Harris County Commissioners Court has declared May 23-29 as Hurricane Preparedness Week. The Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (OHSEM) aims to educate people about the hazards of hurricanes, tropical storms, high winds, storm surge and flooding.
OHSEM urges everyone to start planning early. "Being prepared can reduce the fear, anxiety and the loss that accompany disasters," said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. "Having an emergency plan remains the most important tool to keep us safe."
Residents are urged to get a kit, make a plan and stay informed this hurricane season.
Your emergency supply kit should include:
. NOAA weather radio and batteries
. Flashlight and batteries
. Extra eye glasses
. Bottled water
. Non-perishable food
. Clothing
. Bedding
. Medications
. Copies of prescriptions
. Special products for babies, elderly and medically fragile family members
. Cash and credit cards
. Photo ID, important documents and records
If you live in an area threatened by storm surge - an EVACUATION ZONE - discuss evacuation plans with your family. Check with city or county officials to find out if your home is in an evacuation zone.
Make a checklist of preparations to be made before an evacuation and go over it with your family. Review it again when a storm is in the Gulf of Mexico.
If you plan to stay in a hotel or motel, make reservations and confirm your reservations before you leave. If you plan to stay in a shelter, bring what you need to be comfortable, including bedding and toys for kids.
Prepare an emergency kit for your pets and a plan for how to care for them when you are on the road and in a shelter or motel. Do not leave your pets behind!
"Refill and re-check supplies after every storm," said Harris County Emergency Management Coordinator Mark Sloan. "Depending on storm damage, some people may be able to return home in a matter of days, for others re-entry may take longer."
Finally, stay informed by monitoring the news media. Local officials will provide information about current conditions, evacuations and re-entry.
Get more hurricane preparedness information at OHSEM's web site http://www.hcoem.org/ and at the Governor's Division of Emergency Management www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/publicinformation.htm.
