In the aftermath of disasters, we often question why first responders and utility providers couldn’t act faster.
Reflecting on my years in pre- and post-startup discussions and root-cause investigations, I realize the complexity faced by incident response leaders.
Today they must manage millions of data points from community platforms like WhatsApp, Slack, and Instagram, often filled with both real-time updates and outdated information. People demand continuous updates on power restoration and question why utility trucks appear idle.
I've been part of hurricane and winter response teams in Louisiana & Texas, and I know firsthand the challenges involved. It's a tough job.
In our age of endless communication channels, everyone expects constant updates, feeling entitled to know what’s happening. This expectation adds immense pressure on response teams.
The key question is: How can we improve our response to future events, knowing they are inevitable? City of Houston Mayor's Office
To help leaders better serve their communities, we need to address the balance of public communication and operational effectiveness. Leaders must navigate the intricacies of managing a crisis while ensuring clear and timely updates, even as they face the unknowns of each unique situation.
I want to clarify that I’m not taking sides or making statements on information from utility providers that I don’t have or can’t back with factual data. My goal is to explore how we can improve.
A heartfelt thank you to the hidden heroes, utility workers, police, fire departments, H-E-B, Kroger, Walmart, nonprofits (Houston Food Bank, Nora's Home, etc) and many others who tirelessly support their communities. Acts of kindness, like sharing internet access, lending generators, make a significant difference.
Ask:What other random acts of kindness did you witness during these challenging times?
Ask:How can we better manage communication in an age where data points are endless and expectations are high?
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My favorite weather team Space City Weather
Let’s work together to build a more resilient future.
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