Hurricane season in Texas spans from June to November annually, with around 100 storms typically brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, and Caribbean Sea. Of these, approximately two evolve into hurricanes that impact the United States.

Thus, prioritizing hurricane preparedness is crucial. It’s advisable to strategize your supplies, assess your vulnerability, and fortify your residence before calamity strikes. Many of the perils associated with natural disasters can be mitigated or averted through careful foresight and preparation. Here are some pointers:

• Stockpile emergency water, food, and medical provisions. Anticipate the worst-case scenario, preparing for the possibility of being without sustenance for several days.
• Familiarize yourself with your area’s evacuation route. This knowledge facilitates a calm and swift departure if evacuation becomes necessary.
• Maintain your dwelling in good condition to withstand severe weather conditions. Additionally, trim trees that pose potential hazards to your property.
• Assemble a family go-bag containing essentials such as vital documents, medications, first aid supplies, flashlight, and batteries.

In the event of a power outage:

Natural disasters, including hurricanes, can disrupt utilities such as water, gas, and electricity. This not only inconveniences families but can also pose life-threatening situations, particularly for individuals reliant on powered medical equipment.

Here are some tips for power outage preparedness:

• Sign-up for outage alerts with your Transmission and Delivery Service Provider (TDSP) who maintain power lines and communicate outage information. Click here to report an outage to your TDSP or sign-up for outage communications.
• Ensure you possess communication devices that function even without electricity, such as a battery-operated radio, mobile phone chargers, or a non-cordless landline.
• Establish and maintain a support network, including contacts who can assist you in remaining at home or facilitate evacuation during prolonged power disruptions.
• Develop plans for heating or cooling your home, avoiding the use of generators, heaters, or outdoor stoves indoors. Arrange to relocate to a facility with climate control, depending on weather conditions.
• Verify that your surge protectors are up to date.
• Prepare for your electrical, personal, and medical requirements, including non-electrical alternatives for communication, lighting, refrigeration of medications, medical device operation, and cooking.

NEC Co-op Energy, your Texas-based electric utility, does not manage power lines. In a deregulated market, Transmission and Delivery Service Providers (TDSPs) are responsible for supplying electricity to your home, maintaining infrastructure, and restoring power during outages. In the event of an outage, report the issue to the utility directly providing your electricity. Refer to our provided list for guidance.

Enhancing hurricane preparedness equips your family to navigate various emergency scenarios. Keep this valuable guide accessible for reference!