What to Do Before a Hurricane

The Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts an above-normal hurricane activity this year.

At NEC Co-op Energy, we’d like to encourage every Texan to be prepared for severe weather. Being prepared means that you make a plan, create an emergency kit, and learn the evacuation routes in your area.

Below are some hurricane preparedness tips.

Know your risk – start preparing know by knowing your area’s hurricane risk. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radio and Emergency Alert system can give you emergency alerts. You may also sign up for your area’s emergency warning system.

Know where to go – this entails ensuring that everyone in your home understands your hurricane evacuation plans. Know the local evacuation route(s) in your community, and have a plan where your family can stay. It is also helpful to include the kids’ day care, school, the office, and any place your family frequents in your plans. For more information, contact your local emergency management agency.

Gather supplies – Make sure that you keep in mind the needs of everyone in your household, and gather supplies that will last for at least 3 days. Include disinfectant supplies, medication, water and food, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and pet supplies. It is possible that you may not have these supplies readily available after a hurricane.

In addition, don’t forget to charge any electronics you might need. When you know that a hurricane is in the forecast, remember to keep your phone charged. It will also be helpful if you buy backup charging devices.

Secure important documents – Remember that filing for government assistance involves documentation. Keep your important documents in a safe place and make copies of them in a digital space. Moreover, double check if they are all up-to-date.

Strengthen your property – Sign up or review your insurance policy. If needed, shutter your home, and declutter gutters and drains.

For household members with disabilities – if you or anyone in your home has a disability, identify if you need additional help. You may not have immediate access to a drugstore or a medical facility after a natural disaster strikes.

Know what 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.

These hurricane preparedness tips will help your family prepare for severe weather. For more information about being hurricane-ready, visit Ready.Gov, Fema.Gov, or NOAA’s National Hurricane Center.

 

Sources:

“NOAA predicts above-normal 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season,” National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-above-normal-2022-atlantic-hurricane-season
“Hurricane Preparedness,” Texas A&M University, https://texasseagrant.org/programs/hurricane-preparedness/index.html
“Hurricane Preparedness,” Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, https://www.tceq.texas.gov/response/hurricanes
“Evacuation,” Ready.Gov, https://www.ready.gov/evacuation
“Disability,” Ready.Gov, https://www.ready.gov/disability