Hurricane Awareness Day — Sept. 26

It's hard to believe, but we're coming up on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Rita. This Thursday marks 10 years since that storm rolled into our area causing wide-spread destruction and left no one untouched. that storm will stay in our memories for the rest of our lives. What should also stay in our memories is the way this area has bounced back from all that destruction and damage.

It's well known that the national Hurricane Museum is slated to be located adjunct to the Lake Charles Civic Center and that will be quite an event when it comes to fruition. The lake area will also acknowledge the anniversary of Rita with a Hurricane awareness day, coming up on Thursday.

Hurricane Awareness Day, to be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center will demonstrate how the area has recovered as well as lessons learned in emergency preparation and response.

According to Meagan Hartman of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the event "will showcase exhibits and demonstrations by emergency responders, activities for families on lessons learned for better preparation, as well as celebrate the music, food and culture of the region," Hartman said. "Exhibition booths will demonstrate the latest technologies, run practice emergency response training, feature emergency transportation vehicles, and coordinate other weather preparedness related activities."

A 10k, 5k and 1-mile run will be held the same day with registration at 7 a.m.