Introduction to Hurricane Season
Fort Bend County leaders are urging residents to prepare for what could be an active hurricane season. The county has partnered with Clear Channel Outdoor to post a digital billboard in Stafford with a countdown to the Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June through November. This billboard is one of 54 across the Houston region, aiming to keep the community informed and prepared.
Preparing for the Worst
The billboard will display emergency information, such as cooling centers open to the public, if a hurricane strikes. Lee Vela, Clear Channel Outdoor’s vice president for public affairs, emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, "What we’re hearing is that this season promises to be an active one and we want to remind everyone to continue to be prepared for a storm when it hits." This partnership between Fort Bend County and Clear Channel Outdoor has been in place for six years, highlighting the county’s commitment to keeping its citizens safe and informed.
Essential Preparations
Fort Bend County Judge KP George stressed the importance of informing citizens on how to prepare and be ready for any weather event. Fort Bend Emergency Management Coordinator Greg Babst advised residents to prepare a kit in case they need to evacuate and to stock up on emergency supplies in case they stay and are without power for several days. This advice comes after the experiences of Hurricane Beryl last July, where over 2.2 million CenterPoint Energy customers in the Houston region lost electricity, leading to prolonged outages that contributed to many of the 40-plus local deaths associated with the storm.
The Importance of Being Prepared
Babst emphasized, "You never know if you’re going to be without power, without water, without those critical life lines that you might have." This unpredictability underscores the need for every household to have a plan and the necessary supplies to weather any storm. By taking these precautions, residents can significantly reduce the risks associated with hurricanes and other severe weather events.
Conclusion
As hurricane season approaches, it’s crucial for residents of Fort Bend County and the broader Houston region to take the warnings seriously and prepare accordingly. By staying informed through resources like the digital billboards and taking proactive steps to secure emergency supplies and plans, individuals can protect themselves and their families. The partnership between Fort Bend County and Clear Channel Outdoor is a valuable asset in this effort, providing critical information when it’s needed most. As the community looks towards the upcoming hurricane season, the message is clear: preparation is key to safety.
