Be Prepared this Summer

Hurricane season lasts June 1 – November 30. While landfall location cannot be predicted before storms develop, remember that a hurricane making landfall anywhere along the Gulf Coast could cause considerable damage.

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

• Make an Evacuation Plan. Find activated evacuation routes here: DriveTexas.org or by dialing (800) 452-9292. Call 2-1-1 to find out if you live in an evacuation zone.
• Sign-Up for Emergency Alerts. Make sure your device is enabled to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs).
• Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit. Learn how to build an emergency kit here: https://www.ready.gov/kit
• Review Your Home Insurance Policy.
• Register with State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR): By visiting their website or by dialing 2-1-1 if you live in evacuation zone and:
  • have a disability or medical needs and do not have a car or other vehicle to use in an evacuation.
  • have a disability or medical needs and do not have friends or family to help in an evacuation. **STEAR Registry information collected is confidential**

Hurricane Response Timeline

IF YOU ARE UNDER A HURRICANE WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY.

When a hurricane is 36 hours from arriving

• Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
• Restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food and water sufficient for at least three days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies. https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit

When a hurricane is 18-36 hours from arriving

• Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
• Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.

When a hurricane is 6-18 hours from arriving

• Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
• Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.

When a hurricane is 6 hours from arriving

• If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
• Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
• Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.

Survive DURING

• If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not drive around barricades.
• If sheltering during high winds, go to a FEMA safe room, ICC 500 storm shelter, or a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor that is not subject to flooding.
• If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.

Be Safe AFTER

• Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
• Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water