As many communities prepare for hurricane season, we are reminded that preparation is key. Yet, despite the devastation and destruction, a number of success stories have come out of these crises. Following are some of the best and most inspirational from the Life, Well Run archives:

• Philadelphia benefited greatly from its extra investment to leverage its 311 non-emergency communication tool into a mobile app. When Superstorm Sandy hit in 2012, the city used the app to send out “Hurricane FAQs.” On Oct. 29, 2012 Philly311 was the thirty-third most downloaded app in the App Store.
• In Kanawha County, West Virginia, the county manager helped out in the 911 call center for several long days during the June 2012 derecho storm.
• During a 2011 blizzard in Elgin, Illinois, the city manager took to social media to keep residents up to date. He posted about 100 messages to Facebook and Twitter.
• Charles City, Iowa turned a chronic flooding problem into a park and kayak course. The public/private partnership involved Eagle Scouts, middle school students, and scores of volunteers.
• The Joplin, Missouri city manager led a massive recovery effort after catastrophic tornadoes struck the area in 2011.

Visit the Life, Well Run Success Stories Map to find more motivating and inspirational stories from your peers in local government.