Helping You Prepare for a Hurricane

The Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June through September. Below are some tips to help you prepare in case of a Hurricane. Of course these tips are not to provide you with all the information you will need to prepare for Hurricane Season, but to help you plan ahead for the Hurricane season.

Take Precaution:

Listen to local TV, Radio, or NOAA weather radio to be aware of watches and warnings
Be aware that the Calm "eye" is deceptive: The storm is NOT over!
Flooding can begin well before a hurricane is near land.
Stay away from floodwaters, if you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
Never attempt to drive through water on a road, water can be deeper then it appears, and water levels can rise very quickly.

Prepare Your House:

Get hurricane panels; shutter to help eliminate the hassle of putting plywood up and down.
If you do have plywood, put it over all windows and doors
Remember even garage doors should be covered.
Gable vents, air conditioner condenser units should be covered. At minimum, plywood should be cut to fit and securely affixed to all gable vents on your home.
Take all chairs and tables from outside your house, grills or anything else that can blow away.
Cut down dead limbs from trees, as these can blow away easy.
Turn off electricity at the main circuit breaker or fuse box to protect appliances from power surges and reduce the risk of live dangling wires after the storm.
If the house is supplied with natural or propane gas, turn it off at the meter or tank.
Remove perishable items from your refrigerator and freezer if you evacuate.

Prepare A Personal Evacuation Plan:

Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places--Friends, family in another town, a motel/hotel or a shelter.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or Local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
If you live in the affected area, call the toll-free Red Cross Hotline: 1-866-438-4636 for the nearest Red Cross emergency Shelter.
If time allows, call or e-mail your out-of town contact to let them know where you are going and when you expect to get there.
There are no mandatory routes you must take when evacuating from your city. There are several different routes you may take. When weather is good, take your family on an outing to check routes and become familiar with roadways.
Motorists should fill their tanks before evacuating.
Should fuel supplies become low, evacuees should look for TXDOT signs indicating key fuel locations.
TxDOT courtesy vehicles will be patrolling major evacuation routes.

Items To Take with you During an Evacuation:

Map of area.
Prescription medication and medical supplies.
Bedding, clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows, sunglasses, rain gear, sturdy shoes or boots, complete change of clothing and foot ware per person.
First aid kit, Flashlight, car Keys.
Documents--drivers license, Social Security Card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.
Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
3 gallons of water per person.
Additional water for sanitation.
Minimum 3 day supply of non-perishable food.
Dry cereal, peanut butter, canned fruits and canned vegetables, canned juice, ready to eat canned meats.
Quick energy bars/snacks.
Napkins, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils.
Family photos, select irreplaceable personal items.
Patch kit and can of seal-in-air for vehicle tires.