Harris County Commissioners Announce Hurricane Preparedness Week

HOUSTON, TX — The devastation and aftermath of Hurricane Harvey still lingers along the Texas coast and, more specifically, Houston. With that in mind, the 2018 hurricane season begins on June 1, and the Harris County Commissioners Court has designated May 6-12 as Hurricane Preparedness Week.

This year, Commissioners Court presented the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) and representatives from the Texas Gulf Coast Regional Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster with a proclamation for their efforts to promote preparedness during hurricane season.

“Our ability to collaborate before, during and after a crisis is a major strength in our region,” said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. “As we continue to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, I encourage residents to prepare in advance of the next storm.”

Early predictions for 2018 call for another above-average hurricane season. According to forecasters, 12-14 tropical storms could develop between June 1 and Nov. 30, six to eight of which may become hurricanes — with three to five major projected to become major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).

“Regardless of the number of hurricanes predicted, I would remind our residents that it only takes one to devastate a community,” Emmett said. “Be assured that the county will continue to work to prepare our communities, but it is up to each individual to prepare themselves and their families.”
HCOHSEM recommends the following:

• Discuss and practice an emergency plan with your family
• Sign up to receive weather and emergency alerts
• Assemble an emergency supplies kit that includes a NOAA weather radio
• Have an emergency bag ready to go with important documents in case you need to evacuate
• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full
• Trim trees and branches that can easily fall on your home or vehicle
• Secure loose objects outside your house before severe weather moves in

According to ready.gov, every emergency preparedness kit should have the following items:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food (canned food, baby food, Granola bars, energy bars)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Other suggested items to have in your kit include:

• Red Bandana (in case you need to signal for help)
• Emergency reflector vest
• Pet supplies (leashes, pet food, medicines, kennel or crate)
• Medications for family members
• Eye drops
• Dry socks
• Cash
• Sleeping bags/blankets
• Writing supplies
• Books/Games
• Emergency Contact information/documents
• Fire extinguisher
• Waterproof matches/fire starter
• Insect repellant/sun screen

You can find a list of more items,and tips on being prepared at ready.gov or the National Hurricane Center.

Image: Geocolor Image in the eye of Hurricane Irma. Elements of this image furnished by NASA. (Photo via Shutterstock)