GOLIAD – As Tropical Storm Ernesto appeared headed into the Gulf of Mexico on Monday, Goliad County Emergency Management public information officer Mary Jane Martin said residents should plan ahead for the possibility of a busy second half of the 2012 hurricane season.

Martin said county residents shouldn’t wait too late to make sure they have the necessary provisions like food and water should Ernesto or another storm strike the Texas Gulf Coast.

“We’re not as prepared as we need to be,” Martin said “We’re not going to get water surge. We get the wind. We’re not protected just because we’re inland.”

Martin said residents can visit the state’s emergency management website (http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/) to get information on what they need should a hurricane be headed toward the Texas Gulf Coast.

Livestock owners should also be prepared should a storm near the coast.

Texas Agri-Life Extension Service officials have advised ranchers to “hurricane-ize” their livestock.

“With the right preparation, you can protect livestock from injury should a hurricane occur,” said Dr. Joe Paschal, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist in Corpus Christi.

“Most damage to buildings, pens and animals comes from wind and flying objects,” Paschal said. “So the ability to protect them in advance from these dangers greatly reduces the chance of injury to livestock.”

Paschall said preparations should begin by making sure the livestock are current on their vaccinations.

“Also stock up on basic veterinary supplies,” Paschal said. “These include bandages (and) topical antibiotics, and have restraint equipment (ropes and halters) ready for restraining injured animals that need veterinary assistance.”

For more information, contact Goliad County Extension Agent Brian Yanta.