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Fort Bend County Urges Citizens to Learn About Hurricane Dangers Natures Most Powerful Storms

Fort Bend County, TX-Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and continues through November 30. As we enter the 2008 Hurricane season, it is important that everyone in our area becomes more knowledgeable about hurricanes and hurricane preparedness. Hurricanes are nature’s most powerful storms and can wreak havoc hundreds of miles from the coastal area where they make landfall.   As part of the County’s activities during Hurricane Awareness Week, Fort Bend County Commissioner’s Court signed a proclamation designating May 25 through May 31 as Hurricane Awareness Week.   During this week, we hope that citizen will prepare by developing a family emergency plan.

Hurricanes cause damage from a combination of high winds, flooding, tornadoes and storm surge. Although Fort Bend County is not designated as an Evacuation County, citizens should become familiar with the difference between a hurricane watch and warning.  A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions are possible within 24 to 36 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or greater) are expected in 24 hours or less.” Hurricanes that strike the Gulf Coast are highly unpredictable – they rarely follow the predicted path and can even strengthen before landfall.

Jeff Braun, the County’s Emergency Management Coordinator indicates that Fort Bend County should take planning for hurricanes seriously.  “Near the end of April, Fort Bend County tested its plans during a hurricane exercise facilitated by the National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center; and this month, staff members are attending the State of Texas Hurricane Conference to receive additional training; and finally, in June, the Office of Emergency Management, along with Texas AgriLife Extension Service, will hold an Emergency Preparedness Workshop at the Rosenberg Civic and Convention Center on June 6th.

For assistance in building a family emergency plan, or to obtain additional preparedness tips, please visit http://www.fortbendcountyoem.com.

 

**Please visit http://www.fortbendcountynews.info for more information pertaining to local events and updates.**

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