Storm Prep! Are You Ready?

Date:

The Texas Forest Country area is not immune to tropical storms and we have had our share. Recent flooding and tornadic storms has already created disaster designation for many of our counties. As Tropical Storm Bill bears the dirty side of the storm at us, now would be a great time to take a look at our personal disaster preparations.

Although we may not be hit as hard as the coast, we should remember that our area can easily be affected by what happens to our neighbors to the south. A simple example is gasoline. Most of our area’s gasoline comes from refineries on the coast. Take some extra time right now and check the list for your family and neighbors!

 

BEFORE THE STORM, MAKE SURE TO HAVE…

  • Car tank filled with gasoline
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid supplies and prescription medications
  • Sterno, charcoal, lighter fluid, and matches or a lighter
  • Candles and matches
  • Flashlight, battery-operated radio and a two-week supply of batteries
  • Bottled water, electrolyte drinks and cooler with gel packs
  • Hammer, nails, masking tape, plywood and plastic for quick home repairs
  • Clean up supplies – pails, mops, brooms and rakes
  • Non-perishable food items, eating utensils, plates, cups and a manual can opener
  • Protective clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes

MAKE SURE TO…

  • Write down phone numbers you don’t have memorized in case your cell phone dies. We’re all spoiled by speed dial
  • Charge old phones even if they don’t have service. Most can still be used to call 911, though they won’t have location services
  • Be creative and fill containers you already have with water so you don’t have to buy it
  • Fill your freezer with containers or Ziploc bags of water. The ice will help the freezer stay cold longer if the power goes out
  • Clear clogged gutters and drains around your house so water has someplace to go other than inside your home
  • Check your home for any hazards, such as old trees that could fall
  • Secure anything in your lawn that could be blown away
  • Take video or photos for a home inventory
  • Check your insurance policies
  • Collect documents and recent pictures of children/elders in case they go missing

DURING THE STORM

  • Stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
  • Keep supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
  • If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power “surge” when electricity is restored.
  • Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
  • If in a mobile home, check tiedowns and evacuate immediately.
  • Store valuables and personal papers in waterproof containers on the highest level of your home.
  • Those choosing to ride out the storm should move valuables to upper floors if possible, fill containers or tubs with several days’ worth of drinking water, turn refrigerator to coldest setting and stay indoors on the downwind side of house, away from windows.
  • Beware the eye of the storm. Live power lines, rising water and unstable trees and structures continue to be threats despite the temporary calm.
  • Once the all-clear is sounded, be wary of high water or power lines when driving. Report damaged water, sewer and electrical lines. At home, check for gas leaks and spoiled food or water.

AFTER THE STORM

  • Stay in your protected area until announcements are made on the radio or TV that the dangerous winds have passed.
  • If you have evacuated, do not return home until officials announce your area is ready. Remember, proof of residency may be required in order to re-enter the evacuation areas.
  • Be aware of the surroundings when returning as extreme damage could render a familiar landscape unrecognizable.
  • If your home or building has structural damage, do not enter until it is checked by officials.
  • Beware of outdoor hazards such as downed power lines and any water they may be lying in, poisonous snakes driven from their dens by high water, weakened bridges, washed out roads, weakened limbs on trees, and/or damaged overhanging structures.
  • Do not use the telephone unless absolutely necessary. The system is usually jammed with calls during and after a hurricane.
  • Guard against spoiled food. Use dry or canned food. Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated with flood waters.
  • When cutting up fallen trees, use caution, especially if you use a chain saw. Serious injuries can occur when these powerful machines snap back or when the chain breaks.
  • Notify your insurance agent about damage to your house. Take video or still pictures of damaged property. Keep records of your clean up cost.

(Source: National Weather Service Forecast Office)

Editors Note:  A great website for disaster preparations, http://www.every1plus1.com – And yes, our this is a website our parent company owns and derives commissions from sales.

Lee Miller
Lee Miller was born in Denison, TX and grew up in East Texas with his family. He studied music education at Stephen F. Austin State University taking a job in television on his last day of student teaching. Lee also provides business authoritative expertise to the broadcast industry as a consultant. Presently he is CEO of MSG Resources LLC, which specializes in consulting within broadcast best practices, distribution technologies and media strategy mastery. - - - - - Lee Miller is a well-known veteran of the broadcast media industry with particular experience in leading for-profit and non-profit broadcasting organizations. His career began in Lufkin, Texas in the early 80’s where he progressed from studio operations to creative services and network management. Mr. Miller has since received various professional designations and memberships such as Society of Broadcast Engineers accredited frequency coordinator, The Energy Professionals Association Certified Energy Consultant, and National Religious Broadcasters Television Committee & past Chair. Lee also serves as the Executive Director of the Advanced Television Broadcasting Alliance, is a member of the Advanced Television Systems Committee and is proud to be part of Texas Association of Broadcasters Golden Mic Club, highlighting extraordinary careers in broadcasting. Continued engagement with his community is at the core of his business practices serving on the board of the Salvation Army and as keyboardist for the contemporary worship band at Harmony Hill Baptist Church. Lee lives near Lufkin Texas on one of his family’s tree farms located in the Texas Forest Country region north of Houston. He is married to Kenla and has two grown children, Joshua, COO of MSGPR Ltd Co and Morgan, a Critical Care ICU RN.

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