Katy ISD Prepares for Hurricane Season
The 2011 hurricane season is just around the corner and Katy ISD is again preparing for tropical weather hazards. Preparations include reviewing and updating its tropical weather annex to the emergency operations plan; coordinating its planning with regional partners in Fort Bend, Harris and Waller Counties; and making sure that emergency resources are available and ready should a storm threaten the Texas Gulf Coast.
In order to respond ahead of any storm, Katy ISD stays informed by working closely with the National Weather Service, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Harris County Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management.
“In order for Katy ISD to be ready for storms we need our personnel, students, and our students’ families to be prepared,” says John Bremer, Katy ISD emergency management coordinator. “Prepared families help us by allowing us time to close schools and secure the buildings well ahead of the threat. We know our personnel need time to take care of family. We also know our business partners may need to evacuate essential employees and their families. If families are prepared, then we can make better decisions about school operations.”
Families should prepare by making a plan, putting together a hurricane survival kit, and staying informed. The Houston region has many helpful resources to guide students, parents, and school personnel through these three steps.
Our partners at Harris County Homeland Security and Emergency Management have prepared tools for families to use as they prepare for hurricane season. These tools include a brochureon Hurricane Preparedness and a preparedness checklist. The Ready Houston regional preparedness page also has helpful information on how to prepare for disasters, including hurricanes at: www.readyhoustontx.gov/.
“Make a plan, put together a survival kit, and stay informed are the three steps Katy ISD uses to prepare for hurricane season; these are the same steps students, parents and school personnel can use to be ready,” adds Bremer. “Hurricane season is less frightening when you have prepared.”
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