ARE YOU READY? Hurricane Preparedness is
Essential:
H
urricane Season begins June 1 of each year. Whether this is your first storm or your 100th, it is always good to prepare.
ALERTS • Download a hurricane alert app or service such as NOAA, The Weather Channel, KPRC Hurricane Tracker, or National Hurricane Center. • Monitor your local news and weather. • Know your evacuation zone (Coastal, A, B, C) and identify emergency routes. Evacuation Zones are set by zip code. • Discuss an evacuation plan with family and friends, including those who are out of town in case you need to shelter there. Choose a rendezvous point if separated. • Know where your local shelters are located. EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT Build an emergency supply kit with essential items that you and your family will need during the storm and possibly several days after. Remember that your home might be without running water or electricity for several days or even weeks. • Food – At least three days of unperishable food available per person. • Water – At least one gallon of water per person per day. • Flashlight – At least one with extra batteries. • Cell Phone/Tablet – Charge up all portable chargers in advance so you will have plenty of power to keep cell phones and tablets running. Consider in investing in a solar charger power bank. • Rain Gear – waterproof coats and boats are essential if you have to evacuate during the storm. You may need rainboots to travel through flooded streets or areas. • First Aid Kit • Coolers – prepack them with bags of ice and/or cold packs. • Sleeping bags or blankets for each person. – These can be needed at shelters or when evacuating to another location. • Whistle – to signal for help.
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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2022
• Axe – in the event of getting trapped in an attic or enclosed space. • Radio – battery powered or hand crank. • Cash. • Manual Can Opener. • Cleaning wipes, trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper – for sanitation and hygiene. • Important papers – place home insurance and other documents in waterproof container. If you store your documents on your computer, download them to a flash or portable hard drive. SPECIALTY ITEMS • Prescriptions and OTC Medications, extra syringes, alcohol wipes. • Cold packs for storing refrigerated medication. • Eyeglasses, contacts, contact lens solution. • Gasoline for gas powered generators. • Baby items – formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, baby food, diaper rash cream. • Pet Food, water, and supplies. • Games, coloring books, toys for children.
Contact your local city or county emergency management departments for more information. You can also find out more online at: NOAA.gov, hurricanesafety.org, redcross.org, and FEMA.gov.
