Hurricane Season is officially June 1 - November 30 of each year. The Houston Fire Department recommends citizens follow these safety tips to prepare for a hurricane and during a hurricane:
Prepare Your Family and Home
• Discuss what your family should do when a hurricane comes ashore and where you might evacuate to (shelter, hotel etc.).
• Don’t forget about your pets. Many shelters will not take pets, so plan in advance what to do with them.
• Know and review your evacuation routes & never drive through high water.
• Develop a family communication plan. Identify a relative or friend in another state or city to serve as a contact in case family members are separated.
• Prepare a disaster kit and place it in a portable container in case of evacuation (see supply list other side).
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
• Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. Install permanent storm shutters or use 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit, over your windows.
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
• If possible, place patio furniture, plants, yard decorations and all other outdoor objects indoors, out of the wind.
• Make sure your car has a full tank of gas in case you have to evacuate with little notice. • Moor your boat if time permits
During the Storm
• Listen to the radio or TV for information
• Turn off utilities if you are instructed to do so
• Set your refrigerator thermostat to the coldest setting and keep the doors closed as much as possible
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning & flushing toilets. Fill the bathtubs and other large containers with water.
• Evacuate if:
- You are directed to by local authorities (see link to evacuation information)
- If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure
- If you live in a high-rise building. Hurricane winds are stronger at high elevations
- If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river or an inland waterway
- If you feel you are in danger
• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows & glass doors. Don’t be fooled by a lull in the storm. It could pick up again.
• Close all interior doors & secure & brace external doors
• Keep curtains & blinds closed
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level
• Lie on the floor under a table or other sturdy object
After the Storm
• Before you enter your home, walk carefully outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks, downed electrical wires and structural damage. If you have doubts about the safety of your home, have your home inspected by a qualified building inspector.
• DO NOT enter your home if:
- You smell gas
- Floodwaters remain around the home
- Your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
• Use caution when opening cabinets. Some objects may fall.
• Throw out all food that you think may be contaminated.
• Check with local authorities before using any water.
• Clean salvagable items and use disinfectant when cleaning these items
INSURANCE- Keep good records
• Call your agent. Take pictures of damages.
• Separate damaged from undamaged property and keep a room-by-room inventory of missing or damaged items
• Keep accurate records on discarded items
• If possible, protect your property from any further damage
Hurricane Emergency Supply Kit:
• At least 3 day supply of food & bottled water for each family member
• A manual can opener
• Battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries
• First aid kit with family members’ medications
• Hygiene & personal care items
• Emergency contact list and phone numbers
• Pet supplies
• Copies of important papers including insurance policies and back account information
• Emergency cash or credit cards in case of evacuation
Hurricane Safety