Meteorologist Bryan Norcross will be the keynote speaker at the Palmetto Bay Hurricane Preparedness Workshop scheduled for Saturday, June 9, at 11 a.m. The location will be Village Hall, 9705 E. Hibiscus St., taking place in the lobby area, the council chambers and the plaza area outside. Lunch will be served.
Norcross, who began his career at CNN serving as the cable network’s first weekend meteorologist, had weather jobs in San Francisco and Atlanta, was on television in Miami for 25 years on WPLG, WTVJ and WFOR, then joined The Weather Channel as Senior Hurricane Specialist in 2010. In February of this year he returned to work for WPLG-TV Channel 10 in Miami.
His book, My Hurricane Andrew Story, is the story behind his TV coverage of the historic storm and how he was first to raise the alarm.
He says that returning to the area is meaningful to him.
“I feel especially close to the people in South Dade including Palmetto Bay because of Hurricane Andrew, so I couldn’t miss to opportunity to visit with folks in Palmetto Bay,” Norcross said. “We learned in Hurricane Irma how much there is to know and do to get ready for a hurricane. I’m looking forward to talking to folks in my hometown once again about the unique and important issues we have in South Florida.”
Details are still being finalized, but last year’s workshop featured leaflets and booklets about keeping pets safe, operating generators, what to do during a storm, securing construction sites, cleanup before a storm, important phone numbers to keep handy, pool safety and information on mosquitoes. Vendor displays by FPL, solar power companies, roofing and other businesses are also expected to provide residents with additional storm readiness facts.
Hurricane season begins on June 1, and Mayor Eugene Flinn advises Palmetto Bay residents to get started with their plans.
“A single storm can cause more than just dollars in damages; it can cost human lives,” Flinn said. “By making proper preparations, you will allow the first responders to focus on helping the most vulnerable residents.”
The village recommends that residents take these steps now:
• Develop an evacuation plan;
• Assemble hurricane supplies;
• Get an insurance checkup;
• Strengthen your home;
• Meet and help your neighbor, and
• Complete a written plan.
