Hurricane Preparedness Week: Are You Ready?

Posted byHoumanitarian

June 1st is the official beginning of the 2012 Hurricane Season, and already we have seen two named storms in the Atlantic and one in the western Pacific. We never know if storms like these will reach us in the Texas Gulf Coast, but being ready is always essential. To help you prepare the city, county, and regional nonprofits like the Red Cross have resources and tips below. Take advantage of them and do not get caught unprepared.

There are three fundamental steps to be prepared: Have a Plan, Make a Kit and Be Informed. Check back with us daily for more information on the

HAVE A PLAN

  • Find out if you are in the surge zone. Check our interactive evacuation map for your location.
  • If you are not in the surge zone, plan to stay. Have plenty supplies, find a safe room in your home, plan for power outages and be sure to notify friends and relatives of your plans to stay.
  • If you are in the surge zone and need to evacuate, make sure to discuss your evacuation plans with your family, friends and relatives. Know contact information for your family members, friends and anyone else you may need to contact.
  • Learn evacuation routes from your area. Plan for traffic, so expect delays and longer drive times.
  • Make a checklist of what you need to do and make sure to review it prior to the storm’s arrival.
  • Learn places to stay between your home and your destination, just in case you have to stop or detour.
  • Make plans for what you are going to do with your pets and livestock.
  • If you have a car, keep at least a half tank of gas at all times.
  • Make sure to properly prepare your home or business. Protect windows, bring any outdoor objects inside and turn off utilities if instructed.

MAKE A KIT

  • Download our Emergency Supply Kit. Take inventory of what you already have in your home. You might find out you don’t need as much as you think.
  • Plan on having enough supplies to last for 5-7 days.
  • Make sure to have enough water- one gallon daily per person.
  • Pack canned foods, juices, food for infants, cooking tools, fuel and any food for pets.
  • Fill prescriptions and have any medications, personal hygiene items, toilet paper, cleanup supplies, etc. on hand
  • Keep fully charged cell phones with chargers and extra batteries.
  • Make sure to have a battery operated radio and flashlight with extra batteries.
  • Have extra clothing, rain gear, blankets, pillows and sleeping bags.
  • Keep any important documents, including photo IDs, driver license, proof of residence, account information, and any insurance papers you may need to process insurance claims safe in a water-proof bag.
  • Have cash, including small bills.

BE INFORMED

  • Sign up for Harris County Alerts at our website, www.readyharris.org. Readyharris is your one-stop destination for up-to-the-minute emergency information and preparedness tips. Or if you live in outlying counties be sure to check their websites too for specific readiness suggestiongs.
  • Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
  • Be familiar with any hurricane terms. A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area.
  • Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes. Category one and two are dangerous but not as destructive.
  • Be aware of possible flooding. Excessive rain can trigger landslides or mud slides. Flash flooding can occur due to intense rainfall. Flooding on rivers and streams may persist for several days or more after the storm.

Lastly, be prepared to visit the following web sites for more information about how to prepare for a hurricane should one approach our part of the Gulf Coast.