Hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, which means we are currently in the middle of the season. Preparing before a hurricane and knowing what to do during and after the storm can help protect you and your family. Have a plan before the storm arrives.
Pay close attention to weather forecasts and emergency alerts. Local officials may issue a hurricane watch or a hurricane warning. A watch means hurricane conditions are possible, while a warning means they are expected and you should take immediate action. If local authorities tell you to evacuate, leave as soon as possible. Delaying evacuation can put you and emergency responders at greater risk.
If you are not ordered to evacuate, stay indoors during the storm. Move to a small, interior room on the lowest level of your home, away from windows and glass doors. Keep away from floodwaters, as they may be deeper or faster than they appear and can contain dangerous debris or harmful bacteria.
After the hurricane has passed, continue to be cautious. Listen to local officials before leaving your shelter or returning home. Avoid downed power lines, damaged buildings, and flooded roads. Never drive through floodwater because it is impossible to know how deep it is or whether the road underneath has been damaged. Even a small amount of moving water can carry away a vehicle.
If someone is injured during or after a hurricane, call 911 immediately. Give first aid only if you are trained and it is safe to do so. Stay away from damaged electrical equipment and report gas leaks or other hazards to the proper authorities. Continue following emergency instructions until officials say it is safe to resume normal activities.
Use the checklists below to help plan for a hurricane.
Decide where you plan to go if you have to evacuate, such as a motel, Red Cross Shelter, etc
Leave early
Turn off water, electricity and propane gas tanks before leaving
It is recommended that you have 7 days of clean drinking water on hand, so try to have 1 gallon per person per day available
Stay away from windows
Never go outside during the calm “eye” of the hurricane because dangerous winds will return quickly from the opposite direction
List all phone numbers for each family member. Make sure each member has a copy
Designate a contact person to check in with. It is ideal if contact person lives outside of your area since connection can be slow after a disaster
Food — Peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola, ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables, food for infants and elderly persons or persons on special diets
Tools — flashlight, full charged cell phone, first-aid kit, battery-operated radio, extra batteries, cash, map of area, signal flare, insect repellant, prescription medications for those with chronic medical conditions
Clothing and bedding — blankets, extra clothing, sturdy shoes/boots, rain gear
Documents in waterproof container — passports, social security cards, immunization records, important telephone numbers, family records (birth, marriage and death certificates), financial documents, will, insurance policies, etc
Hurricanes can be dangerous, but planning ahead and making smart decisions can greatly reduce the risk of injury. By preparing an emergency kit, following evacuation orders, staying informed, and avoiding hazards after the storm, you can help keep yourself, your family, and your community safe during hurricane season.
Dr. Maanasa Chittari is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, Huntsville, and Magnolia and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.