Liberty County to host Hurricane Preparedness Workshop on May 12

With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season expected to be more active than usual, Liberty County officials are urging residents to prepare early and thoroughly. To support community readiness, the Liberty County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the National Weather Service (NWS) will host a Hurricane Preparedness Workshop on Monday, May 12, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at the Jack Hartel Building, 318 San Jacinto St., Liberty.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30. This year’s season is forecasted to bring an above-average number of named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes. The NWS is expected to release its official outlook on May 15.

“This meeting gives us the opportunity to educate the public on how they should prepare for the hurricane season and have an emergency plan in place,” said A.J. Johnson, director of the Liberty County OEM. “They should know their evacuation zones and be aware of how to stay up to date on alerts. A lot of times people won’t realize how important it is to gather their documents and have a ‘go bag’ to make it easier to evacuate in a storm.”

Johnson also emphasized the importance of securing personal property. “We also want to explain how people can help protect their homes just by cleaning storm drains, securing outdoor furniture, and removing dangerous debris,” he said. “A lot of people might have tree limbs down, but those become projectiles in a major storm. We don’t think about it until it’s too late.”

He added that caring for your community is equally vital: “Sometimes it’s best to check on your neighbors and make sure they also have a hurricane plan.”

Emergency Kit Essentials

Residents are encouraged to assemble an emergency kit in advance. A well-stocked kit should include:

• Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three days.
• Food: Non-perishable items for at least three days.
• Medications: Both prescription and over-the-counter.
• First Aid Kit: Including bandages, antiseptics, and essential medical supplies.
• Tools and Supplies: Flashlight, extra batteries, a multi-tool, and a manual can opener.
• Personal Items: Important documents (ID, insurance, banking info) in a waterproof container, plus cash.
• Hygiene Products: Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and personal items.
• Clothing and Bedding: Change of clothes, sturdy shoes, sleeping bags or blankets.
• Pet Needs: Pet food, medications, bedding, and bowls. For storm-anxious pets, talk to your vet about anxiety treatment options.

Home Preparation

If a storm heads toward Liberty County, take these steps to secure your home:

• Clear Outdoor Areas: Secure or bring inside anything that could be blown around.
• Check Roof and Gutters: Ensure your roof is intact and gutters are clear.
• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Remove limbs that could damage your property.
• Install a Generator: If possible, have a backup power source available.

Generator Safety Reminder

Generators are useful during outages, but must be used safely:

• Use Outdoors Only: Never operate indoors — carbon monoxide is deadly.
• Keep Away from Openings: Place generators at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents.
• Keep Dry: Avoid exposure to rain and flooding.
• Store Fuel Properly: Use approved containers and never refuel a hot or running generator.

Stay Informed

During storm season, stay updated with official information from trusted sources. Liberty County OEM and local news outlets will provide alerts and emergency updates:

• Liberty County OEM Facebook: facebook.com/LibertyCountyOfficeofEM
• Bluebonnet News Facebook: facebook.com/bluebonnetnews

At the May 12 workshop, attendees will receive printed materials and checklists to help guide their storm preparations