Public Information Assist Team U.S. Coast Guard
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Joint Press Release	Date: April 23, 2007 Contact: PA1 Larry Chambers (757) 398-6269 or CWO Glenn Sapp (252) 335-6457

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. -  Federal, state and local emergency managers from North Carolina and Virginia are scheduled to host a free hurricane awareness, community preparedness and emergency response open house May 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at U.S. Coast Guard Support Center Elizabeth City.

The open house will feature the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's WP-3 Orion turboprop Hurricane Hunter aircraft in addition to more than 30 Coast Guard and North Carolina emergency management response aircraft, boats, vehicles and education booths.

"Emergency preparedness can never be overemphasized," said Capt. Mark Rose, commanding officer of the support center. "Education and awareness are paramount -- people should be ready before a disaster strikes. We'd like people to come out and learn what they can do to better prepare as well as see the various assets emergency responders can provide," he said.

The Hurricane Hunter is making its stop here in support of a five-city tour of the East Coast, which is scheduled to begin April 30 to raise public awareness of hurricanes.

"Educating the public is our continuing mission," said Bill Proenza, director of NOAA's National Hurricane Center. "Even though last season had a below average number of tropical cyclones with no landfalling hurricanes, we remain in an active hurricane cycle likely to last another 10 to 20 years. Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy," he said.

All those attending this rain or shine event must have photo identification to enter the base.

Any questions pertaining to the event can be directed to Petty Officer 1st Class Larry Chambers at 757-398-6269 or Chief Warrant Officer Glenn Sapp at 252-335-6457.

For more information, please visit these Web sites: 

U.S. Coast Guard http://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/

NOAA/National Weather Service http://www.noaa.gov/, www.weather.gov/mhx (Newport/Morehead City, N.C.), www.weather.gov/akq (Wakefield, Va.) 

North Carolina Department of Crime Control & Public Safety www.nccrimecontrol.org/em and  www.readync.org