HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS FOR SOUTH TEXANS As the hurricane season begins, I would like to take this opportunity to provide some important information for you to consider when making plans to prepare in the event that a hurricane comes towards the Gulf Coast again. The National Ocean and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) predicts as many as 16 named storms and four to six “major” hurricanes. With this in mind, it is critical to make preparations and take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of you and your family or loved ones. Although I have tried to compile a comprehensive list, it is not exhaustive. Please feel free to add preparations as you see fit and include them in your plans.
Get Ready for Hurricane Season These are procedures and precautions to take now, well in advance of a hurricane, in order to be fully prepared. Evacuation Kit—Be sure to include the following items in your kit:
Know the location of your fire extinguishers For protection of windows, permanent storm shutters are the best option or you may purchase and store 5/8” marine plywood cut to fit and ready to install on your windows Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure (this will reduce roof damage) Map out an evacuation route as well as alternate routes and discuss the plans with family members in advance Coordinate with your out-of-town contacts and discuss your plan with them Watch and listen to information provided by television and radio news Be sure to know where the hurricane may land and if you are in immediate danger Find out from local officials the locations of designated wind shelters Fill up your vehicle with fuel in case you are ordered to evacuate Close, lock, and board up all your windows with your storm shutters or plywood Clear yard of any lawn furniture or other objects that could fly away Drain any in-ground pools to prepare for flooding; chlorinate to avoid contamination; disconnect electrical pumps Turn off all utilities (water, gas, electricity, propane tanks) Place valuable and remaining personal papers in waterproof containers Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors Continue to listen to news channels for current weather and evacuation information Follow instructions provided by local officials Gather your evacuation kit, communication devices, and chargers for electronic devices such as cell phones Execute your plan Get in touch with out of town contacts to inform them of your travel plans If you do not have transportation, find a bus out of town immediately. Do no wait until the last minute Stay indoors and away from windows or glass doors during the hurricane; hurricanes generally last 8-12 hours Use the battery operated radio to listen to current information Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level near the center of your home Designate a safe room containing extra batteries, food, water, blankets, pillows, and your prepared evacuation kit Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm and the winds will pick up again Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object Avoid driving; if you evacuated as instructed, wait for instructions to return (dates/routes, etc.) since authorities will need 24-48 hours to re-supply gas stations/stores and restaurants along the routes back Locate the fire extinguisher in your home before attempting to turn the power back on Do not dial 911 unless it is a life threatening emergency Do not report individual utility problems as the utility companies are already working to restore services as quickly as possible Do not drink tap water until you hear from officials that it is safe Assess/photograph basic damages at work site including roof, water damage and broken windows Special Provisions for Businesses Along with the procedures previously mentioned, businesses should incorporate these additional measures to ensure proper hurricane preparation. Check with your insurance agent or a risk management office to determine if the business is in a designated FEMA flood zone. Is your business vulnerable to hurricane force winds? Make sure to have your building inspected by a licensed professional. Develop a written plan and checklist you can follow for preparation, including the following major areas:
Prepare a list of vendors who can assist in the recovery of your business such as: recovery of water-soaked papers, debris removal, moving companies, warehouse space, computer hot-site, generator rental etc. Along with the procedures previously mentioned in the beginning section, businesses should incorporate these additional measures to ensure proper hurricane preparation.Hurricane Watch (36-48 hours prior to landfall)
Hurricane Warning and/or Evacuation Order (18-24 hours before landfall)
After The Storm
National Ocean and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) |