“Our power is restored!”
Cheers echoed everywhere as the lights flickered back to life in homes across Maine. It signaled the restoration of power for thousands who endured the storm on Dec. 18.
And although utility workers “restored” electricity, a sense of powerlessness lingers among many. It’s a stark reminder that, though we can’t control Mother Nature, Maine weathered the storm with a glaring lack of preparedness. While meteorologists issued warnings about the impending storm, government officials failed to alert citizens, compounding the challenges for all confronted by this weather event.
Did the forecasts indicate the actual severity and danger it presented? Yes. But after the storm, Gov. Mills said otherwise, claiming the predictions were off: “The National Weather Service did not predict 5 or 6 inches of rain in any community in Maine.”
In response to Mills’ comments, the NWS response emphasized that it not only forecasted the “potential for rainfalls of 4-6 inches” and “localized areas receiving higher amounts,” but also initiated communication with government officials Friday before the storm, issuing the first flood and high wind watches on Saturday afternoon: “The National Weather Service and our public safety partners in emergency management and broadcast media urged communities to prepare in advance for the hazards that were likely to occur on Monday, December 18. NWS forecasters informed local and state officials in the days leading up to the storm through daily email briefing packages, direct phone conversations, and virtual city and statewide briefings.”
Meteorologists across Maine concurred. Many had issued warnings in their reports leading up to the storm. Local weather forecaster Mike Haggett warned his readers Friday night, advising they’d “be wise to prepare for power outages and wind damage,” and noted the “potential for flooding in most areas.” By Saturday, Haggett was more direct, “Prepare to lose power and… potentially to clean up a mess.”
While experts accurately predicted the storm, Mainers found themselves unprepared, with their cupboards devoid of shelf-stable food, flashlights with half-drained batteries, and many without gas in their cars, let alone fuel for their generators.
It’s not that the state hasn’t responded in the aftermath. Gov. Mills appropriately declared a state of civil emergency, initiated online resources for those hit hard, and surveyed the damages. However, the response must also evaluate measures that should have been taken to help Mainers prepare. In this case, transparency and communication could have significantly enhanced the overall response.
Severe weather threats in winter is hardly breaking news in Maine. Telling Mainers to brace for a winter storm is akin to reminding a fish about the existence of water. However, cautioning Mainers about December rainstorms with hurricane-like winds in temperatures hovering at 50 degrees feels more like a setup for a punchline than a weather advisory. It makes sense; no one wanted to be accused of “crying wolf.” But it’s far worse when they get it right and we dismiss their warnings.
This storm laid clear the need for advance weather warnings. Such warnings empower citizens to secure their safety and that of their loved ones proactively. How many of us were worried when the power went out at pharmacies? Did we have enough of our prescriptions filled? For individuals relying on electricity for medical needs, such as refrigerating medications or charging essential equipment, warnings enable the creation of effective action plans. Beyond personal concerns, warnings also play a crucial role in safeguarding properties and fostering community resilience by allowing communities to collectively respond.
In turn, a prepared populace, equipped with contingency plans, contributes significantly to economic stability. Swift implementation of these plans ensures a faster recovery preserving the functioning of local economies. Remember, businesses, like grocery stores and gas stations prepare in ways that are vital during and after storms. Lastly, in extreme weather events, advance warning is paramount to reduce the loss of life. Timely alerts facilitate the establishment of emergency shelters, orderly evacuations (schools should never be inaccessible to buses), and effectively decrease the likelihood of casualties.
Gov. Mills recently told Mainers, “I am reminded that we are never asked to carry more than we are able. I know that, in Maine, that burden feels heavy now — but it is not more than we can carry.”
I disagree. Mother Nature is fierce but doesn’t “give” as if those spared are more deserving than others. Some Mainers have undeniably been handed more than they can handle.
To truly lessen this burden, how about a commitment to do better in the future? The state must acknowledge its role in promoting public safety by ensuring timely, efficient, and reliable dissemination of weather-related warnings.
While our “unshakeable spirit and strength” are commendable, empowering our communities to face the challenges posed by an increasingly unpredictable climate is more important. Only then will our power truly be restored.
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