With Hurricane Irene staring down the North Carolina coast, historically it seems fitting to post up civil defense documents pertaining to hurricanes. First up is the November 1954 NCCD newsletter post-Hurricane Hazel. The state gave a rather frank appraisal of their performance and to say they were ill-prepared is perhaps generous. Not until after Hurricanes Diane, Connie, and Ione hammered the southeastern coast of the state in 1955 did serious civil defense planning take place in North Carolina and an extensive hurricane rehabilitation planning program occur.
The changes are somewhat evident as 14 years later the state was issuing annual hurricane preparedness information with measures for residents to take. This information, while dated, is largely valid today.
Wherever you are today, please pray for the the coastal residents of North Carolina and all along the East Coast. Hopefully Irene will spare my great state, but if not, at least I know the state Emergency Management officials are ready and fully capable of handling the situation with knowledge, skill, and efficiency.
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