How to Prepare for Hurricane Season

Hurricane as seen from space

How to Prepare for Hurricane Season

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting we will have an above-normal hurricane season this year.

During an average hurricane season we will have 12 named storms, six of which become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher. Out of those six, three turn into major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher.

This year, NOAA predicts we will likely have between 13 and 19 named storms. Up to 10 of these storms will become hurricanes, and between 3 to 6 could become major hurricanes.

With such an active hurricane season, the need to be prepared is highly important. Here is a helpful guide to help you get organized and prepared in case of a hurricane disaster.

Hurrican Season Ahead on a Yellow Street Sign

Prepare Your Home Emergency Supply Kit

Should a hurricane make landfall in our area, roads will be flooded or blocked by debris, power lines, and water supply pipes may be damaged, leaving us no choice but to stay home.

Having an emergency supply kit is essential to survive at home during a disaster.

What to include in your Emergency Supply Kit?

Your supplies should last at least two weeks, and should include:

  • Easy to prepare nonperishable food
  • Drinking water, you should have one gallon per person per day
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Cell phone with chargers
  • Disinfectant
  • Soap and other personal hygiene products
  • Hand sanitizer
  • First Aid Kit
  • Copies of personal documents make sure to include a list of medications you are taking and any illnesses or allergies you have
  • Emergency contact numbers of family, friends, and local authorities
  • Emergency blankets
  • Extra cash
hurricane preparedness kit

Evacuation Emergency Kit

Have an evacuation emergency kit ready in case you need to leave your home. Prepare your go-bag in advance; make sure to include food and water supply to last at least 3-day.

To help protect yourself and your family from COVID-19, make sure you include:

  • Reusable face coverings for everyone in your family, however, these are not recommended for children under age 2
  • Hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and other personal hygiene items
  • A change of clothes
  • Emergency blankets
  • A 1-month supply of any prescription medication you take
Hand sanitizer, face mask, and a first aid kit

Medications

If you take any medications, you should speak to your doctor to ensure you have a one-month prescription on hand in case of a disaster. Remember, many pharmacies could be closed, and medications may be hard to find.

Also, prepare to have over the counter medications at home, including cough syrup, pain killers, and fever-reducing drugs.

Know Where to Go in Case of an Emergency.

Updating Your Disaster Plan

You may already have a disaster plan in place from previous years; however, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some shelters may no longer be available.

Make sure to contact your local authorities to obtain an updated list of shelters in your area.

Stay Informed

  • Subscribe to weather apps to receive updated weather information.
  • Follow social media accounts of community leaders and agencies to receive emergency alerts
  • Learn the jargon used in emergencies, for example; a “watch” means you should get ready to act; a warning means you should spring into action immediately.

Stay or Go

If your local authorities recommend evacuation, don’t hesitate. Grab your emergency evacuation kit, gather your family, including your pets and leave.

Make sure you have a list of shelters available in your community or have plans to stay with family or friends outside the affected area.

Make sure you have a planned route for how to get to your safe place that includes alternate routes.

Set a place where you and your family can meet in case everyone is not home at the time of the evacuation.

Altus Emergency Centers will always be here for you and your family. We stayed open during hurricane Harvey, and we will remain open should another similar disaster impact our community.

Altus Emergency Room Baytown

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