With hurricane and tropical storm season approaching, remember to stay safe and be prepared. Here are some tips to prepare:
Stay aware and prep your home:
- Download the ReadyHOuston “Ready App” for Android and iOS, which will help walk you through the emergency-planning process, what supplies to gather, etc.
- Stay up to date on moving storms and hurricanes
- Know your evacuation routes and procedures
- Move valuables to higher ground
- Have an evacuation plan
- Consider boarding up large, exposed windows
- Move sleeping arrangements away from windows
- Move outdoor items into the house or garage
- Trim hanging branches
Supplies checklist:
- Battery-powered portable light sources
- Portable gas stove
- At least three days of food and water (canned, bottled)
- Can opener
- First aid kit
- Pre-charged portable batteries for electronics
- Important family/home documents in a waterproof bag
- Duct tape and plastic tarp
- Personal fans
- Paper towels
- Fire extinguisher
- Necessary items unique for individual family members such as medications, diapers, prescriptions
- Blankets and clean clothes
- Battery-powered radio
- Tarp or strong plastic covering to temporarily address damages
See more information on how to prepare your home and evacuation routes here. See Houston OEM for a disaster checklist.
Pet owners, make sure you have:
- Pet food
- Water
- Extra supplies of medicine and any important medical records or documents
- Collar with ID tag, harness or leash
- Familiar items to distract your pets
After the storm:
- Inform your insurance agent of any damage, leave contact number and take photos of any damages
- Keep in mind of unsafe food and water
- Make temporary repairs to damaged areas without putting yourself in danger
- Do not touch or move live wires
- Remove fallen branches from your yard.
- Call friends and family to confirm that they are safe
- Assist neighbors if necessary
More Resources:
- Houston Emergency Operations Center
- Harris County Flood District
- Power outage tracker
- Sign up for notifications from your neighborhood: Bellaire, West U, City of Houston
Stay safe during this storm season!