What happens when a hurricane threatens the coast? As Hurricane Milton approached, bringing with it the potential for significant damage, one organization stood ready to respond: the United States Coast Guard.
Unilever.edu.vn had the opportunity to speak with Admiral Linda Fagan, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, about the organization’s preparations and response to this powerful storm. Her insights highlight the crucial role the Coast Guard plays in safeguarding lives and ensuring the continuity of critical infrastructure during and after natural disasters.
Preparing for the Storm: A Focus on Life Saving
Admiral Fagan emphasized that the Coast Guard’s primary mission during a hurricane is to save lives. This means taking proactive measures to mitigate risk and position resources for rapid response.
Coast Guard helicopter preparing for hurricane response
“The Coast Guard’s primary mission and focus is life-saving,” stated Admiral Fagan. “Ensuring that people don’t lose their lives.”
In the case of Hurricane Milton, this involved strategically relocating personnel, ships, and aircraft out of harm’s way. This pre-positioning ensured they would be ready to deploy as soon as conditions permitted, enabling rapid response to emergencies and minimizing the risk to Coast Guard assets and personnel.
A Coordinated Response: Working with Federal, State, and Local Partners
Admiral Fagan underscored the importance of a coordinated response, highlighting the collaboration between the Coast Guard, FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, and state and local agencies. This collaborative approach ensures a unified effort to protect communities in the path of a storm.
“It’s a great integrated team effort, and we are absolutely ready,” Admiral Fagan stated.
The Coast Guard plays a crucial role in supporting these partner agencies, providing critical resources and expertise. For instance, shallow water boats and teams were pre-positioned to support search and rescue operations, while helicopters and their crews stood ready to respond to emergencies in areas inaccessible by other means.
The Importance of Public Awareness and Heeding Warnings
Admiral Fagan stressed the importance of public awareness and heeding warnings issued by authorities. Evacuation orders are issued to protect lives, and adhering to them is critical to ensuring the safety of individuals and families.
“The best thing that people could do was to have evacuated when there was time to do that,” she said. “I can’t overemphasize how impactful storm surge and moving water is. It can be incredibly devastating, and it’s easy to underestimate just how dangerous the volume of water is that we’re talking about in this storm.”
Coast Guard personnel rescuing people from flooded areas
The Coast Guard maintains a 24/7 watch, ready to respond to distress calls. However, as Admiral Fagan emphasized, the best way to stay safe is to avoid the need for rescue altogether.
Addressing Misinformation During a Crisis
During the interview, Admiral Fagan also addressed the challenges of misinformation, which can hinder response efforts and put lives at risk.
“We are absolutely ready and in position to respond,” Admiral Fagan reassured. “Your Coast Guard is ready and resilient and out there to help you in your time of need.”
Recovering and Rebuilding: The Long Road Ahead
While Hurricane Milton ultimately spared Florida a direct hit, the Coast Guard’s rapid response and coordinated efforts serve as a critical reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the vital role this organization plays in safeguarding lives and communities. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the Coast Guard’s dedication to protecting our nation’s coastlines becomes increasingly crucial.
