Coastal Carolina University will host a Hurricane Readiness Expo on Saturday, May 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University’s HTC Center. The event, which is free and open to the public, is designed to help prepare area residents for the upcoming storm season. It will feature vendor booths, family-friendly activities, and presentations from WPDE chief meteorologist Ed Piotrowski and Horry County emergency management director Sam Hodge, and complimentary hot dog lunch.

The expo is a CCU Presidential Signature Series event. Established by University President Michael T. Benson in 2021, the series features activities ranging from lectures and performances to art displays and community events.

“The focus of the expo is to bring awareness and education regarding how to prepare for a storm or natural disaster and know the resources available to them following the same,” said Rob Conners, one of the event’s organizers. “We are hopeful that we can continue to partner with Coastal Carolina University for this event in the future and continue to expand the partnerships that we have established with local organizations and businesses in order to keep the citizens of Horry County and surrounding areas safe and prepared.”

Expo attendees will learn pre-hurricane preparation tactics and post-storm response information from a variety of community partners. Additional confirmed organizations participating include Horry County Fire Rescue, American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, National Weather Service, SERVPRO, Home Depot, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, City of Myrtle Beach Emergency Management, Procon & Associates, and others.

The Hurricane Readiness Expo is sponsored by Coastal Carolina University, JustServe, Horry County Emergency Management, WPDE ABC 15, and Conway Medical Center.