Hurricane season for the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast regions officially begins June 1 and lasts through November 30. However, those of us in Texas have already encountered more than one severe storm this year-weeks prior to the official start of hurricane season.
Although many are still reeling from the after-effects of the most recent storms, it is essential to fully prepare for the dangers the upcoming hurricane season can bring because hurricanes are dangerous storms that can cause major damage from wind, storm surge, and flooding.
- Know Your Hurricane Risk. Although coastal cities such as Houston are often hit the hardest, hurricanes can also affect inland areas. Inland Texas residents may still need to prepare for increased rain and wind with the possibility of tornadoes.
- Make an Emergency Plan. Make a detailed plan, share it with your family or coworkers, and make sure everyone knows what to do. Families should include anyone they interact with on a daily basis, such as kids’ daycares or caregivers, in those emergency plans. Ensure your business has an emergency and continuity plan to continue operating when power is out or an emergency occurs.
- Know Your Evacuation Zone. If you must evacuate quickly because of a storm, you should practice with your household and identify safe places to stay. Be sure to have a way to listen to the instructions of local emergency managers and follow those instructions for the appropriate safety measures.
- Recognize Warnings. Have multiple ways to receive safety alerts such as downloading the FEMA app to receive alerts from the National Weather Service.
- People with Disabilities. Identify if someone may need additional assistance during a storm and have a plan.
- Review Important Documents. Make sure all insurance policies and personal documents are up to date and make copies of them.
- Ready Your Home. Bring outside furniture and debris in and unclog all drains and gutters. Keep all cell phones charged when a hurricane is forecast and consider having backup chargers for electronics.
- Gather Supplies. Make a list of necessary supplies for your household, including medication, disinfectants, and pet necessities to last for several days. The supply kit should include one gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food for several days, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, a first-aid kit, extra batteries, plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place), a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, a manual can opener, dust masks, and a whistle.
Gather the supplies on the list and keep them in a go-bag or vehicle trunk.
9. Help Others. Check with neighbors or senior adults who may need help getting hurricane ready.
Additional information on how to prepare for hurricanes or other emergencies can be found at https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes or https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/about/index.html. First-aid kits and other emergency supplies can be found at all United Tool and Fastener showrooms in Houston, San Antonio, or College Station.
