City of Los Fresnos Hosts Hurricane Preparedness Event

Updated: July 14, 2025

By Mike Villarreal

The City of Los Fresnos recently held its Hurricane Preparedness Community event on July 8 at the Los Fresnos Fire Department. The event provided valuable information on how to prepare for hurricanes and what actions to take before and after a storm. Local small business owners and public safety partners collaborated to organize this important gathering.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from local hurricane and emergency experts, allowing them to stay informed and take necessary precautions. City Manager Mark Milum opened the event by discussing essential points regarding safety procedures during a hurricane and where to seek shelter. He shared insights on how to evacuate safely in the event of an emergency and how to manage finances during a crisis.

Milum emphasized the importance of keeping your vehicle fueled in case of evacuation and advised against cutting tree branches before a hurricane, as they can become hazardous projectiles during the storm.

Next, Dr. Kayla Lee, owner of Aloha Veterinary Clinic, spoke about keeping pets safe during storms. She highlighted that there was no previous emergency plan for pets, but now, thanks to the PETS Act, a framework is in place. The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, signed into law on October 6, 2006, requires that state and local disaster plans include provisions for the evacuation and transportation of household pets and service animals during major emergencies.

Dr. Lee also stressed the importance of updating your pet’s ID tags to facilitate tracing if your pet goes missing. Microchipping is another effective method of identifying pet ownership, as it can be checked through a database. Keeping a paper copy of your pet’s vaccination records is advisable in case of power outages, and having recent photos of your pet is recommended. If evacuation is necessary, ensure you take food, water, and medications for your pets with you.

Following Dr. Lee, Tom Hushen, the Emergency Management Coordinator for Cameron County, spoke about the importance of proactive decision-making during hurricanes. He stressed that residents should not wait for emergency officials to instruct them to leave. Taking charge of your own evacuation decisions is crucial for ensuring the safety of you and your family. Delaying evacuation until the last minute can lead to hazardous situations, as everyone will be trying to leave simultaneously.

Next, representatives from the Los Fresnos Police Department spoke about hurricane preparedness. Charlie Banda, the Los Fresnos Police Commander and Emergency Management Coordinator, explained that he works closely with Cameron County Emergency Management to prepare for and respond to severe weather events.

Banda mentioned several dome shelters in Cameron County that can be utilized by individuals who are unable to evacuate. He also highlighted the significance of the 2-1-1 system, which assists the elderly and individuals with disabilities. He strongly recommends that elderly residents living alone register with 2-1-1 to receive additional support during storms. When registered, Cameron County will maintain a list identifying those who need evacuation assistance.

Additionally, he advised homeowners to take before-and-after photos of their property and belongings to document any damage in the event of a disaster, as proper documentation is crucial for receiving assistance.

The Los Fresnos Fire Department and EMS then took the stage. David Garza from Los Fresnos EMS informed the community about the services provided by EMS, noting significant advancements in their operations. He mentioned that Los Fresnos EMS operates three regular ambulances and a Multi-Patient Vehicle (MPV) and functions as a Mobile Intensive Care (MIC) Unit capable of performing emergency care procedures in the back of the ambulance. Garza reminded the audience that ambulances must be grounded for safety if wind speeds exceed certain limits.

Volunteer firefighter Andrew Gonzalez then discussed the challenges firefighters face, often having to leave their homes to respond to emergencies. He emphasized that people should not hesitate to call the fire department, as time is crucial during emergencies. The fire department possesses the equipment necessary for various types of rescues, including two Zodiac boats, which are inflatable boats ideal for use in rugged or shallow waters.

Finally, Juan Gonzalez addressed the importance of signing up for notifications regarding severe weather. He encouraged everyone to visit the 9-1-1 website to register for “Code Red,” a service that sends alert notifications about severe weather events in the area.

The Los Fresnos CISD was the next to speak. School administrator Shara Gonzales discussed how the district collaborates closely with Emergency Management Services to ensure the safety of students and staff in the event of an emergency.

The National Weather Service was next to speak, emphasizing the importance of notifications during severe weather events. Bianca Garcia, a lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service, discussed their round-the-clock operations, which involve continuously monitoring weather conditions. She noted that storms typically peak in August and September. The agency collaborates closely with emergency officials to determine when weather alerts should be issued. Public safety must have these alerts, as they provide real-time information about local conditions. These alerts are sent wirelessly, ensuring that people receive essential updates even in the event of a power outage. The team emphasized the importance of being prepared, as weather conditions can often be unpredictable.

Lastly, Africa Rosas from the Small Business Administration addressed the availability of low-interest loans to assist individuals during disasters. Although the organization primarily focuses on small businesses, it also extends assistance to nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters. She highlighted that these loans are federal and come with low interest rates, as the SBA is a federal agency.

The Los Fresnos News had the pleasure of attending the Hurricane Preparedness Community Event. It was nice to see many in attendance and the community coming together for the greater good.

Photos by Mike Villarreal