Heading Into Hurricane Season

With summer just around the corner, those living in the Tampa Bay area are gearing up for this year’s hurricane season which kicks off on June 1. Following are some upcoming events designed to help residents in their preparations.

The city of Tampa and Hillsborough County will host the 2008 Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo on Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Museum of Science and Industry. This free, family-friendly event will help educate residents on the importance of knowing their evacuation zone and making an effective plan in the event of a hurricane. The expo will feature over 50 vendors, educational seminars in both English and Spanish, live entertainment, emergency vehicles and giveaways while supplies last.

The 2008 Manatee Homebuyer and Hurricane Expo also will take place on Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Manatee Convention Center. There will be informational sessions including All Hazards Awareness, 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 2 p.m.; and Personal Hurricane Planning, 11:30 a.m. to noon. Jennifer Colson, a National Weather Service meteorologist, also will provide free training lessons on becoming a SKYWARN volunteer.

The ABC 7 Hurricane Expo will be Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Sarasota Bradenton International Convention Center. Featured guests and presenters will include ABC 7 meteorologists Bob Harrigan and John Scalzi, Sarasota and Manatee emergency operations personnel and representatives from the American Red Cross.

A number of events are scheduled in Pinellas County, including:

• Hurricane 101 Information Session, Monday, May 19, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Largo Library.
• Becoming Storm Savvy Information Session, Thursday, May 22, 2 to 3 p.m., at Pinellas Park Library.
• Hurricane 101 Information Session, Saturday, May 24, 11 a.m. to noon, at Oldsmar Library.
• Hurricanes for Kids Information Session, Saturday, May 31, 11 a.m. to noon, at Oldsmar Library.

When making storm preparations, also be sure to check out these valuable resources.