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Hurricane Guide • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • June 14, 2017 • Page 3
Make sure there is a plan for the storm When a disaster strikes, your first thoughts are: Where is my family? Is everybody OK? How do we get to safety? Disasters can happen suddenly, and your family may not be all together. That’s why you need to make a plan ahead of time. Sit down with your whole family and make a list of what to do in an emergency situation: • What would we do in case of a fire, a flood, or a tornado? • Where would we meet if we got separated? • Who should be our family’s emergency contacts? • Include information such as: Birthdates Social Security numbers Medical information Work and school addresses Emergency contacts Once your plan is complete, print it out and keep it in a safe place. And don’t forget to practice your plan. Do you or anyone you know need some assistance during an emergency event? Register on the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR). The STEAR is a free registry that provides local emergency planners and emergency responders with additional information on the needs in their community. For more information or to register go to: https://www.tx-
dps.state.tx.us/dem/stear/public. htm.
Tips on being prepared
Preparing your family for a disaster involves more than just creating a plan. Each family member, especially children, needs to know exactly what to do during an emergency. Here are some helpful suggestions to communicate the importance of disaster preparedness to your family. Designate Roles. Give everyone in your family a responsibility. Allow them to feel as if they are an integral part in the plan and that they each have an important contribution to make. Role-play. Younger family members are easily upset when they see a parent worried or panicking. Spend an afternoon pretending that an emergency has happened and allow everyone to practice their designated roles. This will help your family be better prepared for the rush of emotions that come during a disaster. Visit Emergency Meeting Places. If you have chosen an emergency meeting place outof-state, make certain your family is familiar with it. Help them recognize landmarks (i.e. buildings, signs, curiously shaped trees or other landmarks, etc.) that will remind them of where they are or where they should be See Plan, page 8
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Page 2 • Hurricane Guide • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • June 14, 2017
Brazoria County Emergency Management Director Steve Rosa, left speaks during a hurricane preparedness seminar in Manvel City Hall last month. Mike Jones, of the Texas Department of Public Safety, center, and Dan Reilly of the National Weather Service, also spoke a during the seminar that was put together by former Manvel mayor, Delores Martin. (Staff photo by David Money)
Cities, county, state stand ready to serve By David Money Staff Writer The 2017 Atlantic basin hurricane season will have average activity, according to the first report of the Tropical Meteorology Project at Colorado State University. Each year the CSU group puts out a report based on its study of this year’s water temperatures and other conditions. It compares those to studies made of previous hurricane seasons and anticipates the current season’s number and severity of storms. “We anticipate an average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the United States coastline and in the Carib-
bean. As is the case with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them. They should prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted,” a spokesman of the project said in a news release. This message is emphasized every year in coastal areas of the state. Dan Reilly, of the National Weather Service, advised residents to be at the ready during the season which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. “Prepare for the worst; hope for the best,” he said. He noted that the weather
service is anticipating 11 to 17 named storms with five to nine of them becoming hurricanes. The CSU project team also saying there could be 11 named storms with four of them becoming hurricanes. The CSU group will other reports in July and in August. Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Center are in agreement, basically. According to a news release, the center predicts a 70 percent likelihood of 11 to 17 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 2 to 4 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111
mph or higher). An average season produces 12 named storms of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. Steve Rosa, the head of the Brazoria Emergency Management Department, said the Brazoria County Hurricane Preparedness Guide will be sent to county residents beginning the first week of June. In the county, the county judge determines whether or not to declare a mandatory evacuation, Rosa said. Even though the evacuations are labeled mandatory, residents cannot be compelled to leave their homes. “If they choose not to evacuate, there isn’t going to be anyone to
yank you out of your home,” Rosa said. “But there will be no power, no hospital, no ambulance, no police, no fire department. There will be a time when all those services will not be there.” Emergency workers stop responding when winds reach 50 mph, they said. Mike Jones added something for those who insist on riding out the storm at home. Jones of the Texas Department of Public Safety said such action could prove costly to those people who decide to not to follow a mandatory evacuation order. “If you don’t leave and end up having to be rescued after the storm, you could be billed,” he said.
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Page 4 • Hurricane Guide • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • June 14, 2017
Hurricane Guide • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • June 14, 2017 • Page 5
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Page 8 • Hurricane Guide • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • June 14, 2017
Plan Continued from page 3 going. Introduce Your Family to Emergency Contacts. Young children may not be comfortable talking with strangers, even strangers that Mom and Dad designate as being safe. Introduce your children to your contacts, so they develop a level of comfort. It’s also a good idea to have children learn to recognize safe authority figures (i.e. firemen, police officers, sheriff’s deputies, etc.). Quiz Your Family. Regularly quiz your family on your emergency preparedness plan. You can easily disguise preparedness as a game for younger children. Who’s our local emergency contact? Where do we go when there’s an emergency? Who’s responsible for watching the dog? Point Out Emergency Essentials. Be sure everybody in your family knows where your emergency essentials are located. Keep your emergency kit in one place—if you move it, let everybody know. This will help cut down on confusion during an emergency. Be Honest. Everyone in your family will have questions about preparedness. Take the time to address questions, concerns and fears. Everyone will feel better if they know they are being dealt with honestly and are able to play a part in getting the family through the crisis.
Flooding
Continued from page 7 and scratches. Never use generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills inside your home, garage or near open windows. These devices produce carbon monoxide – a deadly gas – and need to be placed in wellventilated areas. When using a generator, be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector because you cannot see or smell carbon monoxide. After a disaster, it’s common to experience emotional distress. Learn about protecting your family’s emotional health.
Hurricane Guide • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • June 14, 2017 • Page 7
Flooding: A most common disaster The most common disaster in Texas is flooding. Most regions of the state are at risk. Flash flooding is also common, especially in areas where the terrain is steep and rocky. Flash floods are floods that happen very quickly. They can be very dangerous. Even in flat areas, flash flooding can occur during a heavy downpour. Being Prepared for Floods The first thing you need to do is assess your risks. Do you live in a flood plain or a lowlying area? Are there creeks and streams nearby that fill up fast when it rains? What’s the drainage like in your area? If your risks are high, get flood insurance. Most homeowners policies do not cover flooding from rising water. You may be able to reduce your risks by improving drainage. Install drains or dig ditches to help divert water before it has a chance to rise. In some cases, sandbags can stop floodwaters from entering your home. Get sandbags if you may need them, and be sure to fill them up ahead of time. As with any disaster, you need to have a disaster supply kit. Keep it handy so you can load it and go in case you must evacuate suddenly. When the threat of flooding is high, evacuate early. Don’t wait until it’s already flooded. If you have time, shut off the electricity before you go. The Power of Floodwaters Don’t underestimate the power of floodwaters. They can move swiftly, often faster than they appear. They are very dangerous. Never allow children to play near floodwaters. Adults are also in danger. As little as six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet. If you become stranded by floodwaters and must escape, wear a life jacket. In some situations, it may be safer to climb onto a rooftop or into a tree and wait for rescue. Avoid Flooded Roads
Never drive into flooded roadways. It’s always dangerous. In fact, half of all flood-related deaths are caused when people drive into flooded roadways. Water can look like it’s only a few inches deep when it’s actually several feet deep. All it takes is one foot of water to make a car or SUV float. And if the floodwaters are moving, your car can be swept away in a matter of seconds. If you see water on the road, turn around, don’t drown. Recovering from Floods Wait for officials to give the all-clear before returning home. When it’s safe to go home, take the following precautions: Do not enter your home if the electricity may still be on. Beware of displaced wildlife, such as snakes and bats. Do not handle them. Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, long sleeves and gloves when cleaning up. Follow safety recommendations when using chain saws and power tools. Help prevent mold by disinfecting household items with a bleach solution. After floods, mosquitoes can become a major problem. Reduce their breeding grounds by draining stagnant water in your yard. Safeguarding Your Health Discard foods that came into contact with floodwater, and refrigerated foods that have reached room temperature. Tap water may be unsafe to drink. Drink bottled water instead, or boil water for at least one minute. As an alternative, you can purify water by mixing 1/8 teaspoon of bleach per gallon; stir and let stand for 30 minutes. Drink plenty of fluids and do not overexert yourself. Be aware of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. If you are not up-to-date on your tetanus shot, get a booster shot before cleaning up. Tetanus bacteria can enter the body through puncture wounds, cuts See Flooding, page 8
Names for this year’s Atlantic storms Arlene
Bret Cindy Don Emily Franklin Gert
Harvey Irma Jose Katia Lee Maria Nate
Ophelia Philippe Rina Sean Tammy Vince Whitney
Page 6 • Hurricane Guide • Supplement to the Alvin Advertiser • June 14, 2017
Be prepared to stay or evacuate Once you’ve gathered all your emergency supplies, you’ll want to consider how you will use them in different scenarios. For example, in case of a flash flood you may have to grab your kit and go by foot in a moment’s notice, whereas during a hurricane, you will evacuate ahead of time by car. Yet in other emergencies, sheltering in place may be your safest option. Using the Build Your Emergency Supply Kit Checklist, prepare the following kits: Evacuating on Foot with a Go Kit You might have only a few minutes notice to take what you can and make your way to a safe location. Each family member’s kit should be in a portable container, such as a backpack or duffle bag, near an exit in your home. • Non-perishable food that needs no cooking • Hand-operated can opener • Flashlight with extra batteries • Document Bag • Extra clothes, sturdy shoes • Whistle • Hand sanitizer, wipes, personal hygiene supplies • Sunscreen, insect repellent • Water • First aid kit • Battery-powered radio with extra batteries • Prescription and backup medications • Nose and mouth protection masks (N-95 rating) • Plastic sheeting and duct tape • Rain gear • Baby items (formula, bottles, baby food Pet Supplies • Pet food, water and bowls • Pet first aid kit • Carrier, leash and toys • Water • Pet medications
• Recent photo, medical records, registration, etc. • Cat litter and box Evacuating by Car In emergencies in which you evacuate by car, take your go kits and add additional supplies to your car. These items include: • Phone charger (car adapter), extra cell phone battery • Books, games and toys • Extra batteries • Soap, personal supplies, baby items • Bleach, toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags • Dental care, hearing and vision products • Phone charger for standard electrical outlets • Matches and lighter • Reading or sunglasses • Road maps • Clothes • Blankets and pillows • Fix-A-Flat, tools, engine oil • More food and water • Plastic plates, cups, utensils • Tent Before you leave your home: • Fill your gas tank, check your spare tire • Take cash, checkbook and credit cards • Call your family emergency contact • Charge your mobile phone • Get a map of your route • Identify gas stations and restaurants on your route Sheltering in Place In some emergencies, sheltering in place may be safer than evacuating. Tune in to local TV and radio for recommendations from local officials on whether to stay or go. To be prepared to shelter in place, keep these items at home: • Smoke detector with battery for each floor • Carbon monoxide detector with battery backup • Land line phone with extralong cord • Fire extinguisher
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Build a kit that will be ready when storm hits No matter what the disaster, you need to have food, water and essential supplies. In some cases, you’ll take your supplies with you. In others, you’ll use them while sheltering at home. Chances are, you already have many essentials for a disaster kit. Gather them first; then go shopping for the rest. Once you have all
your supplies, build your kit. Pack your supplies in a portable container. If you have a large family, divide them into two or three containers. You may want to pack some basic supplies in a backpack for a gokit. If you must leave on foot, you can carry it with you. Of course, no kit would be com-
plete without first aid supplies. And last but not least, you need to have copies of your important documents. Keep your supplies near your car, ready to load in a moment’s notice. And don’t forget to periodically replace items that may expire, such as food and batteries.