Learn what to do during a Hurricane Watch or Warning:
DURING A HURRICANE WATCH:
Hurricane watch = conditions possible within the next 48 hrs.
- Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
- Review the items in your emergency supply kit; and add items to meet the household needs for children, parents, individuals with disabilities or other access and functional needs or pets.
- Register those in your family or care with special needs to the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR).
- Fuel car.
- Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
- Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas.
- Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
- Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils.
- Review evacuation plan.
- Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe place. Use rope or chain to secure boat to trailer. Use tie-downs to anchor trailer to the ground or house.
DURING A HURRICANE WARNING:
Hurricane warning = conditions are expected within 36 hrs.
- Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
- If in a mobile home, check tie-downs and evacuate immediately.
- Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
- Avoid elevators.
WHEN EVACUATION IS NECESSARY:
- Know your route and have a plan for where you can stay.
- Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
- Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.
- Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going.
- If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or better yet, move it to a higher floor.
- Bring pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing.
- Take blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.
- Lock up home and leave.
IF YOU STAY AT HOME DURING A HURRICANE:
- Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
- Plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
- Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
- If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power "surge" when electricity is restored.
