Are You Prepared for a Hurricane?

Hurricane season has arrived in Texas, and experts are predicting an "active or extremely active" season. If our weather so far is any indication, we could be in for some stormy weather; Hurricane Alex was the first June Atlantic hurricane in 15 years!

We may not be storm experts here at AARP Texas, but we do have some tips to help keep you safe.

Prepare a Hurricane Supply Kit — Be prepared in the event of a hurricane by gathering the basic supplies you’ll need to endure a few days without utilities, telephone or Internet. Make sure to include enough food for several days — a good rule of thumb is to have enough supplies to last at least three days per person.

Work out an Evacuation Plan — Map out a plan in advance so you know what to do in the event of an evacuation. Listen to your local news for evacuation instructions and PLEASE don’t wait until the last minute to leave.

Prepare a Vital Document Packet — Make sure you have all of your important papers in one pace so you can grab them and go in the event of an emergency!

Develop a Grab and Go Checklist – Make a list of important items, such as prescription medications, that you need to take with you in the event of an evacuation.

For more information on how you can stay safe in the event of a hurricane, check out these government resources:

• Emergency Preparedness and Response: Hurricanes Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC offers tips on getting supplies, making a plan and staying safe after a storm. The site highlights illnesses, injuries and other health concerns that you might confront and for which should be prepared.
  
• Texas Department of State Health Services. This site has step-by-step guides to building disaster plans featuring checklists and other tools, all with a familiar Texas twang and local details.
  
• Ready America. This national site is run by some of the same folks as FEMA, the emergency management agency. It walks you through preparing your family, your home and your business for hurricanes.
  
• State of Texas. The state offers tips on both hurricane preparation, including making a kit and getting your car ready, and on evacuating, from maps to fuel to where you should go.
  
• Texas Department of Transportation. Stay safe on the road. Search for information on flooded, damaged and closed roads by the name of the road or by county.
  
• National Weather Service. Check this site for up-to-the-minute updates on forecasts as well as weather watches and warnings for each Texas county.
  
• Texas Department of Insurance. As a hurricane is poised to strike the Texas coast, looking at your insurance policies might not immediately be the first thing on your mind. But this site provides a to-do list of tips can help save you some serious headache down the road. 

Other Resources

Katrina: What We’ve Learned

Operation Hurricane Prepare