Hurricanes

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Hurricane season is from June 1 to Nov. 30. Here in Texas, the peak time is from mid-August to late October.

Scientists can now predict hurricanes. But people who live in coastal communities should plan what they will do if they are told to evacuate.

Here's what emergency management experts say you should do to prepare for a hurricane.

Create an Emergency Kit

• First-aid kit
• Extra prescription medications, written copies of prescriptions, other special medical items
• Important documents and records, photo IDs, proof of residence, information you may need to process insurance claims
• Cash (power outages mean banks and ATMs may be unavailable)
• Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Phone numbers of family and friends
• Road maps, a travel plan, hotel reservations, list of places between your town and your destination you can stop if the highways are clogged
• 3-day supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of bottled water per person per day
• Coolers for food and ice storage, paper plates, plastic utensils
• Manual can opener, knife, tools, booster cables, fire extinguisher, duct tape, tarp, rope
• Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags and extra clothing
• Toilet paper, cleanup supplies, personal hygiene products
• Eyeglasses, sunglasses, hearing aids
• Special supplies needed for babies, older adults and pets
• Extra keys

Make a Family Emergency Plan

• Know how to contact each other in case of emergency
• Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.
• Have an out-of-town contact because she/he may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
• See if your work, school and daycare have an emergency plan. If not, consider volunteering to help create one.
• If you have to evacuate:

             * If you do not have a car, plan another way to evacuate.
             * If you have a car, keep a half tank of gas in it at all times
             * Take your Emergency Supply Kit

Stay informed

Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments. Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio nearby that picks up those weather alerts.


Prepare Your Home

• Cover all of your home's windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.
• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
• Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
• Secure your home by closing shutters, and securing outdoor objects or bringing them inside.
• Turn off utilities as instructed. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
• Cover all of your home's windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.

Hurricane Links

•     Donate or Volunteer for American Red Cross
•     Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management
•     Dept. of Homeland Security