Weslaco Chamber Hurricane Preparedness Lunch & Learn Stresses Planning

The Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce provided a Hurricane Preparedness Seminar featuring Tim Smith, KRGV Channel 5 Chief Meteorologist and George Garrett, Emergency Management Coordinator for the cities of Weslaco and Donna.

A hurricane can develop anytime between now and November 30th and safety is of utmost concern.  The seminar stressed to the attendees to take necessary precautions today and have an emergency plan should a hurricane hit the Rio Grande Valley.  Business owners and individuals should all have a plan, complete supplies and know where and how to get accurate information.  Smith wants people to know that hurricane preparedness encompasses the actions and planning taken before a storm hits to mitigate damage and injury.  “People should not wait.  Starting June 1, every time you go to the store buy extra supplies like water and canned goods.  Talk to your family and agree on a plan,” he stated.

Garrett spoke to the business owners about having a plan should their business be interrupted because of the storm.  Garrett stressed, “Planning is key to staying safe; know what you will do, and what employees will do in case of a disaster.”   

According the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 2010 tropical storm season is predicted to be very active, with as many as 18 named storms, 10 hurricanes and four major hurricanes. 

Smith and Garrett agree that the time to plan and make decisions preparing for a storm is before you are threatened by it, while cool heads prevail.

For more information about the hurricane season visit the NOAA website at www.nhc.noaa.gov.