Galveston County officials say they are prepared for hurricane season and are urging residents to review evacuation plans and stock emergency supplies as the six-month period begins.
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With the onset of the Atlantic hurricane season, officials in Galveston County have announced their preparedness for potential storms and are encouraging residents to take necessary precautions.
The season officially began on Monday and will continue until November 30, marking a six-month period when the likelihood of tropical storms and hurricanes is at its peak. Local officials announced that they have spent several months preparing and are now urging the public to take similar measures.
“For us, every year is hurricane season,” stated Galveston County Judge Mark Henry.
Henry said the county has dedicated the past six months to readiness efforts and will spend the coming months responding to any storms that form. “We have dedicated the past six months to preparing for this day,” he stated. Officials have announced they will dedicate the next six months to addressing potential events or storms.
Preparation efforts include establishing pre-positioning contracts with outside agencies and maintaining close coordination with the National Weather Service to monitor developing conditions in real time.
“Unlike other entities that have to wait for regularly scheduled phone calls, we literally walk across the hall and say ‘What’s going on?’” Henry said, describing the county’s proximity to forecasters and access to “minute-by-minute” updates.
Officials are also emphasizing personal preparedness, urging residents to assemble emergency kits with essentials such as medications, food, water, and flashlights and to review evacuation routes in advance.
Christine Diaz, a Galveston resident originally from New York, said she has adjusted to the region’s storm risks by taking basic precautions. “I was used to liking blizzards,” she said, adding that hurricanes are a “melted version” of winter storms. Prepare to gather an assortment of beverages and snacks.
County leaders stressed that early preparation can reduce risk and improve safety during severe weather events, especially in coastal communities vulnerable to storm surge and flooding.
Officials said residents should not wait until a storm is imminent to act but instead make hurricane preparedness part of routine planning throughout the season.
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