Photo: Tremont, Ryan (uploader)
Photo: Courtesy of NOAA
BE PREPARED
To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:
- To begin preparing, build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
- Know your surroundings.
- Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecast.
- Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
- Learn community hurricane-evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
- Cover your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection, but a second option is to board up windows with 5/8-inch marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
- Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
- Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind-resistant.
- Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
- Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
- Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
- Determine how and where to secure your boat.
- Install a generator for emergencies.
- If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.
- Consider building a safe room.
Check out these websites for more tips:
•Hurricane Basics(NOAA)
•Texas Ready(TDSHS)
•ReadyAmerica(USDHS)
•Preparations for Seniors(FEMA)
•Pet Preparations(ASPCA)
•Info For Kids(FEMA)
•Protect Your Business(FEMA)
•Home Insurance Inventory(TDI)
•Mariners Info(Coast Guard)
•Safe Cleanup & Repairs(CDC)