Be prepared - it's hurricane season

Jun 11, 2014

We are now in the hurricane season, be prepared for any emergency throughout the summer. Should weather threaten the Houston-Galveston area, students, faculty and staff can find updates and college information on hccs.edu.

Below are some safety tips to consider before, during and after a hurricane. The tips are recommended by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service.

Be prepared throughout hurricane season with the food and supplies you'll need to ride out any possible storms.

Necessities

• At least 7 gallons of water per person
• Battery-operated television or radio
• Spare batteries
• Manual can opener
• Flashlights and waterproof matches
• Toilet paper
• Baby supplies
• Cash (ATMs may not work after the storm)
• Change for pay phones
• Rain gear/sunscreen/hat
• Bleach or water purification tablets
• Soap and detergent
• Charcoal/lighter fluid or camping stove
• Disposable plates, glasses and utensils
• Ice chest and ice
• Valuable papers, or copies, in a waterproof bag
• Prescription and other necessary medicines
• Blankets, tarp and masking tape
• Three day's worth of clothing, sleeping bags
• First aid kit, scissors, tweezers, bug spray

Food

• Baby food and baby formula
• Canned meats (Spam, chicken, ham)
• Canned fish (tuna, sardines)
• Canned meals: spaghetti, soup, stew, chili
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Cereal, crackers and cookies
• Coffee, tea, sodas, juice
• Granola bars and nuts
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Pudding

When the storm approaches

• Listen for weather updates
• Check gas, oil in vehicle, keep your car fueled and ready to go 
• Check your emergency evacuation supplies
• Store enough drinking water to last several days 
• Bring your pets indoors
• Board up or put storm shutters on windows
• Clear your yard of loose objects, bicycles, lawn furniture, trash cans, etc.
• Leave swimming pools filled. Super chlorinate the water, cover pump, filtration systems and intakes.
• Get extra cash. ATMs may be out of order after a severe storm 

If you can stay home

• Obtain, mark clean containers for storing water
• Obtain a week's supply of nonperishable foods
• Check your disaster supplies kit
• Stay inside away from windows

If you must evacuate

•  Leave your home if asked to evacuate
• Turn off water and electricity at the main valve, breakers or fuses
• Turn off propane gas tanks that serve individual appliances like a stove or grill.
• Do not turn off natural gas unless local officials advise to do so

More info: FEMA's hurricane Are You Ready? information.