City crews in West Palm Beach are honing their emergency response skills through a realistic hurricane drill, simulating the chaos that follows a storm. Participants, including city employees acting as distressed residents, navigated a scene filled with debris, searching for lost pets and personal belongings.

The drill emphasized the importance of empathy and effective communication in high-stress situations. Crews were observed and evaluated as they practiced clearing streets to ensure emergency vehicles could access affected areas. “We have to be empathetic to them because that’s like a family member too,” one participant noted, highlighting the emotional toll on residents post-hurricane.

This training is not a one-time event; it will continue throughout the year, focusing on both seasoned workers and newcomers. The goal is to ensure that all team members are prepared and understand the critical nature of their roles in disaster response. As the city gears up for hurricane season, this proactive approach aims to enhance the community's resilience and safety.