It’s official, the National Hurricane Center has declared (Anna) the first named storm of the season. What that means for us here in Houston is that Hurricane Season is upon us so the time to get prepared is now.
Don’t wait until a hurricane is coming our way to go out frantically buying supplies and getting ready. Follow these Dash emergency preparedness tips to keep your family ready for whatever this season brings.
MAKE A PLAN NOW
Communicate with your family so everyone knows what the plan is in case of an emergency. Include work, daycare/school pick-up, and anywhere you frequent as part of your plan.
It is also important to know your evacuation route ahead of time in case the need arises.
Having paper maps are valuable to have if cell towers are down and you can’t use gps.
CREATE A PREPAREDNESS KIT
Gather enough supplies for your family and have them in a box that is easy to grab and throw in the trunk if need be. It is best to have this kit organized and labeled so items are easy to find when you need them. If you have a kit already, now is a good time to check expiration dates and add any new medications etc that were not previously in the kit.
HAVE COPIES OF IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
A photo of your ID and insurance policy should be kept; make sure they are up to date. A list of important phone and account numbers is helpful as sometimes cell phones and computers can be unreliable. These documents should be stored in a waterproof bag.
BE TECH READY
Have cell phones and other devices fully charged when you know there is a big storm in the forecast. Purchase back-up charging devices and have them charged as well in case you need them. Download an app or sign up for community alerts to receive real-time alerts for your area.