Storm Prep 2024: Education is key to surviving a hurricane

VICTORIA, Texas - Hurricanes are a part of life here on the Gulf Coast. Sooner or later, our number will be up, and a storm will threaten our area.

Its key to be prepared and be educated about what a storm can do.How to prepare for a storm, do you need to evacuate,and of course, weathering the storm itself, and picking up the pieces afterwards.Get educated, and this conference right here can help you do get ready for such an event.

We are here, now lets take a talk inside the conference and see what is going on.

You need on of these for your important documents. they are waterproof. Keep your photos, insurance papers, or what have you in one of these. This is a model river area, that can show areas that flood normally. Can you explain what you are doing? Yes, this represents rain coming down, and nothing to stop the water. As you notice, the water flows rapidly and floods the surrounding areas. But with this, which represents a retention pond, the water flows downriver slower and with less volume, not flooding the surrounding.

"This conference gives us the capability to bring all of our first responders together under one roof to learn how to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate a variety of disasters," said Richard McBrayer, Victoria Emergency Management Coordinator.

This year's keynote speaker is Dr. Lisa Bucci, a meteorologist with the National Hurricane Center in Miami Florida. . Dr. Bucci says this year meteorologists have some new forecast products to help the public during a storm.

"This year, what you can expect from the hurricane center are more Spanish-translated texts. Another thing you can expect from the hurricane center statements will be more information regarding the structure at days 4 and 5, as well as a new cone graphic that will not only show the coastal area watches and warnings but also the inland areas", said Bucci.

Even with improved forecast products, individual readiness is important. Have a plan. Jena Banda, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for Victoria, says complacency is always an issue.

"Complacency is our biggest threat. If we have an individual or someone who says that 'my house didn't flood during Hurricane Harvey, or nothing happened during Hurricane Ike,' we don't want them to make that correlation and think that one storm will do the same as the others.," said Banda.

After hearing from the experts, one message stands out clearly: Preparation is key. Don't wait for a storm to approach; act now to ensure your safety. Know your evacuation routes and have a plan in place. Being prepared ahead of time significantly increases your chances of staying safe when disaster strikes.

Trey Meynig KAVU-TV 25 News Now.

Links:

Crossroads Today Weather page here

National Hurricane Center here

Victoria Emergency Management here

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