During a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical updates to the county's emergency preparedness policies, particularly in light of past disasters like hurricanes and winter storms. A significant focus was placed on the need for personal generators to support citizens, especially those with special health needs who may not evacuate during emergencies.

One official highlighted previous efforts to distribute personal generators through organizations like CATRAC and BBRAC, noting that while resources were unavailable during recent events, there is an ongoing effort to establish a cache of generators for future emergencies. The proposal includes potentially purchasing a small number of generators to ensure availability for residents reliant on medical equipment.

The conversation also shifted to the importance of ensuring water supply continuity during power outages. Officials proposed identifying local water companies with backup generator capabilities and exploring ways to assist those without such resources. This initiative aims to maintain water services not only during hurricanes but also during other emergencies that could disrupt power.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the financial implications of emergency preparedness, with officials acknowledging that costs may exceed the $50,000 annual threshold, necessitating discussions with the county auditor's office to ensure compliance with statutory requirements. The meeting concluded with a commitment to address these pressing issues to enhance community resilience in the face of future disasters.