Chatham County Emergency Management Agency hosted the 2026 Hurricane Conference last week, bringing together emergency preparedness professionals from across the Southeast to the Savannah Convention Center for a day of learning, camaraderie and fun. 

The conference was led by subject matter experts in hands-on, field-specific learning sessions, interactive workshops and in-depth presentations, all to equip attendees with practical tools and knowledge ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. 

CEMA Director Dennis Jones said the goal of the conference is for each attendee to learn at least one new thing about hurricane preparedness prior to the season. 

"A hurricane affects everybody. Everybody has a responsibility to come together to collaborate, communicate and coordinate and to make sure that we're all on the same page and we're all aligned as we're moving forward into this hurricane season," Jones said.

This included the keynote presentation “The Hurricane is Just the First Disaster,” delivered by Ryan Cole and Bradley Collins of Buncombe County, North Carolina. Collins and Cole shared Asheville's experience with Hurricane Helene, and the long road to recovery. 

"So from my presentation and the conference, I hope people understand the need for preparation: preparation for themselves, preparation for the community and especially preparation for their staff," Cole said.