On the recordMay 21, 2019
next Saturday, June 1, marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season. It is an important reminder for everyone--from individuals and families to businesses and local officials--to review preparedness efforts to ensure you are ready for anything that Mother Nature may throw at you. There are simple steps, of course, that everybody can take, like reviewing evacuation routes, signing up for emergency alerts, and making a family communications plan. This is also a great time to look at your insurance policies to ensure that you have the right coverage. This isn't the most fun conversation or topic to talk about at the dinner table, but in the event of a disaster, these small steps can make a world of difference. As we gear up for the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season, I can't help but think back on the devastation my State saw in 2017 when Hurricane Harvey hit. This storm was the largest rain event in American history, and some parts of Texas are still in the recovery mode. Harvey brought more than 50 inches of rain to some parts of Houston. I am sure that many Americans can remember the TV footage of the devastating scenes and the heroism of people who rose to the challenge and helped. The roofs of homes were completely torn off and revealed knee-deep water and scattered furniture. Streets looked like rivers that were filled with small boats that led rescue operations.…
