6-1-19

Brownsville Hosts Hurricane  Awareness

By J. Noel Espinoza/RioGrandeInfo.com

Hundreds of residents gathered May 30 at the main Brownsville Public Library to learn and prepare for hurricane season which officially started this month of June.

Ambulances, firefighter trucks, and SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics Team) gear from the police department were some of the equipment on display on the grounds of the library located on Central Boulevard.

Brownsville city officials said the 2019 Hurricane Awareness Fair is a free family event that aims to prepare residents for hurricane season from June 1 through November 30.

“It’s to get ourselves ready in case of disaster, any kind of disaster,” said Diana Zaldivar, a Red Cross volunteer who participated at the fair.  “As you know, it’s hurricane season and we help in case of flooding. We help just like the fire department or police department that go out and help. The Red Cross tries to open shelters and feed people when disasters happen.”

Zaldivar, who’s been a Red Cross volunteer for three years, said recently the Red Cross has been helping a lot in Hidalgo County and Weslaco where flooding occurred last year.

In addition to displays of hurricane and emergency preparedness equipment, the fair also had door prizes and the raffle of five power generators. Food, beverages, and other prizes were also given away.

“We’ve been cooking 1,000 hot dogs for the people who are going to be attending the hurricane awareness fair,” said Everardo Longoria, a senior patrolman with Brownsville Police and treasurer of the Brownsville Police Officers Association who was with other officers cooking.

During disasters, Longoria said the police work overtime due to the emergency.

“We got our hands full as police officers,” Longoria said. “We go on calls automatically. There aren’t police officers on vacation. We’re on the streets working 12-hour shifts.”

Office of Emergency Management Director Odee Ann Leal said residents can prepare throughout the year for hurricane season. “The Hurricane Awareness Fair provides an opportunity for residents to become informed with all the resources in one place,” Leal said.