Although Scotland County has been "historically very fortunate" in avoiding extensive damage from a major hurricane, according to Scotland County Emergency Services Director Roylin Hammond, one could strike at any time during the season.

To ensure that local entities are fully prepared for such a weather emergency, Emergency Management conducts a hurricane update each year in which personnel from various county agencies meet to discuss procedures in the event of a weather emergency. This year's meeting was held Wednesday morning at the county annex building in Laurinburg.

Hammond was host for the meeting, which was attended by almost 40 members of local agencies including the Red Cross, the Scotland County Sheriff's Department, the Scotland County Health Department, and others.

"We've been very fortunate here in Scotland County," Hammond said in his opening remarks. "Hurricane Floyd was the last to have an impact here, and before that, Hurricane Fran interrupted business as usual for about 48 hours."

Hammond said that while tornadoes were "a different cup of tea", the county has historically had lots of warning before a hurricane struck.

"We should be able to open an Emergency Operations Center before a storm makes landfall. If that happens, this will be the location we meet," he said, referring to the room in which the meeting was taking place.

Hammond cited various predictions for the upcoming hurricane season.

"The 2009 season is expected to be mild, depending on who you listen to," Hammond said. One meteorologist's prediction was for 11 storms with two major hurricanes to develop, while another suggested 14 storms, seven hurricanes, and one to three major hurricanes developing out of those.

"We had someone speak to us from the National Weather Service, who said those predictions really mean nothing," Hammond said. "It only takes one hurricane."

Following introductions of those in attendance, Hammond discussed a number of local emergency management system upgrades, including the county's emergency operation plan, the emergency operations center, the central receiving and distribution point, and the county point of distribution sites for emergency supplies. He also announced the possibility of a new facility for emergency operations.

"While the Emergency Operations Center will be held at the county annex building should the need arise this year, Rep. Kissel has been approached regarding funds for a new EOC. The money has been allocated, but not yet passed. If it does, we hope to have a multi-use facility sometime in the future."

A major hurricane could affect Scotland County in two different ways, according to Hammond.

"We could suffer damage from a major storm, or perhaps more likely, we would become a host county for evacuees from further east who were relocated due to a major hurricane event."

Under this scenario, Scotland High School is the first location to be utilized for evacuees, according to Kitty Johnson, Scotland County Health Department director of nursing.

"The high school would be the first place we put them and if there was need for more space, some of the middle schools such as Sycamore Lane would be utilized," she said.

Johnson said the health department would take their cue from Hammond.

"Roylin is the expert who tells us what we need to do and when," she said. "We are ready at all times for an emergency, and we will be in close touch with emergency services and with the Red Cross whenever the need arises."

Asked if Scotland County citizens should feel secure in the event of a major hurricane disrupting the area thanks to the readiness of local entities, Hammond cited the individual's responsibility to be prepared as well.

"People get complacent sometimes," Hammond said. "Because of Hurricane Fran in 1996, which had a significant effect on Scotland County, people were really prepared when Floyd hit three years later. That was 10 years ago, and we have a new generation of people out there. We are only as well prepared as is the populace."