June marks the start of hurricane season and Isle of Palms wants to help equip citizens with the resources and knowledge to be ready in the event of a storm with its 2024 Hurricane Expo slated for May 21 at the IOP Recreation Center.
Hosted by the city, the Hurricane Expo offers an opportunity for IOP residents and visitors from surrounding communities to learn more about hurricane preparation.
IOP city officials and various community partners will be available to educate individuals and families and provide resources for hurricane preparedness. Along with planning tips, Hurricane Expo attendees will receive guidance on what to do during and after a storm, ways to protect their home, local evacuation information and more.
“The Hurricane Preparedness Expo is an educational event but there is some fun added in,” said IOP Fire Chief Craig Oliverius. “We hope island residents and visitors will ask questions and take home resources that can help them prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. Our goal is to keep the public well-informed on what steps to take before, during and after a storm. Attendees are encouraged to bring the whole family, friends and interact with other members of the community. City officials and community partners look forward to engaging with everyone who stops by.”
Weather forecasters are predicting an above average year in 2024 for named storms along the Atlantic coast. Colorado State University’s hurricane forecasting team has predicted that there will be 23 named storms. To put that into perspective, an average hurricane season sees about 14.
“As we enter hurricane season, especially one that is forecasted to be very active, it is important residents and visitors are prepared, have knowledge of what to do, understand precautions they can take now and know the resources available to them in the event of a storm,” advised IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds.
While the Expo’s subject matter is serious and concerns matters of public safety, as Oliverius noted, entertainment will also be provided. Guests are encouraged to bring their families, as there will be fun activities and food available on site. IOP Recreation Center Director Karrie Farrell said that there will be free face painting and balloon art for the children and the RiverDogs Food Truck will be serving up tasty fare.
This is a free public event. For more information and updates, visit iop.net.
By Colin McCandless
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