WFO Shreveport Forecaster Bill Murrell discusses the Shreveport webpage with visitors to the Weather/Preparedness Fair (Photo: WFO Shreveport)

Working in partnership with the Shreveport/Bossier Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP), WFO Shreveport staffers hosted their first Severe Weather and Preparedness Fair at the Bossier Civic Center, February 11.

The event provided an opportunity to share weather preparedness and what has been learned from past events, with the public. Children's activities included a Home Depot workshop to make preparedness kits, hazardous weather preparedness for the family by the American Red Cross, and severe weather formation by Sciport Discovery Center of Shreveport.

The Atmospheric Sciences Department from the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) shared research findings from the 2005 Hurricane Season. Shreveport Forecasters Mike Berry and Bill Murrell made presentations on past tornado and thunderstorm wind events across the Arklatex. Bill Parker and Mark Frazier also presented the annual Storm Spotter training class.

In addition to the presentations, several organizations sponsored booths including Caddo/Bosier OHSEP and Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT), SWEPCO Electric, Bossier Police and Fire, ULM, NWS Shreveport, Barksdale USAF Base, and local Amateur Radio Clubs. Comments from those in attendance were very positive. Over 200 people attended the fair.