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Hurricane Ike appears to be headed our way; and some predictions suggest we could start feeling the effects of the storm as early as tomorrow.
Though we may not be hit directly, the destruction seen in Baton Rouge, LA as a result of Hurricane Gustav should serve as a precautionary example. We should expect strong winds, heavy rain, and likely power outages.
Here are some tips I follow to keep my family and home safe during hurricane season:
Listen to the radio or TV for information. Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects, like patio furniture, or bring them indoors.
Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its door closed.
Make sure you have provisions for AT LEAST 72-hours after a storm strikes. This includes food and water as well as other needed supplies, including a battery powered radio to get information if electricity is out.
Turn off propane tanks. Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
Don’t forget pets!
You should evacuate if you are directed by local authorities to do so. Galveston County is in the process of mandatory evacuation, and parts of Harris County should expect evacuation orders later today. The website Houstontranstar.org [link 1]is a great source for local evacuation routes and information. If there is any question about whether or not you should leave, call 2-1-1 for information or if you need transportation. Also remember if you live in a high-rise building, hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations, so check with your property managers to see if they advise you to evacuate.
If you evacuate, remember to bring copies of important papers:
Checkbooks
Driver’s license
Credit card information
Birth certificates
Social security cards
Other forms proving ownership/identity
If you are unable to evacuate, go to your wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:
Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
Close all interior doorssecure and brace external doors.
Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.
Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
Here are some other helpful links:
Tracking Ike: http://www.noaawatch.gov/2008/ike.php
City of Houston Emergencies, probably the best place to find information for shelters: http://www.houstontx.gov/oem/hurricane.html
National Weather Service, Houston-Galveston Area: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/hgx/
State of Texas Preparation tips: http://www.state.tx.us/portal/tol/en/emergency/preparing/#famPlan
Though the skies are only partly cloudy right now, forecasts are calling for heavy rain late tonight and early morning tomorrow. Please, be careful. Dont leave unless otherwise directed or if it is an emergency.
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