Communicating hurricane risk in Eastern Canada: Enhancing the communication lines between the Canadian Hurricane Centre, municipalities and insurers By Paul Kovacs, Sophie Guilbault and Brian Pentz ICLR research paper series – number 58
August 2017
Abstract
Hurricanes represent a critical challenge for Emergency Management Organizations (EMOs) in Atlantic Canada. These storms, while possessing similar baseline characteristics and identifying features, invariably possess a degree of distinctiveness and novelty, which translate into unique challenges for emergency managers and their organizations. Effective response to such events requires highly developed institutions that provide the structural basis and support for emergency managers, while having the flexibility and adaptability to ensure personnel are capable of executing optimal decisions in less than optimal situations.
The dynamic nature of systems within their jurisdiction requires EMOs to continually assess and refine their approaches, methods and strategies. The link between climate change, hurricanes, and public and private loss furthers this imperative in the Atlantic region.
This report sets out to strengthen these institutions and heighten their ability to respond to the impacts and consequences of climate change by reviewing the communication strategies employed by EMOs. Although the existing communication systems and strategies are comprehensive, refining them will increasingly allow for EMOs to mitigate impacts and loss associated with severe hurricanes.