Herald-Tribune Hurricane Expo set for Saturday

June 05--SARASOTA -- Not long after a threat from Subtropical Storm Alberto, the Herald-Tribune's annual Hurricane Expo will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sarasota Main Plaza, 1991 Main Street.

Although Alberto, the first named storm of the year, forced the cancellation of many Memorial Day weekend events, the expo will take place rain or shine. Admission is free.

Visitors can meet with builders, remodelers, storm-recovery experts and preparation vendors. Former Herald-Tribune real estate editor Harold Bubil will host panel discussions throughout the day. Topics will include storm preparation and lessons from Hurricane Irma, storm forecasting and reporting, information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and planning and financing for storm events.

"Every hurricane is different, and you have to treat each one as if the risk to you is equivalent," Bubil said.

He said he will be asking panelists questions about "the what, the why and the how for preparing for hurricane season."

FEMA representatives will talk about implementing a family emergency plan using sources like ready.gov and the agency's app, FEMA spokesman John Mills said.

Sarasota County Emergency Manager Ed McCrane will discuss changes to terminology and improvements to the county's emergency plan since Irma.

"I think if the citizens know about the changes to our procedures and how to access information, we're going to direct people in the right direction and become better prepared," McCrane said.

Attendees can register to win a Honda EG2800I generator, courtesy of Gravely of Bradenton, valued at $2,500.

HURRICANE EXPO

Schedule of panel discussions, subject to change:

10 a.m.-10:25 a.m: "Lessons and changes in the wake of one-of-a-kind Irma," by Sarasota County Emergency Manager Ed McCrane. Discussion topics include: Zones versus areas, readiness checklists, power outages, generator safety and biggest risks to life.

10:25 a.m.: PGT Custom Windows + Doors, by Jim Heise, public affairs and code specialist for PGT.

10:30 a.m.-10:55 a.m.: "How we make forecasts and communicate the message," by Justin Mosely, Marco La Manno and Dan Henry of Suncoast News Network. Discussion topics include: how to prevent panic when a storm is approaching and what viewers misunderstand about forecasts.

10:55 a.m.-10:58 a.m.: Southern Cross shutter protection, by January Smith

11 a.m.-11:25 a.m.: "Subtle factors make for big differences in hurricane impacts; innovations in weather forecasting and storm tracking," by Dan Noah of the National Weather Service. Discussion topics include: What causes a hurricane to change track? What is the expectation for this year? Is it an El Niño or La Niña year, and what does that mean? How do forecasters gather data? How are new prediction products working out?

11:25 a.m.-11:50 a.m.: Discussion about how Florida Power & Light prepares for and recovers from outages.

12:20 p.m.-12:45 p.m.: "What FEMA can do and what you must do for yourselves," by FEMA Floodplain Management Specialist Clark Patterson and FEMA Public Information Officer Jim Woodard. Discussion topics include: preparing for a storm using checklists, evacuating when told to by emergency managers, types of assistance offered by FEMA, and what to do if you don't have insurance.

12:45 p.m.-1:15 p.m.: "Planning and finances for residents," by Jerry Sparkman, Alan Tannenbaum and Lori Augustyniak. Sparkman will discuss safe places to shelter in place where he'll answer the following questions: Can you build a safe room without a lot of expense? Where is the strongest part of my house, and how can I find it? Tannenbaum will give a presentation on legal issues in the aftermath of a storm, answering questions about homeowners' and contractors' responsibilities. Augustyniak will then give a lesson on "Insurance Checkup" that will feature how to pay less in premium and get more coverage.

1:15 p.m.-1:50 p.m.: Heise and Smith will host a discussion on the dos and don'ts of protecting windows and doors. They will talk about what makes financial and physical sense for homeowners of varying skill sets, abilities and wealth.

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