Meet Cassie.
As the Floodplain Manager for Hernando County, Cassie Harmon plays a critical role in disaster response and floodplain management. When Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck back to back in 2024, the county was required to efficiently assess damage and generate reports to state and federal agencies at a scale that they had never managed before.
The Challenge: Scaling Damage Assessments
Before Forerunner, Hernando County relied on excel-based forms for post-disaster damage assessments. While functional, this process was time-consuming and required significant manual data entry. With large-scale and compounding events like these hurricanes, quickly gathering and organizing damage reports is crucial for securing disaster assistance and coordinating recovery efforts. Cassie and her team recognized that there was a need for a more streamlined approach.
Accelerating Forerunner Adoption for a More Effective Response
In searching for efficient solutions, Hernando County collaborated with Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to understand exactly what they needed to report on, then reached out to Forerunner. We partnered together to configure custom Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) forms to equip the team in the field and comply with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) requirements.
To ensure a smooth rollout, the county held training sessions to get field teams comfortable with Forerunner’s mobile app, including how to use offline mode in areas with poor connectivity. They also worked with Forerunner to connect assessment data directly to their GIS system, giving them a real-time map of affected areas.
"Forerunner adapted to our needs, and as a result, I believe this was the best damage assessment performed by Hernando County," Cassie shared.
Real-Time Insights and Coordination
One of Forerunner’s biggest advantages was its PDA warning system, which allowed the county to track assessment coverage and allocate resources more effectively.
During inspections, county officials monitored incoming data in real time, ensuring everyone—from local teams to state emergency operations—had the latest updates on the damage. Team members noted that referencing Forerunner’s live data during response meetings was “tremendously helpful” for coordinating efforts and making sure all required details were captured for state reporting.
The Road to Recovery and Future Preparedness
Beyond immediate response efforts, Hernando County continues to use Forerunner for damage assessments, data collection, and long-term record-keeping. The county is now developing new standard operating procedures (SOPs) to further enhance hurricane preparedness.
By leveraging Forerunner’s technology, Hernando County has not only improved its disaster response but has also set the foundation for a more resilient future.
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