Stay Safe Throughout Hurricane Season

After a particularly harsh winter here in Texas, it’s time to prepare for the possibility of more severe weather in 2021. Luckily, we are not likely to be in for the historic level of storm activity seen in 2020, but officials are still expecting an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Officially, hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th every year, which means now is the time to prepare your household for the worst. Read through these tips for getting hurricane-ready from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Hurricane Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and more.

MAKE A PLAN

The best time to prepare is before an emergency ever happens. Here’s some preparation FEMA recommends: 1 Sign up for alerts and warnings with your local and state emergency management groups. 2 Safeguard your documents—keep copies in a safe deposit box and/or in a secure, password protected digital file. 3 Document and insure property. Update your insurance if the value of your possessions surpasses your liability coverage. 4 Know the evacuation routes for your area.

EVACUATION TIPS

If worst comes to worst and the storm threatens life, follow orders to evacuate immediately. These tips can help make that process less stressful: 1 Download the FEMA app for a list of open shelters during an active disaster in your local area.

Keep a full tank of gas in your car if an 2 evacuation seems likely (If you live in a disasterprone area, keeping a half tank of gas at all times will help keep you safe in case of a sudden evacuation). Follow evacuation routes. These roads are 3 selected because they’re least likely to be blocked or closed in case of a severe weather event. If you have pets, make sure you identify possible lodging that accepts pets. Most public shelters only allow service animals.

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PREPARE YOUR HOME

In a storm situation, evacuation orders can come in an instant. Here are some steps you can take before the hurricane hits your area: 1 De-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, consider hurricane shutters (if not, cover windows with plywood if a storm is imminent).

As time allows, take these steps if you're ordered to evacuate your home: • Leave a note with information on where you and your family are headed. • Put on multiple layers of sturdy clothing. • Unplug small electrical equipment like radios, televisions and small appliances.

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BUILD COMMUNITY

In times of emergency, helping our local and state community can increase everyone's resilience.

Share resources and warnings with your neighbors and with elderly/disabled community members who may need more support.

If ordered to evacuate, see if neighbors need rides out of town or help them secure other transportation.

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STORM SURGES

Storm surges are often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane.

Know your zone and your storm surge danger. Head to www.nhc.noaa.gov to find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone.

Tropical storms, category 1 or 2 hurricanes, major (category 3 to 5 hurricanes) and post-tropical cyclones can all cause life-threatening storm surges.

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