November 18, 2012
- Make sure your windows are protected and your home is secured.
- Check your disaster supplies kit. Make sure you have water, non-perishable food, medications and don't forget that non-electric can opener.
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Clean containers for cleaning water. Line the bathtub with plastic sheeting or a clean shower curtain, or caulk the drain with silicone caulking — it holds water for weeks and cleans up easily when dry. Plan on three gallons per person, per day for all uses (including flushing the toilet).
For more information and tips, visit goflorida.about.com/od/floridaweathe1/a/hurricane_safe.htm, gohsep.la.gov/factsheets/todohurrsht.htm, or www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/hu_before.shtm
EMERGENCY KIT
Your emergency kit should include:
- Water
- Food
- Flashlight
- Radio
- First Aid Kit
- Medical Supplies (Personal Medications)
- Sanitary Supplies (Toilet Paper, Toothbrush, etc.)
- Cell Phone
- Contact Information
- Cash
- Emergency Blanket
- Map
- Personal Documents (Passports, Birth Certificates, etc.)
- Mutli-Purpose Tool
PET SAFETY
Prepare an emergency kit for your pets - pack any medications they may need, dog food, water, blanket - and a plan for how to care for them when you're on the road and in a shelter or motel. Do not leave your pets behind.
The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is urging pet owners to prepare for disaster! Houston SPCA says the best way to protect your family is to have a plan in place before disaster strikes.
•Photograph each pet and store these pictures with other important documents in sealed/waterproof plastic bags.
•Make sure that all animals are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
•All dogs and cats should wear collars and identification tags with current information.
Visit the Houston SPCA website for more tips at www.houstonspca.org/site/News2 or call them at 713-869-SPCA.
EVACUATION ZONE
If you live in an area threatened by storm surge - an EVACUATION ZONE - discuess evacuation plans with your family. Check with city or country officials to find out if your home is an evacuation zone.
Here are some links to helpful resources including an evacuation map for Harris County:
Harris County Evacuation Map - www.hcoem.org/HCMap.aspx
Houston Transtar Hurricane Evacuation Route Map - traffic.houstontranstar.org/weather/hurricane_evac.html
Zip Code Evacuation Map - http://www.hcoem.org/Documents/EvacuationMap.pdf
Make a checklist of preparations to be made before an evacuation and go over it with your family. Review it again when a storm is in the Gulf of Mexico.
If you plan to stay in a hotel or motel, make reservations and confirm your reservations before you leave. If you plan to stay in a shelter, bring what you need to be comfortable, including bedding and toys for kids. To stay updated on a list of shelters, visit www.houstonredcross.org/
DIAL 2-1-1
Dial 2-1-1 to register if you have special health care needs or if you simply do not have transportation: Gulf coast residents in evacuations zones with special health care needs -- who do not have friends or family to help -- should register in advance for a ride by dialing 2-1-1 in advance. Residents with no other transporation can register for a ride in advance by dialing 2-1-1.
WHAT TO DO DURING A HURRICANE IF YOU PLAN TO STAY HOME
If you plan on staying home during a hurricane, you should:
- Stock up on hurricane supplies. This includes non-perishable foods, water, paper towels, garbage bags, disposable cleaning wipes and batteries.
- Find a "Safe Room" in your home, which is in the center of the home and away from windows. It is important that this room is stocked up with the appropriate necessities listed above.
- Prepare your home with hurricane shelters or plywood, trim dead branches and clean up any yard debris. It is also suggested that vehicles are moved under cover or into a garage.
- Plan for power outages and stock up on extra water to freeze to use for future drinking water. Remember, you can't have too much water.
- Notify friends and relatives or your plans and make arrangements to call them if possible after the storm has passed.
Here are some links that contain helpful information about staying at home:
- FEMA - www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/hu_during.shtm
- City of Sugar Land - www.sugarlandresponds.com/go/doc/2157/533051/Hurricane-Advice-Staying-at-Home
WHAT TO DO AFTER THE STORM
Here are some tips on what to do after a hurricane:
- Stay tuned to the radio for information and updates.
- Drive only if its absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads or washed-out bridges.
- Return home only after authorities advise that it's safe to do so. Enter your home with caution and make sure to check for gas leaks, electrical system damage or sewage and water lines damage
For more guidance, visit these websites:
American Red Cross - www.redcross.org/museum/prepare_org/basic/afthurr.htm
FEMA - www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/after.shtm
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