Preparing for Hurricane Season

Hurricane Season is a period of increased storms and hurricanes beginning in mid-August and continues through October. It reaches its peak around mid-September. It is vital that Houstonians and other Gulf Coast residents understand the dangers of hurricanes and adequately prepare themselves to remain safe throughout the season. The ideal time to begin preparing for hurricane season is months before its actual arrival. Following is a general checklist of ways to prepare yourself and loved ones for the upcoming hurricane season.

Devise a Family Plan

Locate a safe room or area of your home that will not be effected by wind, flooding, or storm surges. If there is no such place in your home, locate a place in your community that will be accessible during a storm or hurricane.

Locate and discuss escape routes from your home and safe meeting places given family members are not together at the time of the hurricane.

Determine where pets will go if evacuation is necessary.

Post emergency numbers (including 9-1-1) and be sure all children know how to dial them.

Determine whether or not flooding is covered under your insurance.

Stock non-perishable emergency supplies.

Create a Disaster Kit

A list of things that you'll need in your disaster kit:

1. Water: 1 gallon per person for 3 to 7 days

2. Food: canned foods and juices, infant formula, snacks, non-electrical can opener, fuel, paper plates and utensils

3. Blankets and pillows

4. Clothing: rain gear, sturdy shoes, season-appropriate clothing

5. Toiletries: toothpaste, moist wipes, lotion

6. Flashlight

7. Radio

8. Batteries

9. Cash: both large and small bills

10. Documents: insurance, social security cards, medical records, bank account information (all in a waterproof container or sealed plastic bag)

11. Toys, books and games

12. Tools

13. Fuel in all automobiles

Have an Evacuation Plan

If ordered to evacuate, DO NOT WAIT. If at all possible, leave before it is mandatory to do so.

Make certain you begin your evacuation with a full gas tank.

Choose the evacuation destination that is closest to your home, within the same county if possible.

Be prepared for extremely high traffic volume if you plan to evacuate beyond your county.

Make hotel or motel reservations before you evacuate if you plan to use one.

Secure Your Home

Place valuables up high if flooding is a possibility

Move all furniture away from entryways and windows.

Draw all curtains and close and lock all doors and windows.

Remove all window screens from doors and windows.

Fill all bathtubs with water.

Nail boards outside all windows, glass doors and skylights.

Be aware of the fact that duct tape and masking tape are ineffective in preventing the shattering of windows during a hurricane.