Hurricane Preparation

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A HURRICANE

1. LISTEN to local emergency officials, and follow their instructions. Listen to local TV and radio. (KTRH-AM 740 is the designated Emergency Alert Station for the Houston area).
2. HAVE A PLAN of action for any emergency. If you must relocate, have a predetermined destination, route and alternate route -- whether out of the area or to the nearest shelter.
3. PREPARE.
   Have these emergency supplies:
• Non-perishable foods and water containers.
• More than one flashlight and extra batteries.
• First-aid kit, along with any prescription medicine.
• Stored plywood -- preferably heavy and pre-cut and pre-drilled to cover windows.
• Plastic sheeting -- for water leaks.

Know the difference between a hurricane WATCH and a hurricane WARNING. A watch is issued when a hurricane becomes a threat to this coastal area within 36 hours. Everyone in the area covered by the watch should listen for further advisories and be prepared to act promptly if a hurricane warning or relocation is recommended.

A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane winds of 74 mph or higher, or a combination of dangerously high water and rough seas, are expected within this area within 24 hours. Precautionary actions should begin immediately.

When a hurricane WATCH is issued:

• Continue to monitor local TV or radio stations for instructions.
• Check supplies, especially water (at least 5 gallons per person).
• Fuel your vehicles and generators.
• Cover windows with plywood.
• Bring in ALL outdoor furniture, toys and tools.
• Moor any boats securely, or move it to a safe place.

When a hurricane WARNING is issued:

• Continue to monitor local TV or radio stations for instructions.
• Move early out of low-lying areas or from the coast, at the request of officials.
• Check tiedowns if living in a mobile home, and leave immediately.
• If you live on high ground, away from the coast and plan to stay, secure the building, windows and garages and follow all procedures listed above, plus store extra water in bathtubs and all available containers.
• Turn off utilities, if requested.
• Stay away from windows, doors and openings.

HURRICANE SUPPLIES

What supplies do you need in case of a hurricane? The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross recommend:

• WATER
• Store at least one gallon of water per person per day in plastic containers such as soft- drink or milk bottles.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water for persons in your household. (Five gallons per person overall is recommended.)
• FOOD
• Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable foods that require no refrigeration, little preparation or cooking, and little or no water, for example:
• Canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Canned juices, milk, soup
• High-energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars and trail mix
• Vitamins
• Cookies, hard candy, cereals, instant coffee
• TOOLS & SUPPLIES
• This includes:
• Paper cups and plate
• Plastic utensils
• Battery-operated radio
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Pliers
• Compass
• Matches in waterproof container
• Signal flare
• Map of the area
• Sanitation items
• FIRST-AID KIT
• A first-aid kit for your home and each car should include:
• Sterile adhesive bandages
• Gauze pads
• Adhesive tape
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Needle
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Soap
• Aspirin
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid
• Laxatives
• CLOTHING & BEDDING
• This includes:
• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Hat and gloves

DURING A HURRICANE . . .

Remain indoors during a hurricane. Stay in the lowest level of your home well away from any windows. An interior hallway, bathroom or closet may the safest location. Remember to cover members of your family with a mattress or to seek shelter under something very sturdy like a well-constructed dining room table that could protect them from possible debris.

REMEMBER. . .

Make your hurricane plan a part of a family discussion. Share your plan with friends and relatives. Hurricane preparedness is a team effort for everyone in the neighborhood and community.

This Homepage was prepared by Kenneth F. Hambrick, Polk County Coordinator. Contact at E-Mail address: webmaster@pcoem.org  for additional information about our program. The information contained in this Homepage is considered public domain and the Office of Emergency Management encourages interested persons to utilize any portions of it that might be of educational benefit or enhance their local programs.

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