The week of May 25^th through May 31^st has been proclaimed to be Hurricane Awareness Week by the Galveston County Commissioner’s Court.  But citing this week to be “hurricane aware” or “hurricane prepared” is much larger than just Galveston County. 

The Governor of the State of Texas issues a proclamation as well.  Governor Perry states, “As we approach hurricane season, advance planning and preparation will lessen the loss of life and property damage can be greatly minimized. Texans should be familiar with the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.  Families should designate a safe place to meet in case of evacuation, develop an emergency plan for communicating with relatives and friends in other areas and put together a “readiness kit” of important supplies.  Texans need to heed all warnings, information and instructions provided by emergency management personnel.”

The National Weather Service has put together a terrific website dedicated to Hurricane Preparedness Week.  It includes information about hurricane hazards, forecasting, and preparedness.  There are also downloads such as personal hurricane trackers and emergency supply lists.  For more information, the link to this website is www.hurricanes.gov/prepare.  There is additional information and downloads at the FEMA website at www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/hu_season08.shtm.  

Local news stations are providing additional information and programming this week to recognize the need to be prepared for hurricanes.  KPRC-TV has added information to their website at www.click2houston.com/hurricanes/index.html.  This website includes an “at-a-glance” tropical update which will carry information about active storms as well as an interactive section on the 2008 Hurricane Forecast.  ABC13 has developed a Hurricane Central section to their website at http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/feature?section=weather/hurricane&id=6139670 which includes the Houston Hurricane Guide.

A quick visit to www.srh.noaa.gov/hgx/tropical/meetings08.htm provides a list to hurricane town meetings, workshops and conferences in our area.

Hurricane season begins on June 1^st.  While it’s great to be prepared at all times, it’s still not to late to take the next step in being prepared for this hurricane season. 

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