Pontchartrain Conservancy to host seventh annual Storm Aware and Prepare

Written By Alicia Vial

The family-friendly event promotes hurricane preparedness resources 

NEW ORLEANS — Pontchartrain Conservancy is proud to host the seventh Storm Aware and Prepare event presented by Entergy on Saturday, May 30 at the New Canal Lighthouse from 10 a.m. to noon. This free, family-friendly event will provide hurricane preparedness resources and supplies for the 2026 hurricane season. 

“As we host our seventh annual Storm Aware and Prepare event, we are focused on giving our community the practical information and resources needed to prepare for hurricane season with confidence,” said Kristi Trail, executive director of Pontchartrain Conservancy. “With the help of our sponsors and partners, we are bringing together easy tips, tools and ways to protect what matters most.” 

Partner organizations will be onsite to provide information and answer any questions from community members. New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board will have their Mobile Command Center and High-water response vehicles at the event. Attendees are encouraged to let Pontchartrain Conservancy know where they see litter hot spots and clogged storm drains in their neighborhood, indicated on maps. Following the event, Pontchartrain Conservancy will organize a litter cleanup and storm drain clean out based on the information collected. Attendees are also encouraged to sign-up to be informed of and invited to the cleanup.

“Strong partnerships are essential to building a more resilient Louisiana,” said Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana. “By working alongside organizations like the Pontchartrain Conservancy, we’re able to extend our impact beyond delivering reliable power and into protecting and strengthening the communities we serve. These collaborative efforts help safeguard our natural resources, enhance storm preparedness, and ensure Louisiana remains a vibrant place to live and work for generations to come.”

In addition to hurricane prep resources, this event that is fun for all ages will include coastal educational activities for adults and children and free Louisiana wildflower seeds provided by Pontchartrain Conservancy. Valerie’s Snoballs will also be onsite providing a snowball and hot dog or jambalaya for each attendee.  

Additional partners include Restore the Mississippi River Delta, Glassroots, New Orleans Health Department, St. Bernard Project, Jefferson Parish Environmental, and others. This event is sponsored by Entergy.

For more information about Storm Aware and Prepare, visit scienceforourcoast.org/events

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About Pontchartrain Conservancy:
Pontchartrain Conservancy is a New Orleans-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to an environmentally sustainable, prosperous and resilient region. Our mission is to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education and advocacy. Pontchartrain Conservancy consists of a board of directors representing Lake Pontchartrain Basin parishes and regulatory agencies. For more information or to get involved, visit www.scienceforourcoast.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @PontchartrainConservancy and Twitter at @OurBasin. 

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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