HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
SEASON
2017
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2B
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Build a kit
A disaster supplies kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them. You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days. Food • Consider the following things when putting together your emergency food
supplies: • Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. • Choose foods your family will eat. • Remember any special dietary needs. • Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. • Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content. Following a disaster, there may be power outages that could last for several days. Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils Water You should store at least one gallon of water per person for three days. A normally active person needs about three quarters of a gallon of fluid daily, from water and other beverages. However, individual needs vary, depending on age, health, physical condition, activity, diet and climate. • To determine your water needs, take the following into account: • One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation. • Children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more water.
1: Make sure your Generator, Chain Saw and Water Pump will run before your need them. If your fuel is older than 30 days, its best to get fresh fuel for hurricane season, and treat it with B3C Solutions Ethanol Shield. Come in and ask us about this revolutionary fuel treatment. 2: Take a look around your home and look for potential hazards. Trim trees before a hurricane to reduce potential branches from breaking off and damaging your home and vehicles. Repairing a fence that is weak or missing some boards can prevent the damage from wind blown debris during a hurricane. bl
• A medical emergency might require additional water. • If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary. In very hot temperatures, water needs can double. • Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person. Basic emergency supply kit A basic emergency supply kit could also include the following recommended items: • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both • Flashlight and extra batteries • First aid kit • Whistle to signal for help • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities • Manual can opener for food • Local maps • Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger Additional Items to consider adding to an emergency supply kit: • Prescription medications and glasses • Infant formula and diapers • Pet food and extra water for your pet • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, • Identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
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• Cash or traveler’s checks and change • Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information on www. ready.gov • A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate. • Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate. • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper –When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners. • Fire Extinguisher • Matches in a waterproof container • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items • Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels • Paper and pencil • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children. Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages.
• AUTO • HOME • LIFE • COMMERCIAL • MOBILE HOME
3: Be prepared: Have your Generator, Water Pump, or Chain Saw serviced by MAE Power Equipment. MAE Power can get you ready for the 2016 Hurricane Season. If you are looking to purchase a generator, chain saw or water pump, come in and ask the professionals at MAE power Equipment. ray@rligroup.com
2025 N. Conway
(North Pointe Business Center)
Mission, Texas • (956) 581-1034
HURRICANE 2017 | progresstimes
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3B
www.cityofpalmview.com Evacuation Route: Out of the Rio Grande Valley • I-2 East to Pharr interchange, then take North Interstate 69C towards San Antonio, TX. •I-2 West to Laredo, TX then take north I-35 towards San Antonio. •For more Information check local maps and/or Google Maps. Emergency Supply Lists: Basic Emergency Supplies •Water, One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation. •Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. •Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both. •Flashlight and extra batteries. •First Aid Kit •Whistle to signal for help. •Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place. •Moist towels, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation. •Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
•Can opener for food, (canned food.) •Local Maps •Sand Bags, Plywood (For Windows).
Keep a list of contact information for reference: •City of Palmview Emergency Management Office (956) 432-0300 •Palmview Police/Fire Department - 911 • www.cityofpalmview.com •Hidalgo County EMS - 911 •State, County and City/Town Government •Local Hospitals, Utilities, American Red Cross •Your Property Insurance Agent
Shelters •TBA in coordination with Hidalgo County through local media outlets Emergency Supply Lists: Extras to consider •Prescription medications and glasses •Infant formula and diapers •Pet food and extra water for your pet •Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. •Cash or travelers checks and change •Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from ww.ready.gov •Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. •Fire Extinguisher •Matches in a waterproof container •Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items •Mess Kits, paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils, and paper towels •Paper and pencil •Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.
Weather: •NOAA Weather Radios (Can be purchased at your local Walmart) •Also refer to social media for any updates via Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat for any updates with local weather stations/ TV stations. • Radio NOAA emite avisos, vigilancias, pronósticos y otra información de riesgo del Servicio Nacional de Meteorología 24 horas al día. Conocido como “la voz del Servicio Nacional de Meteorología,” Radio NOAA es proporcionada como un servicio público por la Oficina Nacional de Administración Oceánica y Atmosférica y el Departamento de Comercio Federal.
Christopher R Barrera - (956) 432-0303 Chief of Public Safety
Jerry Alaniz - (956) 432-0307
Fire Chief / Emergency Management Coordinator
Gerardo Perez Mayor
Joselito Hernandez Mayor Pro-Tem
Ricardo Villarreal Councilman
Javier Ramirez Councilman
Leo Olivares - Interim City Manager
Joel Garcia Councilman
Linda Sarabia Councilwoman
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NOAA predicts above-normal 2017 Atlantic hurricane season
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has issued its annual Atlantic hurricane season outlook. The season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. This year, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) forecasts an above-normal hurricane season with a 70 percent likelihood of 11 to 17 named storms, five to nine hurricanes and two to four major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher). An average season produces 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes. “The outlook reflects our expectation of a weak or nonexistent El Nino, near- or above-average sea surface temperatures across the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and average or weaker-than-average vertical wind shear in that same region,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. Strong El Ninos and wind shear typically suppress the development of Atlantic hurricanes, so the prediction for weak conditions points to more hurricane activity this year. Also, warmer sea surface temperatures tend to fuel hurricanes as
they move across the ocean. However, the climate models are showing considerable uncertainty, which is reflected in the comparable probabilities for an above-normal and near-normal season. Even though Atlantic hurricane season does not start until June 1, there’s already been one tropical storm, Arlene, a rare pre-season storm that formed over the eastern Atlantic in April. This storm is
Are you covered in the event of a
hurricane?
Contact me today, to review your policy for your home or business. 2510 E. Griffin Parkway Mission, TX 78572 Office: 956-585-2778 Fax: 956-519-2779 Millie Castillo Agent
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am - 5:30pm Sat. 9am to 11:30am - Sun. Closed After Hours by Appointment
License: TX-762736
LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR STATE FARM IS THERE ® PROVIDING INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES
already included in the 2017 season forecast. But having tropical activity before the official start of the hurricane season does not necessarily mean it will be a busy hurricane season. Also, having a busy hurricane season does not mean there will be a lot of land-falling hurricanes or tropical storms in the United States. For example, in 1992, the first named
storm did not form until August, and it was Hurricane Andrew, which devastated South Florida. In another example, the 2010 hurricane season was above average with 19 named storms and 12 hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin. Despite the busy season, not a single hurricane and only one tropical storm made landfall in the United States.
5B
6B
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HURRICANE
OH
NM EL PASO
AUSTIN
BEAUMONT
MEXICO
GA JACKSONVIILLE
LAKE CHARLES
HOUSTON
SAN ANTONIO
AL
LA
TEXAS
NC SC
MS
DALLAS
VG
TN
AK
TRACKING MAP
AZ
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NEW ORLEANS
GALVESTON
FL
CORPUS CHRISTI
TAMPA McALLEN BROWNSVILLE
THE GULF OF MEXICO
MIAMI
KEY WEST
N
HAVANA
TAMPICO
CUBA
MERIDA
VERACRUZ
JAM
GUATEMALA
HONDURAS
EL SALVADOR
NICARAGUA
COSTA RICA
110
105
100
95
90
85
80
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7B
30 BAHAMAS
25
NASSAU
ATLANTIC NAMES SANTIAGO
HAITI
2017
PUERTO RICO
MAICA
ARLENE BRET CINDY DON EMILY FRANKLIN GERT HARVEY IRENE JOSE KATIA
BARBADOS
LEE MARIA NATE OPHELIA PHILIPPE RINA SEAN TAMMY VINCE WHITNEY
VENEZUELA COLOMBIA
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
20
15 10
HURRICANE 2017 | progresstimes
8B
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Hurricane Basics H
urricanes are massive, spinning storms that develop over warm ocean waters and sometimes strike land. A wall of water called a storm surge is pushed ashore by the storm that can feature winds nearing 200 miles per hour.
Hurricanes cause major damage due to flooding and wind, and can leave lasting effects on residential and commercial areas for years to come. Little is known as to how or why hurricanes actually form, but scientists do know that warm water and steady wind speeds are two main contributors. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reports that warm ocean waters, usually at least 79 degrees Fahrenheit, provide the energy to turn a storm into a hurricane. DIFFERENT CATEGORIES Hurricanes are separated into 5 different categories depending on their speeds. Here is a look at these classifications and related wind speeds, provided by NASA. • Category 1: Winds of 74-95 miles per hour. These speeds are faster than the fastest land animal, the cheetah. • Category 2: Winds of 96-110 miles per hour. Faster than a professional baseball
pitcher’s fastball. • Category 3: Winds of 111-129 miles per hour. Close to the serving speed of some professional tennis players. • Category 4: Winds of 130-156 miles per hour. Quicker than the world’s fastest roller coaster. • Category 5: Winds of 157 miles per hour or higher. Close to the rate of highspeed trains. Knowing these intense wind speeds makes it easy to understand what a hurricane is capable of and why you should be prepared. PARTS OF A HURRICANE These devastating storms are comprised of three main components, each featuring different weather conditions. • The eye is at the center of the storm. You can easily identify it in satellite pictures as a hole around which the clouds seem to be rotating. You might find it hard to believe, but the eye is usually very calm. It
is typically partly cloudy within the eye, but sometimes even clear. • The thunderstorms that swirl around the eye are known as the eye wall. Here is where the winds and rainfall are heaviest. • Extending from the eye wall are the rain bands. These incredible spiral bands of clouds, rain and thunderstorms can extend for hundreds of miles and might even contain tornadoes. NAMING HURRICANES It is not uncommon for more than one hurricane to disrupt the ocean at one time. That is one reason they are distinguished by names. The World Meteorological Organization maintains and updates six different lists of names that are rotated each year. If a hurricane causes significant damage or fatalities, the name is replaced on the list.
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P
Evacuating
9B
reparation is your first line of defense against the threat of a hurricane. Knowing where you will go and how you’ll get there is crucial when you are under a mandatory evacuation. Don’t take the chance of forgetting important items by being in a rush to get out of town.
© FOTOLIA
If hurricane conditions are serious enough, your local officials may declare a cations. mandatory evacuation. You should Even ifalready you havehave a safea concrete plan dedicated to how place to which you can go, you will gather your family you never know what might and supplies and arrive at happen along the way during your safe place. Ready.gov hurricane conditions. It is sevrecommends choosing eral destinations in different important to have medical directions available in case one route necessities in case is deemed unsafe to travel. PLANNING FOR AN EVACUATION Before an evacuation is a possibility, it is important to have plenty of supplies in a place. The United States Coast Guard recommends having these items ready. • Drinking water: Bring at least one gallon per person in unbreakable containers. You should have additional water for food preparation, sanitation and your pets. Water should be rotated each year to reduce chances of disease. • Non-perishable food: Stock at least three to seven days of food for each member of your family. Some
good items to bring along are canned meats, raw vegetables, peanut butter and high-energy foods, such as granola bars. you get sidetracked. • First aid kit: This bundle should include bandages, gloves, anti-bacteIN THE CAR medicarial ointments and important tions. It is important to keep plenty Even if you have a safe place to of gasoline available which you can go, youduring never know times wherehappen a hurricane what might along evacuthe way duringishurricane conditions. It is imation expected. Keep a full portant to have medical necessities tank of gas in case you need to available in case you get sidetracked. IN THE CAR It is important to keep plenty of gasoline available during times where a hurricane evacuation is expected. Keep a full tank of gas in case you need to leave. This is important because fueling stations might have a hard time keeping up with demand during these times. • Know the routes you will take. Research alternative routes in case traffic is congested. Leaving early enough might help you avoid running into congestion on your preferred route. • If you do not have a car, it is crucial to make plans with a friend or family member to go along with them.
Get Ready For Hurricane Season!
leave. This is important ed. Leaving early enough might Insurance Products Offered: because fueling stations might help you avoid running into Insurance have a hard time keeping up • Auto congestion on your preferred with demand during these • Home route. Insurance times. If you do not have a car, it is • Life Insurance Know the routes you will crucial to make plans with a • Renters take. Research alternative friend Insurance, or family member to go routes in case traffic is congestalong with them. • Business Insurance
Carl Davis
Farmers Agent
• Motorcycle Insurance • Recreational Insurance • Farmers Financial Solutions • Umbrella Insurance
cdavis1@farmersagent.com
Office Hours Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. & Sun. Closed
2030 E Griffin Pkwy Mission, TX 78572 (956) 581-9838 • Fax: (956) 519-1524
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HURRICANE 2017 | progresstimes
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Preparing Your Home
C Helping you be ready for anything in the playbook since 1928.
hances are, if experts are proclaiming an evacuation due to the threat of a hurricane, you will be leaving your home behind. Waiting it out is never a good idea; the storm may hit your home whether you’re inside or not.
Instead, be proactive in taking mea- gles are properly secured and in place. sures to protect your home before a hur- Ask a local contractor about sealing your ricane arrives. roof deck to add extra protection. © FOTOLIA MAKE SURE INSURANCE SEAL WINDOWS AND DOORS POLICIES ARE SECURE Make sure all windows and doors are Each year, talk to your insurance agent properly sealed to prevent water from ento ensure your policy covers the full cost tering. Rain is blown around so fiercely At Farmers, we know life is full of surprises. of rebuilding if your home is destroyed during a hurricane that if there is a weak spot in your home, it will find it. Add extra in a storm. We’ve seen our fair share since we started Experts the Insurance Information caulking to seals thatroof appear to be dams a weak spot in your home, it will find roof, consider installing straps. a hurricane. Strong winds canateasily Institute recommend annual inquiries, as aged from warm-weather conditions. as a small company in 1928. Since then, we t. Add extra caulking to seals that Some states REMOVE already require to launch lawn furniturebuilding or grills coststhrough are constantly rising. Make LAWN builders FURNITURE have grown to tam of over 15,000 agents sure your is not for its lying to around in yourwith yardppear to be damaged from secure theAnything home’s roof its walls windows. Make sure items ashome small asjust covered should be considered dangerous during a value but its rebuild value. warm-weather conditions. metal straps. Installation can be pergarden are stored properly and 15 millions customers. We’redecorations as strong FLOOD INSURANCE hurricane. Strong winds can easily launch a home is already to the ground. furniturethat or grills through windows. Most insurance companies formed don’t coveronlawn as ever, and we’re readyortosecured help you prepare flooding as a part of their regular policies. Make sure items as small as garden decREMOVE LAWN FURNITURE established. If you have an attic, it can for whatever play life calls next. While damage caused by winds may be orations are stored properly or secured to be ainsurcheaper and easier job for a conAnything lying around in your yard ROOF STRAPS covered, you need to find a suitable the ground. ance agency to acquire flood insurance. ROOF STRAPS To add even more security to your tractor. hould be considered dangerous during Consult the National Flood Insurance To add even more security to yourProgram to be referred to an agency in roof, consider installing roof straps. Some Mark Mosely, LUTCH your area. states already require builders to secure the 956.585.0587 ENFORCE ROOF INTEGRITY home’s roof to its walls with metal straps. mmosely@farmersagent.com Your roof should be exceptionally Installation can be performed on a home secure if you live in an area that experi- that is already established. If you have an 2409 E. Griffin Pkwy. - Ste. A ences hurricanes. Consider it the largest attic, it can be a cheaper and easier job for Mission, Texas 78572 potential opening of your home. a contractor. Inspect your roof to make sure all shin-
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HURRICANE 2017 | progresstimes
What’s in your 21st century survival kit?
A cell phone signal booster can prove invaluable in the event of an emergency.
(MS) -- Of the 1,272 federal disaster declarations issued in the last decade, more than half were classified as major disasters. These include calamities such as floods, hurricanes and tropical storms, winter storms, and others. In the last 10 years, every state has had a least two events designated as a major federal disaster. “Most major disasters displaced hundreds or thousands of people from home and work, and nearly all involved a temporary or prolonged loss of major services and necessities, including power, communications, and running water,” said Jonathan Bacon, director of marketing at Wilson Electronics, a maker of communications equipment in St. George, Utah. “We began thinking about what has changed in technology and society, and how that would affect what we would owant to have in an emergency ‘go-pack’,” Bacon said. “A lot of what we would take with us hasn’t changed, but some of what we’d desire today had not been invented 10 years ago. We came up with 6 items that were either invented or radically improved in the last 10 years. We call it the 21st Century Survival Kit.” 1. Cell phone signal booster: “We’re all extremely dependent on smartphones for voice and data communications. Already widely used by first responders and news crews when initially entering disaster zones, the Sleek 4G, a portable cell phone signal booster from Wilson Electronics, helps to transmit and receive calls and data via cell towers unaffected by a disaster. In a severe situation like Hurricane Sandy where all communications were compromised for several days,
having a cell booster could save precious hours of driving time to find a strong cell signal.” 2. Batteries: Two portable lithium-ion batteries, each with a minimum capacity of 10,000mAh, is enough for one battery to fully charge at least three smartphones or to power a tablet, netbook, or cell booster for several hours. 3. Portable solar panel: “These solar panels weigh only about a pound and are very practical for charging portable batteries and devices,” said Bacon. He recommended a panel capable of producing at least 10 Watts of power and one amp of current. 4. LED headlamp: Also powered by rechargeable batteries, the latest generation of these types of lamps have adjustable brightness to maximize battery life and can be made bright enough to cast light more than 100 feet. 5. Two-way FRS/GMRS radios: “When even a Wilson booster can’t find a cell signal, these radios provide a communications range up to 30 miles,” said Bacon. 6. Microbial filter straw: This is used for drinking water that may be contaminated with bacteria, organic and waterborne chemicals, and other harmful elements. One filter straw can filter 30 gallons of water. “A lot has happened just in the last 10 years to make keeping in contact and avoiding health risks easier under adverse conditions,” said Bacon. All of these products are readily available, weigh less than five pounds total and take up little room in a backpack.
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HURRICANE 2017 | progresstimes
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Since 1851, 63 hurricanes have struck the Texas Coast! That is one every three years on average.
DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
HERE FOR OUR COMMUNITY BEFORE AND AFTER THE STORM HURRICANES & FLOODING
» Protect Your Personal Documents and Special Items » Develop a Family Flood Plan » Never Drive on Flooded Roads
PLANNING AND PREPARING
» Prepare for Special Needs (The Elderly, Young and Your Pets) » Flood-proof Your Home With Sand Bags, Board Windows Up » Follow Evecuation Routes » Bring Medications
HURRICANE SUPPLY KIT
» Have At Least a 7 Day Supply of Non-Perishable Food and Water » Keep a Battery Powered Radio, Television and Flashlight Ready » Bring Extra Clothing, Blankets and Sleeping Bags or Gear » Identification Cards, Medical Records, Birth Certificates and Lists of Family Contacts
TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE REGISTRY
Hidalgo County
City of Mission
956-383-2615
956-580-8705 www.missiontexas.us
Emergency Management
Emergency Operations Center