May 12, 2008 1:31 pm US/Eastern
Hurricane Center Boss: Forecast Accuracy Is Urgent
Emergency Managers Fear Floridians Have Grown Apathetic
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
National Hurricane Center Director Bill Read says the rapid pace of coastal development in storm-prone areas means forecast accuracy must take on new urgency.
"For most of our coastline, the reality is that the time needed to make decisions is going to increase because there's just so many more people that have to take actions," Bill Read said in an interview at the start of the 22nd Annual Governor's Hurricane Conference. "It is critically important that we make improvements."
He says forecasters get better each year at narrowing predicted impact zones, but communities need to be wary of where and how they're developing.
Read said rapid coastal growth has put pressure on communities
to develop more shelter options. Those who shelter locally could more easily return home if the storm were to change direction, leaving less work for emergency managers and freeing up the roads for first-responders.
"It would be a much more efficient way to do it," Read said.
Read purchased his Florida home outside the storm surge zone, something he calls "a personal responsibility issue."
A recent government study showed that 53 percent of coastal development from 1996 to 2001 occurred along shores between Texas and North Carolina, areas most prone to hurricanes.
Read made his comments Monday in Fort Lauderdale at the 2008 Governor's Hurricane Conference. Read, along with Governor Charlie Crist and emergency officials from around the state are taking part in the conference this week in preparation for the 2008 Atlantic Hurricane season which begins in about 3 weeks.
Since no major storms have threatened the state in the last two years, emergency management officials meeting at the Broward County Convention Center this week worry that Floridians have become apathetic about preparing for a Hurricane season and may not be willing to evacuate if the order is given. "Maintaining the Vigil While Preparing for the Inevitable" was chosen as this year's theme.
Governor Crist is scheduled to give the keynote address at the conference on Wednesday.
Hurricane season begins June first and ends November 30th.
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