This week marked the start of the Atlantic hurricane season. On the heels of an active season last year and forecasters’ prediction for another above-average season during the months ahead, we check in with the area’s top emergency officials on preparations.

We’ll talk about lessons learned since Hurricane Florence devastated the region in 2018, precautions against another major (or even) minor storm, where the greatest potential impacts might be, what they’re watching out for and how individuals and businesses can prepare.

Tommy Batson
Emergency Management Director, Pender County
Tommy Batson started as the county’s emergency management director in March. A Pender County native, he previously served as the county’s fire marshal and assistant emergency management director.

Edward Conrow
Emergency Services Director, Brunswick County
Edward Conrow took over the head emergency services role in April 2019. Before moving to Brunswick County, he was the director of emergency services and public protection in Cumberland County, New Jersey.

Steven Still
Emergency Management Director, New Hanover County 
Steven Still started in his current role at the beginning of 2017. He previously served as New Hanover County’s deputy director for Emergency Management/911, a position he had worked in since 2012.

WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.