Texas Children's Hospital - Hurricane preparation 101

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Hurricane preparation 101

Before, during and after a hurricane

Before a hurricane

Every June through November, restock your supply of nonperishable foods and other equipment you might need in an emergency.
Keep emergency numbers for ambulance, fire, police, poison control, the electric company, the telephone company and the gas company in a convenient location.
In Houston, tune your radio to NewsRadio 740 KTRH for school closings, weather updates and other public notices. Put fresh batteries in your portable radio.
Move away from beaches and other low-lying areas that may be swept by high tides or storm waves.
Leave early if you plan to evacuate. Roads to high ground may become impassable in the hours just before a storm hits land.
If leaving a vehicle, make certain it is stored in a safe place, preferably in a garage. Fill the tank with gasoline. Service stations may be closed for several days after a storm.
Keep your flashlight in good working order. Use precautions if you light candles or portable cooking equipment.
Fill clean containers with drinking water.
Put large water containers in the bathroom. Toilets will not flush if your water supply is interrupted and you’ll need this water to manually flush the toilets. Fill the bathtub.
Store outdoor objects that could blow around during the storm, including toys, garbage cans, garden tools, yard furniture and plants. Remove tree limbs that could fall on your house or power lines. Lock garage doors. Awnings should be tied securely or taken down.
Board windows.
Do not drain your swimming pool. Turn off all electrical pool equipment. Add extra chlorine to avoid contamination.
Fire can be a serious problem. Have a good fire extinguisher (for A, B, & C type fires) nearby.
Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings and open only when necessary.

Before, during and after a hurricane

During a hurricane

Keep your radio on to listen for frequent storm updates. Stay inside and leave only if instructed to evacuate. Stay at home if your home is sturdy and on high ground; if it is not, move to a designated shelter. If you must drive, watch for flooding, fallen trees and electrical wires. If a window breaks, go to an interior room to avoid injury from flying glass. Stay away from all windows during the storm. Use the telephone for emergency calls only. Do not use a telephone if you suspect a gas leak.

If the storm center passes directly overhead, there will be a lull in the wind that lasts from a few minutes to half an hour or more. Winds then will increase rapidly to hurricane force, and will come from the opposite direction. Stay inside!
If power is lost, unplug or turn off appliances in order to avoid a surge when electricity is restored.

If you evacuate

Leave early enough to avoid traffic delays. Tell someone outside the storm area where you are going.
Bring valid identification, insurance documents, property inventories and personal papers in a waterproof box.
Bring personal toiletries, blankets, pillows, any medications and a portable radio.
Turn off the main gas valve to your house. Turn off electricity at main box.
Sterilize, then fill water containers, sinks and bathtubs; then turn off the water main to the house and drain water lines.
Shut window coverings and lock all windows and doors.
Leave a two-week supply of food and water for pets. Shelters do not accept pets. Make sure all pets have proper identification on their collars.
Monitor weather conditions even after you arrive at your destination.

Before, during and after a hurricane

After the hurricane

Avoid disaster areas and broken or low-hanging power lines. Notify police or the utility company of damage.
Try to stay home and avoid driving.
Open freezers and ice chests only when necessary until power is restored.
Make a list of storm damage to your home. Take photographs of the damage.