Any unnecessary separation of these functions will result in a disjointed response and adversely impact the effectiveness of departmental operations.

Our primary concern relates to the total lack of focus on natural-hazards preparedness.

We are doing all we can to ensure the public is aware of the test ahead of time so we do not create confusion. The only way to truly test our warning system is to use the live codes, so it is very important that we involve the public in the test as much as possible.

Another hurricane season like last year, and we're not going to be prepared to respond to it. That's our fear.