The 2012 hurricane season officially started on June 1, and Katy ISD is preparing for tropical weather hazards and reminds families to prepare as well by making a plan, putting together a hurricane survival kit and staying informed.
Katy ISD Emergency Management Coordinator John Bremer said the now is the time to prepare.
“In order for Katy ISD to be ready for storms we need our personnel, students, and our students’ families to be prepared. Prepared families help us by allowing us time to close schools and secure the buildings well ahead of the threat,” Bremer said. “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.”
Katy ISD’s partners at Harris County Homeland Security and Emergency Management have prepared tools for families to use as they prepare for hurricane season. Those tools include a brochure on 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,” Bremer said. “Hurricane season is less frightening when you have prepared.”
District 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.
