Hurricane season in Texas runs from June until November. Each year, approximately 100 storms form in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. About two of these develop into hurricanes that make landfall in the United States.

Hence, hurricane preparedness is important. It’s best to plan your supplies, know your risk, and prepare your home before disaster strikes. A lot of the damage associated with natural disasters can be reduced or prevented through thoughtful preparation and planning. Here are some tips.

• Stock up on emergency water, food, and medical supplies. Prepare for the worst scenario and assume that you cannot get food for several days.
• Learn your area’s evacuation route. This will help your family calmly and quickly get out of town if the need arises.
• Keep your home in good shape so it can withstand harsh weather conditions. Also, trim down trees that could potentially be hazardous to your home.
• Fill your family go-bag with must-haves. This can include important papers and identifying documents, essential medications, first aid supplies, flashlight and batteries.

What to do in the event of a power outage

Natural disasters, including hurricanes, can result in the loss of utilities like water, gas, and electricity. Not only will this prove to be a major inconvenience for families, but it can be a matter of life and death, especially for those who are dependent on medical equipment that requires power.

Here are some power outage preparedness tips:

• 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.
• Be sure that you have communication devices in your home that will work even without power. It could be a battery radio, batteries or chargers for your mobile phones, or a non-cordless home phone.
• Identify and create a support network. Keep a copy of your contact list. Your list should include those who can help you stay home and people who can help you evacuate during an extended power outage.
• Plan for cooling or heating your home. Avoid using a generator, heater, or outdoor stoves indoors. Plan to go to a location with heat or air conditioning, depending on the weather.
• Ensure that you have current surge protectors.
• Plan for your electrical, personal, and medical needs. Consider both non-power and backup alternatives for communication, lighting, refrigerated medicine, medical devices, and cooking.

NEC Co-op Energy, your electric company in Texas, does not maintain your power lines. In a deregulated market, the Transmission and Delivery Service Providers (TDSP) are responsible for providing your home with electricity, maintaining the lines, and restoring power outages. In the event of a power outage, report the matter to the utility company that directly supplies you with electricity. You may refer to our list by clicking here.

Hurricane preparedness will enable your family to be better prepared for other forms of emergencies. Keep this useful guide handy!