TWC Hosts Disaster Preparedness Training Sessions for Central Texas Employees
Do you know what to do in the event of a natural disaster or severe weather emergency?
By Elise Longpree, Director, Community Investment
Unfortunately, natural disasters or severe weather emergencies are all too common. It’s not a matter of if the next disaster will occur but when... Do you know what to do before, during and after a natural disaster or severe weather emergency?
These questions initiated an important dialogue with Time Warner Cable employees in Central Texas, an area that’s been impacted by severe wildfires and flooding. TWC hosted three employee disaster preparedness training sessions on September 22 at TWC’s Austin, Texas office. Participants included the American Red Cross, City of Austin Office of Homeland Security, Travis County Office of Emergency Management, Texas Department of Animal Control and TWC’s Business Continuity Management team. “It was important to raise awareness of this issue,” stated Michael Pearson, TWC News Director of News and Programming for Austin and San Antonio. Pearson also served as moderator of the event. “We wanted to provide employees with the information and resources to be prepared in the event of severe weather," he said.
The presenters focused on the importance of personal awareness and challenged attendees to have a plan, create an emergency kit and practice an escape route to safety. Knowing what to do before, during and after a severe weather emergency ahead of time is critical. “Each of us must take proactive steps to ensure we are safe,” stated Burton Fitzsimmons, TWC News Chief Meteorologist. Having an emergency kit is also important. A standard emergency kit should include food, water and medicine to sustain your household for three days. Following each session, the presenters staffed booths and shared additional information and resources with employees.
September is recognized as national preparedness month. And thanks to Time Warner Cable, nearly 200 of its employees who participated in the sessions are more emergency aware.
Contact:
Elise Longpree
(972) 630-5103
Time Warner Cable
