Cities prepare for chaos after storm

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - For hurricane veteran in Hampton Roads, the calm before the storm isn’t the trouble, it’s the chaos that comes afterwards.

Property damage, flooding, power outages, food and gas shortages are just a few of the problems residents face after a storm, but how are cities planning for the 2012 hurricane season?

Norfolk says they have it covered.

“Always, we always prepare,” James Redick with Norfolk Emergency Management told WAVY.com. “We’re always focusing on that next storm or that next potential event.”

Representatives from Operation Blessing to Dominion Power to law enforcement were on hand at July’s City Manager Hurricane Exercise.

“We had all the partners at the table, we talked about timelines, plans, expectations, capabilities,” Redick added. “We were able to iron out a lot of things and continue to improve.”

It’s become standard procedure here in Hampton Roads.

“They all work with state emergency operations centers to ensure that there is a coordinated response to the storm as it’s coming up the coast and especially after it hits,” Michael Cline with Virginia Emergency Management echoed.

As anyone who has had their life turned upside down after a bout with Mother Nature can say, it’s good to know that the city has your back.

“Restoration of life lines and economic recovery are our priorities after a disaster,” Redick said.