Preparing for a Hurricane
The annual hurricane season began June 1st, but for us here in the Houston area, the majority of our hurricanes come in the time from July 1st to September 30th. With that in mind, this month I'm writing about preparing for a hurricane. This column only serves as an introduction to this topic. If you are new to the Gulf Coast area or just want to brush up on hurricane safety tips, I suggest you search the internet for more detailed articles on this subject.
We all know that when hurricane season starts we should stock up on non-perishable items such as bottled water and foods that don't require refrigeration. Infant formula and baby food is always one of the first things that stores run out of. It's better to get those items at the store before the rush comes and it allows you to focus on last minute items. Add to that list batteries for portable radios and flashlights. A first aid kit or two is a must also. Don't forget about packages of moist towelettes and garbage bags. It is good to have a tool box with hand tools including a hand or power saw (for cutting fallen limbs and branches) along with a manual can opener as well. Here is a tip rarely posted about: If the storm has passed and power is still out, you can cook/barbeque outdoors. It's a great way to use meat from the freezer than would otherwise spoil. Have a stock of charcoal, but only do this when the weather is settled and outdoor activity is safe to attempt.
If a storm is imminent, fill your bathtub with water, not for drinking purposes but to have for hand washing and toilet operation. Don't forget about your pets. Have a good supply of pet food for your furry friends. If power is out in the area, ATM's will not work so it's important to have cash on hand well in advance of an approaching hurricane. Keep your cell phone charged and, if possible, have a fully charged backup battery standing by. Save any insurance and other important papers on a cloud server well beforehand and take them with you should you need to evacuate.
Many folks own a portable power generator. That's great, but here are a few do's and don'ts. Do have it full of fuel well ahead of a storm and make sure that it is in good running condition. This should be done early on in hurricane season. If you need the generator for power in your home, set it up to run outside--NEVER in your home or even in your garage. The carbon monoxide fumes can poison humans in no time. Do not over burden your generator. That is, do not use it to power the central AC system. Instead, running a refrigerator, some fans, and one or two lamps will get you by until power is restored. DO NOT refuel a running generator! For refueling, make sure that it is off and use a funnel for pouring in the new fuel. Do not allow it to overfill the opening. This could result in a fire. For those that have a permanent generator incorporated with their home electrical system, life is a little bit less complicated, but still never add fuel while the generator is running.
Rarely is there need for residents in our area to evacuate due to a hurricane, but it does happen. If you need to leave, make that decision early. Roads do get filled up with travelers. Have your route planned in advance of your trip. Take a lot of the above mentioned items with you.
Any street in ESD 47 has the potential to become flooded and therefore impassable. We have some streets that flood more readily than others. They are in Westlake Place and Westlake Forest along Mayde Creek, and in the eastern sides of Westlake and Westlake Forest. If you live there, you are well aware of the past history of flooding. Regardless of where you reside in ESD 47, the Westlake Fire Department wants to know if you have living in your home persons with special needs or accommodations so that they can plan for them in case of an evacuation on your street. If you haven’t already done so, call them now at 281-492-0560 and discuss your family's special needs before any storm approaches. This will assure that your loved one(s) are properly taken care of.
An excellent website for preparedness tips is: www.ready.gov. Obviously, should a hurricane be headed our way, stay tuned to local news/weather outlets for the latest advisories. Hopefully, our number will not come up this year.
But if it does, stay safe!
Brian Havran