Preparing for Hurricane Season in 2021

hurricane as seen from space

Preparing for Hurricane Season in 2021

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) this year, we will potentially have a:

“‘Average’ Atlantic hurricane season to reflect more storms”

In a nutshell, this means that NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) has had to hike up the averages based upon the last thirty-year records (1991-2020).

During our new average hurricane season, we could potentially have 14 storms and 7 hurricanes with 3 major hurricanes being a category 3, 4 or 5. The year 2021 marks the beginning of a new 30-year record. Considering the trend of stronger hurricane seasons to come, preparing for hurricane season is essential. Due to the fact that we are still experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s vital to continue to use the same levels of caution as we did last year.

Here is a helpful guide to help you get organized and prepared in case of a hurricane disaster.

Hurricane Season Ahead sign

Do Not Forget That We are Still in the Middle of a Pandemic

Please keep in mind: COVID-19 Symptoms, Prevention & Treatments. Follow all Texas state and local guidelines in order to not only keep yourself safe, but keep others around you safe as well.

  • Keep your hands clean through proper hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer
  • Minimize in-person contact with individuals not within your social bubble
  • Self-screen and stay at home should you experience any of the COVID-19 signs or symptoms
  • See Checklist for individuals

At Altus, We Are Safe, Prepared and Open 24/7 Before, During & After Storms & Hurricanes

When preparing for hurricane season in 2021, it’s equally crucial to know where to go in case of an emergency. At Altus, we ensure that we have taken all necessary precautions to ensure that we will remain open 24/7 to care for your medical needs even when other medical facilities shut down.

We’re OPEN 24/7, Before, During & After the Storm

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 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. View find a shelter in Texas.

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 will always be here for you and your family. We stayed open during hurricane Harvey, tropical storm Imelda, hurricanes Hanna and Laura and we will remain open should another similar disaster impact our community.

Altus Emergency Room Baytown

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