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Hurricane Preparedness
Windstorms and floods are threats
to life and property everywhere on the Gulf Coast.
Tropical Storm Frances in September, 1999, showed us
that even a "minor" storm can cause major
damage--around $250 million in Galveston County--and
disrupt life on the west end and even behind the Seawall.
You are responsible for the security of your family and property. The authorities can only advise, and in the case of Frances that advice was not always accurate or timely.
This page contains 5 topics:
There is another page with more information about hurricanes.
What you can do now
- Know the elevation of your home above sea level.
- Know how deep a flood can become in your area.
- Decide where you will go in the event of evacuation. If a category 5 storm (the most severe) were predicted to hit Galveston, you would have to reach Houston or Brazoria County to be safe.
- Plan an evacuation route. The only safe route out of the west end is into town and then over the causeway. The state estimates it would take 30 hours to travel from the west end to a safe area if an evacuation were ordered.
- Make sure everyone in your household knows where to go.
- Make sure business colleagues and out-of-town friends and relatives know how to contact you. Don't depend on cellular phones.
- Plan for any special needs, such as people who are in delicate medical condition, pets (which are not allowed in shelters or most hotels), livestock, boats, and aircraft.
- During hurricane season (June-November) keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.
- Get photos of all family members and pets in case you are separated.
- Get medical ID tags for anyone with special medical needs.
- Inventory your property. The easiest way to accomplish this is to photograph everything in your house with a video camera. If you own large, valuable items like artwork, make sure you have receipts or appraisals for them.
- Make sure your insurance is paid and up to date. Remember, you need three kinds of insurance:
- General casualty and liability, which covers risks like fire and burglary
- Windstorm, which covers damaged caused by the wind, rain, and blowing objects
- Flood, which covers damage due to rising water (that is, not rain)
- Place your insurance policies, inventory, and other irreplaceable documents in a safe deposit box or send them to someone you trust outside the Galveston area.
- Stock up. These are some of the things you may need:
- Flashlights, batteries, a Coleman-style lamp, and fuel
- A battery-powered radio
- Drinking water--one gallon per person per day
- Halogen tablets for decontaminating drinking water
- Several days' worth of non-perishable food that does not require a lot of preparation
- Infant formula or milk that does not require refrigeration (dry or ultra-pasteurized)
- A camp stove and fuel
- A first aid kit
- Prescription drugs and essential medical supplies
- Rain gear
- Waterproof boots--floodwaters can be polluted with sewage--submerged, sharp objects and floating snakes and fire ants are real hazards
- Plywood, nails, duct tape, and plastic sheeting for emergency repairs--these materials are difficult to obtain after a disaster
- Install storm shutters on your house. In the event of a severe storm, they will pay for themselves many times over.
- Store valuable items in your attic or a storage locker, not in a ground-floor garage.
- Make sure you know how to turn off the electricity, water, and gas in your house. You may need a water-meter key, available from hardware stores for less than $10.
What to do when a storm watch is issued
- Monitor radio or television for the latest information. The key stations for the Houston-Galveston area are KTRH, 700 AM, KPRC, 950 AM, and KLOL, 101.1 FM. If you have a VHF receiver, tune to the National Weather Service at 162.55 megahertz (MHz).
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
- Review safety precautions, especially with your children.
- Double-check your supplies
- Avoid buying more perishables or frozen food than you can eat in a couple of days.
- Move everything indoors that isn't tied down (lawn furniture, grills, and so forth). These items can become missiles in high winds.
- Reacquaint yourself with the deity of your choice.
What to do when a storm warning is issued
- Continue monitoring radio or television.
- Close your storm shutters.
- Prepare for possible evacuation. Locate the items you must take with you.
- Fill your bathtubs and extra containers with water. You can use it for washing, and you can flush a toilet by pouring a bucket of water into it.
What to do when evacuation is ordered
- Don't even think of staying in your home. The authorities will not send out rescue personnel during hurricane conditions.
- Remain calm.
- Turn off electricity, gas, and water and lock your house.
- Post your destination and phone number in a prominent place.
After a storm
- Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. Roads may be blocked or flooded.
- Never go near downed power lines.
- If your house is damaged, secure it (board up broken windows and holes).
- Contact your insurance company; they will likely be extremely busy.
- Do not begin repairs until an insurance adjuster has seen the damage.
- Document damage in writing and with photographs.
- Before turning on gas, make sure all the pipes are intact.
- Remember to relight all pilot lights. You may have them in your water heater, oven, range top, furnace, and fireplace.
- Do not drink tap water or use it for cooking until it has been declared safe.
- Don't be taken in by fly-by-night contractors, self-styled freelance insurance
adjusters who ask you to pay them, or other con artists.
- Help your neighbors.
- Count your blessings.
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