If you live in a hurricane-prone area like Houston, there are certain activities you need to have done BEFORE the weather forecast declares we’re under a Hurricane Watch.

PLAN

• If someone in your home has a need for life-sustaining medical equipment, have other arrangements in place for electricity sources and evacuation needs.
• Have a list of medicines, medical assistance devices and doctors that everybody in the home uses.
• Talk with your family members to figure out who will be your out-of-state contact in case you can’t reach each other locally.
• Keep a list of important phone numbers in your emergency kit.
• Agree on two meeting places for family members to come together. Choose a place near your home and another one outside your region in case you need to evacuate separately.

MAKE AN EMERGENCY KIT

• Should include 5 to 7 days of food and water for each person and pet.
• Hand-crank or battery radio with batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• FIrst aid kit
• Rain gear
• Plastic sheeting and duck tape
• Moist towelettes, plastic bags and ties
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Disposable eating dishes (plates, cups, plastic-ware) and paper towels
• Cash
• Matches in a waterproof container

KNOW HOW TO STAY INFORMED

• Use several sources of information.
• Radio stations 740 AM or 88.7 FM
• Find out how to get text or email notifications for your jurisdiction

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS

• Get to know them BEFORE a crisis hits.
• If you are young, strong and healthy, find out if any of your neighbors might need help when the hurricane comes. Know who your elderly, medically fragile, and single parent neighbors are.