Hurricane Preparedness Week in Houston
Houston Mayor Annise Parker has proclaimed May 25-31, 2014 as Hurricane Preparedness Week in Houston. As we prepare for this upcoming hurricane season, the City of Houston offers the following tips to help you and your family prepare:
Know Your Risk
Knowing your level of risk ahead of time will help you make better choices when the storm comes. Visit the Houston Storm Risk Calculator at houstonstormrisk.org to find out what your level of risk is for flooding, storm surge, wind damage and power outages. If you live in a hurricane evacuation area, know your zone, and be prepared to evacuate when the order is given. If you don’t live in an evacuation area, you most likely would not have to evacuate for a storm, so make preparations early to ride out a storm in your home.
Be Prepared
You should be prepared to evacuate or to shelter in place for a hurricane. Take a moment to review your emergency plan with your family, as well as make sure you have all the necessary supplies to be able to sustain yourself without electricity and running water for 5-7 days. Download a copy of the City of Houston Disaster Preparedness Guide for information on what should be in your plan and your kit.
Part of preparing is making sure that your insurance adequately covers your property. Homeowners and renters insurance doesn’t normally cover damage from flooding, so make sure you have a flood insurance policy. Visit FloodSmart.gov for information on how to find the right policy for you.
Be Informed
During hurricane season, it’s always a good idea to pay attention to developing storms. Pay attention to local television and radio weather broadcasts, as well as the National Hurricane Center website (hurricanes.gov) for up-to-date information on storms forming in the Atlantic and Gulf. Sign up for AlertHouston emergency notifications from the City of Houston by visiting alerts.houstonoem.org. When storms threaten Houston, the City will use this system to tell you about steps you can take to prepare, and provide up-to-date information on conditions and evacuations. Emergency information is always available online at houstontx.gov/emergency. Finally, if you are an Idylwood resident, follow our emergency Twitter channel at @Idylwood911.
For more information on how to prepare for emergencies, visit houstonoem.org or call the Office of Emergency Management at 713.884.4500.
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