The Dorian footage from the Bahamas was a devastating reminder why local TV stations devote so many hours to covering hurricanes.
The stations are supposed to provide community service, and none is greater than protecting the public. WFTV-Channel 9 meteorologist Brian Shields put it bluntly Sunday morning, telling viewers that his job was to keep them safe.
To that end, stations have provided firm, consistent reminders that citizens needed to prepare.
The meteorologists have offered detailed updates and repeatedly noted the uncertainty about Dorian’s path. In the Orlando, we have many fine meteorologists who deliver the information clearly and simply. Thanks for doing your jobs effectively — and we’re counting on you.
Via television, county governments have shared updates on closings, shelters and evacuation orders.
It’s not sexy or exciting television, but it’s vitally important television. It could keep you alive. It requires no hype or extra flourishes.
Dorian has presented special challenges because we’ve been hearing about it for so long. WFTV’s Shields on Sunday described the storm a massive headache for seven days.
The dread that Dorian has produced is reminiscent of the worry you can feel before learning the results of a medical test. It can exhaust you.
But the headache is going to be with us for a few more days at least and possibly years if you’ve seen the destruction in the Bahamas.
There wasn’t a lot to report for days, but that has changed in recent hours. Anchors and meteorologists have urged everyone to remain vigilant, and the stations have gone into continuing coverage.
The Dorian reporting is a reminder that we have to work together to have a functioning society. It’s a message we don’t hear often enough these days. Why does it take a hurricane to remind us?
