Bulloch County Bolsters Hurricane Readiness Through Collaboration

Local leaders join regional emergency management conference to strengthen disaster response capabilities ahead of hurricane season.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:49pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting an approaching hurricane, with dark clouds and heavy rain dominating the scene and dwarfing any visible structures or landmarks.As Bulloch County prepares for the upcoming hurricane season, local leaders work to strengthen regional disaster response through collaboration and long-term planning.Savannah Today

Bulloch County's emergency management team, alongside representatives from Georgia Southern University and various nonprofit and community organizations, convened at the 2026 Chatham County Hurricane Conference in Savannah to strengthen readiness and coordination for the upcoming hurricane season. The annual conference, hosted by the Chatham Emergency Management Agency, brought together over 300 emergency managers and disaster coordinators to share best practices and adapt strategies to evolving threats.

Why it matters

Bulloch County's participation in the regional conference is part of its broader commitment to year-round disaster preparedness. By maintaining strong partnerships between government agencies, nonprofits, and community groups, the county ensures resources and response efforts are aligned before hurricanes strike, helping to mitigate the long-term impacts of severe storms.

The details

Sessions at the conference addressed key areas critical to hurricane response, including communication strategies, sheltering operations, recovery timelines, and coordination across agencies. A central theme was the need to prepare for long-term impacts such as flooding, infrastructure damage, and extended recovery efforts. Bulloch County's disaster preparedness efforts are anchored by the Emergency Management Agency, supported by the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) network, and strengthened through recovery initiatives led by Bulloch Strong.

  • The 2026 Chatham County Hurricane Conference took place in Savannah in April 2026, ahead of the upcoming hurricane season.
  • Bulloch County participates in the annual conference as part of its year-round approach to disaster preparedness.

The players

Corey Kemp

Director of the Bulloch County Emergency Management Agency.

Eric Riner

Director of Georgia Southern University Emergency Management.

Frank Davis

Representative of Bulloch County VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster).

Len Fatica

Representative of Bulloch County VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster).

Jonathan Smith

Representative of Bulloch Strong Recovery Fund.

Ryan Heins

Representative of Bulloch Strong Recovery Fund.

DeWayne Grice

Publisher of Grice Connect.

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What they’re saying

“Disasters do not end when storms pass. Presentations highlighted the need to prepare for long-term impacts such as flooding, infrastructure damage, and extended recovery efforts—what officials described as 'disasters within the disaster.'”

— DeWayne Grice, Publisher, Grice Connect

What’s next

Bulloch County's emergency management team and community partners will continue their year-round preparedness efforts, including regular training exercises and coordination meetings, to ensure the county is ready to respond effectively when the next hurricane strikes.

The takeaway

Bulloch County's proactive approach to disaster preparedness, built on strong partnerships and a commitment to continuous readiness, serves as a model for how local communities can strengthen their resilience to the growing threat of severe weather events.