Event helps Grand Strand residents be storm ready

MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (AP) — An event along the Grand Strand is helping residents to prepare for storms with another hurricane season under way.

Emergency Management officials from Georgetown and Horry counties as well as the National Weather Service are sponsoring Stormfest 2012 on Saturday at Inlet Square Mall in Murrells Inlet.

The event features storm and safety displays and booths and participants include the National Guard and the Red Cross.

There’s also a spotter training course sponsored by the Weather Service and a presentation by emergency officials on new evacuation plans for the Grand Strand.