As we are well into Hurricane Season, many of us are wishing for a nice tropical storm to send use needed rain. Also, since we have been in this drought, many have become complacent with their readiness. If you have not already, you do need to check your hurricane preparedness – especially if you live in Texas. When a hurricane pops up is not the time to start getting ready. So, what should you do to get ready? Read on for some tips!
When is Hurricane Season in Texas?
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th, but in Texas, we start preparing for hurricane season a little earlier. Our hurricane season usually starts in mid-April and runs through the end of October. That’s a pretty good chunk of the calendar, so it pays to be ready for the possibility of a major hurricane hitting our coast all the time.
There are a few things you can do to prepare for hurricane season. I’ll break some of them down further in this article:
1. Check your insurance coverage. Make sure you have enough homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to cover your belongings in the event of a hurricane.
2. Create or update your emergency kit. Your emergency kit should include items like non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, flashlights, and batteries.
3. Know your evacuation route. If a hurricane is heading our way, you may need to evacuate. Know ahead of time what route you will take and where you will go.
4. Stay informed. Keep up with the latest weather forecasts and advisories from the National Weather Service so you know when a storm is headed our way.
By following these simple tips, you can be better prepared for Texas hurricane season!
Make an Emergency Plan
When it comes to hurricane season, it’s important to be prepared. That’s why we’ve put together this handy blog post to help you make an emergency plan.
First and foremost, you should always have a plan in place in case of an emergency. That means having a designated meeting place for your family, as well as an evacuation route mapped out. It’s also a good idea to have a go-bag ready with all the essentials like food, water, and first-aid supplies.
Of course, every hurricane season is different, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest forecast. Keep an eye on the news and weather reports so you know when a storm is headed our way. And finally, don’t forget to stock up on supplies like batteries and non-perishable food items. See Lee’s list below.
By following these simple tips, you can be sure that you’re prepared for anything hurricane season throws your way.
Flood & Storm Insurance Considerations
As we enter hurricane season in Texas, it’s time to start thinking about floods. Flooding is one of the most common and destructive types of natural disasters, and it can happen anywhere. Even if you live in an area that’s not prone to hurricanes, your home could still be at risk for flooding. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place in case of a flood.
If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, there are some things you can do to prepare. Make sure you have a plan for how you’ll evacuate if a flood is coming. Know where you’ll go and how you’ll get there. Have a bag packed with essentials like clothes, food, and water. And most importantly, make sure you have insurance that covers flooding. Most Homeowner policies DO NOT cover flooding.
If a flood does happen, there are some things you can do to minimize the damage. Move any valuables and electronics to higher ground. If your furniture is soaked, try to salvage it by taking it apart and drying it out piece by piece. And once the floodwaters have receded, start the cleanup process as soon as possible to prevent mold and mildew from taking hold.
Floods can be devastating
What to do a Hurricane
1. Know your evacuation route. Make sure you know how to get to a safe place if you need to evacuate.
2. Have a plan for what to do with your pets. Make sure you have a plan for how to keep your pets safe during a hurricane.
3. Stock up on supplies. Make sure you have enough food, water, and other supplies to last for several days in case you lose power or are unable to leave your home.
4. Keep important documents safe. Make sure you have copies of important documents like your driver’s license and insurance information in a safe place in case you need to evacuate.
5. Stay informed. Follow the instructions of local officials and stay up-to-date on the latest weather forecast so you know when a hurricane is coming and can take appropriate action.
Wrap It Up
With hurricane season upon us, it’s important to make sure we’re as prepared as possible. Luckily, the State of Texas is no stranger to hurricanes, and has a comprehensive plan in place to help keep residents safe. By following a few simple tips, you can ensure that you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Stay safe out there!
Lee’s Hurricane Preparedness List
1. Bottled Water & Non-Perishable Food Items
The most important things to have on your hurricane preparedness list are enough bottled water and non-perishable food items to last you and your family at least seven days. I recommend securing at least a three-week supply to ensure you’re covered.
It’s better to have more than you need because you can still use these items well after the storm passes. Here are our recommended items for your hurricane checklist:
- Bottled water (7-day supply minimum — one gallon per person, per day)
- Boxed juices and flavored drinks to mix it up
- Non-perishable foods (7-day supply).
- Ready-to-eat canned soups
- Canned vegetables, fruits and meats. I keep canned chicken, Spam and tuna
- Granola, protein or other high-fiber bars
- Peanut butter, jerky and other high-energy foods
Pro Tip: Avoid comfort and junk foods, such as chips and cookies, as they don’t provide you with adequate nutrition to stay properly energized.
2. Tools & Other Hurricane Supplies
If the power goes out, which it regularly does during hurricanes, you’ll need enough tools, batteries, and battery-powered devices to keep you comfortable after the sun goes down and without the electricity.
From emergency repairs to simply getting through the night without being bored, these tools and other supplies should be added to your hurricane checklist to get you through the storm.
- AA, AAA and D batteries
- Flashlight and headlamp (free up hands in the dark)
- Battery-powered radio with NOAA frequencies
- Battery-powered phone charger
- Pliers, hammer and nails, and screwdrivers with screws (Flathead and Phillips)
- Duct tape or another strong adhesive
- Plastic or paper cups, plates and utensils
- Plastic or glass storage containers
- Portable waterproof container (for important documents such as insurance policies, birth certificates and deeds)
- Board games and a deck of cards
- Generator
- Waterproof clothing/rain jacket
- Sleeping bags
- Clean clothes and blankets
- Candles
- Matches, lighters or waterproof fire-starter
- Tarps
Pro Tip: Avoid using real candles and risking further damage by investing in battery-powered candles with a charger that can be used when the power is out.
3. First-Aid Kit & Sanitation Items
If you sustain a minor injury a first-aid kit and compilation of sanitation items can help to prevent further injury and disastrous infections. Similar to your hurricane supply of water and non-perishable food items, you should also have a seven-day hurricane supply of all the following first aid and sanitation items.
- Adhesive and gauze bandages
- Gauze pads and adhesive cloth tape
- Hydrogen peroxide and antibacterial ointment
- Medical scissors and tweezers
- Aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Recently refilled prescription medications
- Non-latex gloves
- Antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap and hand wipes
- Insect repellent
Pro Tip: Keep your first-aid kit and sanitation items in a secure place inside a waterproof container just in case the rain waters get into your home.
Extra Fuel
Gas stations within hurricane-affected areas tend to run out of fuel days or weeks before the initial strike, so it’s imperative to ensure you at least have a full tank in your car in the days leading up to landfall. If you have the ability or plan to use a generator, fill up extra containers and keep them in a safe place for later use.
Do not use generators inside your home or garage or near doors, windows or vents, as they emit carbon dioxide, which can become lethal to humans if breathed in.
The safest way to prepare for a hurricane is to get far away from its expected path of destruction. This will ensure you and your family stay safe. After all, you can repair and replace your home and belongings, but you cannot replace your life.
PRO TIP: Buy the “Ethanol Free” gasoline. The shelf life is much longer and use a fuel preservative treatment. I rotate my gas cans as I use fuel for my lawnmower to always have fresh extra gasoline.
