Latest news with #BrianMason
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
How to prepare for a hurricane, as forecasters expect a busy 2025 storm season
HOUSTON (AP) — Hurricane season can be stressful for millions of Americans living in coastal areas, as powerful winds and heavy rain can cause widespread damage, cut power for days or weeks and otherwise upend people's lives. Forecasters are expecting another unusually busy season for the Atlantic, with predictions calling for six to 10 hurricanes, with up to half reaching major status. But the stress of hurricane season can be reduced if people have a plan for preparing their homes and for whether to stay and ride out a storm or evacuate, according to emergency management officials. That preparation, which includes putting together a kit of essential supplies, should begin long before a storm is approaching. 'Don't be complacent, take preparedness seriously, spend the time now to do the little things that will make a big difference for you and your loved ones when something does happen,' said Brian Mason, director of Houston's Office of Emergency Management. How to prepare a home for a storm Anything in the backyard that isn't tied down, such as furniture and barbecue grills, should be secured or brought inside so it doesn't become a flying projectile that can come through a window, said Shawn Schulze, regional CEO for the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region. If possible, board up windows and place important documents such as passports and birth certificates in a waterproof case or even a Ziploc bag, Schulze said. That will prevent damage and make documents easier to locate in a quick evacuation. Mason recommends that homeowners get their roofs inspected before each hurricane season and know how to turn off their utilities in case of damage. Well before a storm is brewing, people should trim or remove dead or weakened tree limbs and shrubs that hang over their homes to lessen potential damage from high winds, said Mistie Hinote, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Insurance. Hinote also urged people to review what type of insurance coverage they have and to make a home inventory of their possessions by taking photos of them in case an insurance claim needs to be made after a storm. 'It is a lot of information and a lot of pre-storm steps but a little at a time,' Hinote said. Have an emergency kit Every family should have an emergency kit with supplies to meet its basic needs. For people who stay, a kit should include at least 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water per day per person, with enough for up to seven days, Mason said. One way to have enough water is to fill a bathtub. People should also have enough nonperishable food for up to seven days, as well as flashlights, batteries, candles, medications, portable power banks or other power sources, and a radio that runs on batteries. Pets should be included in preparations, including bringing them inside ahead of a storm, and having enough food, water and necessary medications for up to seven days, Mason said. Parents should also include something to entertain their kids, such as games or coloring books, because likely power outages after a hurricane mean there won't be internet and cellular service, and there's 'nothing's more challenging for a family than kids that are bouncing off the walls because they're bored,' Mason said. 'If you decide to stay, you need to make sure that you can be self-sufficient for days to weeks, depending on how long it takes for power to be restored,' Mason said. Have an evacuation plan If people decide to leave ahead of a storm, they should also prepare an emergency kit with enough supplies to get to their destination, officials said. Before a storm arrives, people should know their evacuation routes are and have backup routes in case roads get congested, Mason said. Officials recommend fueling vehicles if a storm is approaching. People with electric vehicles should make sure their routes have charging stations along the way, he said. Schulze said it's natural for people to be afraid when a hurricane is coming, but having a plan in place and letting loved ones know you're prepared will go a long way to easing fears. 'Think about what the worst could be and prepare for that and you'll always be ready for what comes your way,' Schulze said. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano:
The Independent
05-07-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
How to prepare for a hurricane, as forecasters expect a busy 2025 storm season
Hurricane season can be stressful for millions of Americans living in coastal areas, as powerful winds and heavy rain can cause widespread damage, cut power for days or weeks and otherwise upend people's lives. Forecasters are expecting another unusually busy season for the Atlantic, with predictions calling for six to 10 hurricanes, with up to half reaching major status. But the stress of hurricane season can be reduced if people have a plan for preparing their homes and for whether to stay and ride out a storm or evacuate, according to emergency management officials. That preparation, which includes putting together a kit of essential supplies, should begin long before a storm is approaching. 'Don't be complacent, take preparedness seriously, spend the time now to do the little things that will make a big difference for you and your loved ones when something does happen,' said Brian Mason, director of Houston's Office of Emergency Management. How to prepare a home for a storm Anything in the backyard that isn't tied down, such as furniture and barbecue grills, should be secured or brought inside so it doesn't become a flying projectile that can come through a window, said Shawn Schulze, regional CEO for the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region. If possible, board up windows and place important documents such as passports and birth certificates in a waterproof case or even a Ziploc bag, Schulze said. That will prevent damage and make documents easier to locate in a quick evacuation. Mason recommends that homeowners get their roofs inspected before each hurricane season and know how to turn off their utilities in case of damage. Well before a storm is brewing, people should trim or remove dead or weakened tree limbs and shrubs that hang over their homes to lessen potential damage from high winds, said Mistie Hinote, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Insurance. Hinote also urged people to review what type of insurance coverage they have and to make a home inventory of their possessions by taking photos of them in case an insurance claim needs to be made after a storm. 'It is a lot of information and a lot of pre-storm steps but a little at a time,' Hinote said. Have an emergency kit Every family should have an emergency kit with supplies to meet its basic needs. For people who stay, a kit should include at least 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water per day per person, with enough for up to seven days, Mason said. One way to have enough water is to fill a bathtub. People should also have enough nonperishable food for up to seven days, as well as flashlights, batteries, candles, medications, portable power banks or other power sources, and a radio that runs on batteries. Pets should be included in preparations, including bringing them inside ahead of a storm, and having enough food, water and necessary medications for up to seven days, Mason said. Parents should also include something to entertain their kids, such as games or coloring books, because likely power outages after a hurricane mean there won't be internet and cellular service, and there's 'nothing's more challenging for a family than kids that are bouncing off the walls because they're bored,' Mason said. 'If you decide to stay, you need to make sure that you can be self-sufficient for days to weeks, depending on how long it takes for power to be restored,' Mason said. Have an evacuation plan If people decide to leave ahead of a storm, they should also prepare an emergency kit with enough supplies to get to their destination, officials said. Before a storm arrives, people should know their evacuation routes are and have backup routes in case roads get congested, Mason said. Officials recommend fueling vehicles if a storm is approaching. People with electric vehicles should make sure their routes have charging stations along the way, he said. Schulze said it's natural for people to be afraid when a hurricane is coming, but having a plan in place and letting loved ones know you're prepared will go a long way to easing fears. 'Think about what the worst could be and prepare for that and you'll always be ready for what comes your way,' Schulze said. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano:
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
How to prepare for a hurricane, as forecasters expect a busy 2025 storm season
HOUSTON (AP) — Hurricane season can be stressful for millions of Americans living in coastal areas, as powerful winds and heavy rain can cause widespread damage, cut power for days or weeks and otherwise upend people's lives. Forecasters are expecting another unusually busy season for the Atlantic, with predictions calling for six to 10 hurricanes, with up to half reaching major status. But the stress of hurricane season can be reduced if people have a plan for preparing their homes and for whether to stay and ride out a storm or evacuate, according to emergency management officials. That preparation, which includes putting together a kit of essential supplies, should begin long before a storm is approaching. 'Don't be complacent, take preparedness seriously, spend the time now to do the little things that will make a big difference for you and your loved ones when something does happen,' said Brian Mason, director of Houston's Office of Emergency Management. How to prepare a home for a storm Anything in the backyard that isn't tied down, such as furniture and barbecue grills, should be secured or brought inside so it doesn't become a flying projectile that can come through a window, said Shawn Schulze, regional CEO for the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region. If possible, board up windows and place important documents such as passports and birth certificates in a waterproof case or even a Ziploc bag, Schulze said. That will prevent damage and make documents easier to locate in a quick evacuation. Mason recommends that homeowners get their roofs inspected before each hurricane season and know how to turn off their utilities in case of damage. Well before a storm is brewing, people should trim or remove dead or weakened tree limbs and shrubs that hang over their homes to lessen potential damage from high winds, said Mistie Hinote, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Insurance. Hinote also urged people to review what type of insurance coverage they have and to make a home inventory of their possessions by taking photos of them in case an insurance claim needs to be made after a storm. 'It is a lot of information and a lot of pre-storm steps but a little at a time,' Hinote said. Have an emergency kit Every family should have an emergency kit with supplies to meet its basic needs. For people who stay, a kit should include at least 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water per day per person, with enough for up to seven days, Mason said. One way to have enough water is to fill a bathtub. People should also have enough nonperishable food for up to seven days, as well as flashlights, batteries, candles, medications, portable power banks or other power sources, and a radio that runs on batteries. Pets should be included in preparations, including bringing them inside ahead of a storm, and having enough food, water and necessary medications for up to seven days, Mason said. Parents should also include something to entertain their kids, such as games or coloring books, because likely power outages after a hurricane mean there won't be internet and cellular service, and there's 'nothing's more challenging for a family than kids that are bouncing off the walls because they're bored,' Mason said. 'If you decide to stay, you need to make sure that you can be self-sufficient for days to weeks, depending on how long it takes for power to be restored,' Mason said. Have an evacuation plan If people decide to leave ahead of a storm, they should also prepare an emergency kit with enough supplies to get to their destination, officials said. Before a storm arrives, people should know their evacuation routes are and have backup routes in case roads get congested, Mason said. Officials recommend fueling vehicles if a storm is approaching. People with electric vehicles should make sure their routes have charging stations along the way, he said. Schulze said it's natural for people to be afraid when a hurricane is coming, but having a plan in place and letting loved ones know you're prepared will go a long way to easing fears. 'Think about what the worst could be and prepare for that and you'll always be ready for what comes your way,' Schulze said. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano:
Associated Press
05-07-2025
- Climate
- Associated Press
How to prepare for a hurricane, as forecasters expect a busy 2025 storm season
HOUSTON (AP) — Hurricane season can be stressful for millions of Americans living in coastal areas, as powerful winds and heavy rain can cause widespread damage, cut power for days or weeks and otherwise upend people's lives. Forecasters are expecting another unusually busy season for the Atlantic, with predictions calling for six to 10 hurricanes, with up to half reaching major status. But the stress of hurricane season can be reduced if people have a plan for preparing their homes and for whether to stay and ride out a storm or evacuate, according to emergency management officials. That preparation, which includes putting together a kit of essential supplies, should begin long before a storm is approaching. 'Don't be complacent, take preparedness seriously, spend the time now to do the little things that will make a big difference for you and your loved ones when something does happen,' said Brian Mason, director of Houston's Office of Emergency Management. How to prepare a home for a storm Anything in the backyard that isn't tied down, such as furniture and barbecue grills, should be secured or brought inside so it doesn't become a flying projectile that can come through a window, said Shawn Schulze, regional CEO for the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region. If possible, board up windows and place important documents such as passports and birth certificates in a waterproof case or even a Ziploc bag, Schulze said. That will prevent damage and make documents easier to locate in a quick evacuation. Mason recommends that homeowners get their roofs inspected before each hurricane season and know how to turn off their utilities in case of damage. Well before a storm is brewing, people should trim or remove dead or weakened tree limbs and shrubs that hang over their homes to lessen potential damage from high winds, said Mistie Hinote, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Insurance. Hinote also urged people to review what type of insurance coverage they have and to make a home inventory of their possessions by taking photos of them in case an insurance claim needs to be made after a storm. 'It is a lot of information and a lot of pre-storm steps but a little at a time,' Hinote said. Have an emergency kit Every family should have an emergency kit with supplies to meet its basic needs. For people who stay, a kit should include at least 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water per day per person, with enough for up to seven days, Mason said. One way to have enough water is to fill a bathtub. People should also have enough nonperishable food for up to seven days, as well as flashlights, batteries, candles, medications, portable power banks or other power sources, and a radio that runs on batteries. Pets should be included in preparations, including bringing them inside ahead of a storm, and having enough food, water and necessary medications for up to seven days, Mason said. Parents should also include something to entertain their kids, such as games or coloring books, because likely power outages after a hurricane mean there won't be internet and cellular service, and there's 'nothing's more challenging for a family than kids that are bouncing off the walls because they're bored,' Mason said. 'If you decide to stay, you need to make sure that you can be self-sufficient for days to weeks, depending on how long it takes for power to be restored,' Mason said. Have an evacuation plan If people decide to leave ahead of a storm, they should also prepare an emergency kit with enough supplies to get to their destination, officials said. Before a storm arrives, people should know their evacuation routes are and have backup routes in case roads get congested, Mason said. Officials recommend fueling vehicles if a storm is approaching. People with electric vehicles should make sure their routes have charging stations along the way, he said. Schulze said it's natural for people to be afraid when a hurricane is coming, but having a plan in place and letting loved ones know you're prepared will go a long way to easing fears. 'Think about what the worst could be and prepare for that and you'll always be ready for what comes your way,' Schulze said. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano:
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Native American tribes pledge to ‘push hard' on casino plans near Boise
The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes have long wanted their own gaming operation. After all, they're the only tribe in Idaho without one. That dream is now a step closer to fruition. In the grassy plains halfway between Boise and Mountain Home, the Sho-Pai held a ceremony Thursday to bless the land where they plan to build their first resort and casino. The parcel straddles the Ada and Elmore county lines near Interstate 84 about two miles south of the exit for the Boise Stage Stop on Orchard Access Road. The site is part of the Sho-Pai's homelands, an area their ancestors were forcibly removed from over a century ago when Europeans colonized the West and corralled them into the remote Duck Valley Reservation on the Idaho-Nevada border. Life at Duck Valley is full of challenges, according to Brian Mason, chairman of the Sho-Pai Tribal Business Council. 'We still have some tribal members living in homes without floors or running water,' Mason said. 'We struggle with high unemployment, we don't have access to adequate medical care and we can't attract enough qualified teachers. Tribal gaming can give us the resources we need to solve these problems.' Under white canopy tents at the end of a long, dusty dirt road, hundreds gathered to commemorate the momentous occasion. Tribal leaders, wearing feathered headdresses and other cultural garb, led prayers, sang traditional songs and performed in drum circles. Cars and trucks traveling along the highway passed by quietly in the distant background. It was a homecoming of sorts. 'This is our ancestral land, our land that our people walked on before,' Mason said at the start of the ceremony. 'We're returning with a gaming operation.' It wouldn't be possible without the support of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe in northern Idaho. The tribe bought the more than 500-acre property in April to give to the Sho-Pai for the project. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe, whose council members traveled to southern Idaho for the blessing event, promised to share their expertise with the Sho-Pai to get the casino through permitting and development processes. Once the resort is up and running, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe plans to manage it, at least until the Sho-Pai learn the ropes. 'This is not a handout,' said Chief J. Allan, chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Tribal Council, during the ceremony. 'This is two nations working together. We're going to push hard. We've got to get it approved. We'll camp in D.C. if we have to.' Ysabel Bilbao, a spokesperson for the Sho-Pai, said the two tribal groups are working on submitting a fee-to-trust land acquisition application to the U.S. Department of Interior by late summer. 'We still have a road ahead of us, but it is a lot shorter,' Bilbao said. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act requires that land used for gaming be held in trust, a process where the Interior Department acquires the title to the land and holds it for the benefit of the tribe. Loosened restrictions have allowed tribes to build casinos further afield from their reservations. The Sho-Pai don't have a casino on their reservation or elsewhere, but have been working on plans for a gaming project in the Mountain Home area since the 1990s. Their proposed resort and casino about 20 miles southeast of Boise is estimated to generate tens of millions of dollars a year for Idaho's economy and create thousands of well-paying jobs, according to the tribes. It would draw patrons from over 780,000 people who live in Ada and Canyon counties and nearly 30,000 who live in Elmore County. It would also attract travelers along the route between Boise and Mountain Home. The tribes envision the latest gaming machines, luxury hotel rooms, a spa, entertainment center and fine dining restaurants. The Sho-Pai pledge to give 5% of the casino's gaming revenues to local schools and education programs. 'It's going to give us a revenue stream so we can take care of our people back home,' Mason said. 'This is for our youth. They're our future leaders. And for our elders that are out there, we apologize for it taking so long.' Another casino? Even closer to Boise? Here is what's planned Want to buy a unique Idaho property? You could shoot your shot with a gun range Micron announces plans for a second memory-manufacturing plant in Boise
