In major storm defense, DIY

In the wake of lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, emergency responders from across Maryland and the nation are urging individual preparedness over “waiting for the cavalry” to avoid a repeat of the awful scenario in New Orleans.

At a severe weather conference Tuesday in Columbia, emergency responders said the storm season will be stronger and longer than last year. Max Mayfield, director of the National Hurricane Center, showed slides of the destruction from Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma, some of the pictures eliciting gasps. “I?m sure everyone is thinking the death and damage of last year?s hurricane season could never be repeated. I hope to convince you otherwise,” Mayfield said.