In observance of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, TXU Energy, the City of Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department's Senior Community Services Division, the Office of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service have joined forces to raise community awareness about storm safety and preparedness, especially among senior citizens. These organizations are hosting a storm safety educational workshop today for patrons of the Oveal William Senior Center in Corpus Christi.
"TXU Energy understands the importance of caring for others and helping those in need to take the necessary precautions and safety measures to avoid serious consequences," said Jim Burke, CEO of TXU Energy. "We value partnerships with organizations like the City of Corpus Christi and National Weather Service to strengthen our message to the community about safety and preparedness."
On average, a hurricane will cross the Texas coastline every three years and a major hurricane strikes every six years, according to the National Weather Service. Research shows that the elderly, especially those on low or fixed incomes, are more likely than any other demographic group to stay inside their homes during a severe storm - resulting in some of the most critical effects of natural disasters. Senior citizens who live alone, or have poor health or physical challenges, frequently find themselves unattended during emergency situations. Texas' storm season begins June 1 and ends November 30.
"The mid-Texas coast has not experienced a direct assault from a major hurricane in 37 years, when Hurricane Celia crossed our coast line in 1970," said John Metz, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service, Corpus Christi. "It's not a matter of if another hurricane will hit South Texas but when. Citizens must take this time before the hurricane season to get prepared."
The storm safety workshop is part of TXU Energy's signature program, Check On Your Neighbor. The workshop is designed to educate community members, such as Oveal William Senior Center patrons, about critical safety measures to be taken before, during and after a storm. Seniors will receive informational flyers with important tips to share with their family and friends as well as a general checklist of safety measures designed for easy reference posting on a refrigerator. In addition, experts from the Corpus Christi Senior Community Services Division, the Office of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service will provide basic storm information, including the science of hurricanes and the City's recommended emergency preparation plan.
"The hurricane season two years ago - and the devastating effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita - taught all of us who live on the Texas Gulf Coast many valuable lessons that we all need to address as we begin a new hurricane season," said Randy Sijanksy, City of Corpus Christi emergency management coordinator. "Being informed and being prepared are the two most important actions that our residents can take."
**** Note to Media ****
On May 22, TXU Energy will host a storm safety workshop from 1:30-3:00pm at the Oveal Williams Senior Center, 1414 Martin Luther King, Corpus Christi, Texas.
About National Weather Service
The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. NWS data and products form a national information database and infrastructure which can be used by other governmental agencies, the private sector, the public, and the global community.
About TXU
TXU Corp., a Dallas-based energy company, manages a portfolio of competitive and regulated energy businesses primarily in Texas. In the competitive TXU Energy Holdings segment (electricity generation, wholesale marketing and retailing), TXU Energy provides electricity and related services to more than 2.1 million competitive electricity customers in Texas. TXU Power has over 18,100 MW of generation in Texas, including 2,300 MW of nuclear and 5,800 MW of coal-fueled generation capacity. TXU Wholesale optimizes the purchases and sales of energy for TXU Energy and TXU Power and provides related services to other market participants. TXU Wholesale is the largest purchaser of wind-generated electricity in Texas and fifth largest in the United States. Power generation and related businesses, such as TXU Power and TXU Wholesale, plan to transition toward the new Luminant Energy brand. Visit http://www.txucorp.com/ for more information about TXU Corp. Visit http://www.txu.com/ for more information about TXU Energy.
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Sophia Stoller
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