As the Gulf of Mexico garners attention for potentially the first hurricane development of the season, now is an opportune time to start preparing if you haven’t still need to do so.
Annual Hurricane Season Evacuation Exercise
The City of Corpus Christi conducted its annual hurricane evacuation exercise on Friday in collaboration with partner agencies. This event ensures the city and its residents are well-prepared for potential evacuations.
Importance of the Hurricane Season Exercise
Mary Slusher, a volunteer at the exercise, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing its necessity, particularly for the homeless population. Slusher, who works with the Coastal Bend Center for Independent Living, finds it essential to understand the evacuation process to assist those in need better. “We work with those who are homeless. So, we also want to be prepared to tell them what to do and where to go,” she explained.
A Long-standing Tradition
Jace Johnson, Corpus Christi’s Emergency Management Coordinator, highlighted the exercise’s importance. “We’ve been doing this for 14 years. We’re just making sure that we are prepared as we go into hurricane season, to make sure we help the folks of Corpus Christi evacuate if the need arises,” he said.
In the event of an evacuation, RTA buses will provide free rides to the Corpus Christi Gym on Cabaniss Parkway. People will be registered and briefed here before being transferred to a Corpus Christi Independent School District bus on the other side.
Community Involvement
Volunteers from the community participated in the exercise to familiarize themselves with the evacuation process. However, it is equally crucial for city staff and other involved parties to practice.
“It’s essential in an event like this that we all pull together because there are lots of roles and responsibilities that are necessary to fill to make sure that this happens,” Johnson added.
No Pre-Registration Required
Although individuals do not need to register beforehand, those who require assistance during emergencies should register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry.
“They can bring their pets. We say if you bring pets, dogs on a leash, cats in a crate. Just like you’re going to travel, you can bring small luggage and personal items,” Johnson advised.
Participating Agencies
The following agencies contributed to the success of the exercise:
- Texas Division of Emergency Management
- Corpus Christi Regional Transit Authority
- Corpus Christi Independent School District
- American Red Cross
- 211 Texas
- Functional Needs Support Team
Preparing for the Hurricane Season
The importance of preparedness cannot be overstated, especially as hurricane season approaches. Exercises like this one are crucial in ensuring that everyone is prepared to act quickly and efficiently in the face of a natural disaster.
Stay Informed and Ready
In addition to participating in evacuation exercises, residents should stay informed about weather conditions. They should regularly check emergency supplies, have an evacuation route mapped out, and keep important documents in a safe, accessible location.
Community involvement and thorough preparation are essential to brace for the upcoming hurricane season. The annual evacuation exercise in Corpus Christi reminds us of the importance of readiness and cooperation in ensuring the safety of all residents.