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As a society we are more dependent on our electronic devices for communication and data storage than ever. Whether it is our business data or family pictures, we may only have one chance to prepare for a loss that could be forever. This month's topic for the Be Tomball Ready disaster preparedness seminar is intended to give a general overview of how bad the data loss could be, the general causes and recommended prevention.

The event will be held May 16, at River of Praise Church, 13215 Boudreaux Estates Dr., in Tomball, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is hosted by the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce and the Tomball Area Local Emergency Planning Committee.

Organizers said that guest speakers will explore the ever changing risks to our business and home computers. A panel of industry experts will address three major areas of risk; hardware/software failure, current virus and spyware and the latest backup technology. General areas of discussion will be data security involving employees (intentional or accidental loss), hackers and catastrophic equipment loss or failure. 

Speakers include Ken Dwight, the Virus Doctor; Gary Gray of Concerto Networks and John Pursley, also of Concerto Networks.

Some people simply enjoy causing havoc, but people can protect themselves with, in most cases, minimal effort and cost. Many of these techniques will be shared by the panel.  

There is no charge for the event, but organizers advise to bring your own lunch. For more information call Mike Ott at 713-299-1554 or to RSVP call Dawn Stone at the chamber office, 281-351-7222.

The Tomball Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will be holding free training every Tuesday, Sept. 25 through Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m., at the Tomball Fire Department, 1200 Rudel Rd. The eight-week course includes training in distrater preparedness, medical triage and treatment, disaster psychology, terrorism awareness, fire suppression, CPR training and light search and rescue. To register email Barbara Tague at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 713-851-0737.