Edinburg.- In an ongoing effort to equip county employees and their families with the tools they need to safely navigate hurricane season, Hidalgo County Judge’s Office will extend their “Hurricane Preparedness” training for all staff at the County Clerk’s Office.
The training will take place on September 4th and 5th at 9:30 a.m., and will be split into four sessions across the two days to ensure full participation while maintaining daily office operations.
Judge Cortez will deliver remarks (Friday, September 5th at 9:30 a.m.) to address the County Clerk Office sessions, underscoring the county’s proactive approach to employee and community safety during hurricane season.
“Severe weather doesn’t just threaten our physical safety, but takes a real toll on mental health,” said Judge Cortez. “With the inclusion of a mental health specialist, this training goes beyond flashlights and first aid kits, we’re equipping our staff with tools to manage stress and emotions in the wake of a disaster. Preparation brings peace of mind, and that’s just as important as supplies.”
Highlights of the training include:
- Uncommon but essential hurricane tips, such as how to:
- Safely store and preserve drinking water
- Construct an emergency toilet setup
- Recognize and manage extreme heat dangers after a storm
- Emotional de-escalation techniques for weather-related stress by mental health specialists
- Live cooking demonstration with no power hurricane-ready recipe
- Hands-on emergency snack activity designed specifically for children
By addressing both the practical and emotional aspects of hurricane preparedness, the training offers a holistic approach Judge Cortez hopes will extend beyond the workplace and into homes across the county.
This effort is part of a broader series of seasonal readiness initiatives expected to expand to other county departments.
