) are educating members on how to prepare for the upcoming storm season. In addition, industry members are reaching out to the community to empower residents with reliable disaster preparedness and response information.

Storm Prep 2024

The HBA of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO) held Storm Prep 2024 on May 31 at the offices of the HBA. The inaugural event featured speakers, interactive demonstrations, and resources for the greater New Orleans community. The expo’s goal was to educate the public about hurricane preparedness and response.

The free event included information for the community about evacuation routes, emergency communication strategies, and how to create a disaster preparedness kit. Attendees met with members of HBAGNO who can assist residents before and after the storm, from wind mitigation to tree removal.

HBAGNO invited governmental organizations to participate in the event including fire, police, the sheriff’s office and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness. In addition, experts were available to discuss the permitting process and best practices for filing insurance claims.

Several local television media outlets interviewed Shivers Nellon, president of HBAGNO, and Dan Mills, HBAGNO’s executive officer. Nellon and Mills spoke directly to members of the community about the importance of finding local licensed and insured local contractors.

Hurricane Readiness Summit 2024

The Gold Coast BA (West Palm Beach, Fla.) held its third annual Hurricane Readiness Summit in Boyton Beach, Fla., on May 29. The event brought together builders, contractors and suppliers from around the south region of the state to discuss the upcoming hurricane season and how they can prepare. The event featured a panel of speakers, including a representative from FEMA’s National Emergency Business Operations Center, a local insurance expert, and Jonathan Falk, NAHB’s director of disaster operations.

Additionally in support of the summit, to further assist builders and contractors preparing for hurricane season, the Gold Coast BA recorded a podcast featuring a speaker from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to discuss this season’s forecasts and some upcoming updates to the NHC’s hurricane model.

Visit NAHB’s disaster resources page to access hazard preparedness and response information.