Hurricane Prep List

Hurricane season in Texas officially begins on June 1st and lasts until November 30th.

Although most hurricanes fall within this window, storms can occur outside this time frame. Being ready is critical for survival.

Do not wait until the hurricane warning – be prepared before hurricane season.

Below is a checklist that will help you prepare. You can use and print the checklist when planning.

Vehicle / Transportation

Prior to severe weathet warning is issued

  1. Address any vehicle maintenance issue (brakes, oil changes, wiperblades, , etc)

As soon as a severe weather warning is announced

  1. Ensure a full tank of gas in your vehicle.
  2. Check tire pressure. Make sure correct air.
  3. Windshield wipers are working correctly. Replace the blades if not.
  4. Clean vehicle windows inside and out.

Emergency Toolkit

An essential toolkits includes the following:

  1. Minimum 2 working flashlights. Ideally 1 flashlight per person in the household.
  2. Extra batteries for flashlights
  3. Candles
  4. Waterproof matches or 2 lighters
  5. Waterproof tape / Duct Tape
  6. Tarp
  7. Rope
  8. Roadside flares

Water, food and Medication

You will need to have at least a 7 day supply for each person and pet in the home.

  1. 1 gallon of water per person per day.
  2. Non-perishable food
  3. Hand-operated can opener
  4. Plastic utensils, cups, and plates
  5. Pet food
  6. Baby food and bottles
  7. Regularly used medications
  8. First aid kit.

Communication

You will need to have at least a 7 day supply for each person and pet in the home.

  1. Mobile phones and Chargers
  2. Make and distribute family emergency plan
  3. Battery powered or hand cranked AM/FM radio, or NOAA Weather radio
  4. Whistle

House Preparation

Prepare ahead of hurricane season. Don’t wait until a hurricane comes your way. Review outside the home and look for items that can be picked up by the window and create further damage.

  1. Verify home insurance coverage. Check homeowner’s policy and purchase additional flood insurance.
  2. Secure your home. Plywood windows or heavy window shutters, roof clips to secure roof, and garage door braces. Fasten fuel tanks if any.
  3. Trim trees and shrubs. Keep them from touching your home walls and roof by the wind. Trim the trees to allow wind to pass through them more easily.
  4. Clean gutters. This could prevent roof damage and flooding in your home.
  5. Clear the clutter. Prevent your outdoor items from becoming projectiles. Bring outdoor items such as patio furniture, plants, toys, trampolines, and trashcans indoors. This can prevent further damage to your items and home.
  6. Sandbags for interior windows
  7. Turn off propane tanks
  8. Extra sets of house keys
  9. Fill coolers with ice
  10. Fill the bathtub with water to use for toilet flushing.
  11. Unplug electronics. Surge protectors may not help against multiple surge spikes.
  12. Check for leaks. Doors, windows and walls where cables and pipes enter could allow water to enter. Remember that water will be sprayed from all directions.

Cash

Be prepared in the case electronic purchasing is not available in your area after the storm passes. Electricity might be down, and cash will be the only way to pay.

  1. Get cash
  2. Review your wallet for credit cards

Important documents

Secure your documents in a waterproof bag.

  1. Photo Identifications (driver’s license, passports, social security cards)
  2. Personal records (birth, marriage, wills)
  3. Medical records (prescriptions, insurance cards)
  4. Property information (leases, mortgages, deeds, insurance, auto records)
  5. Family photos and keepsakes
  6. Important contact information (family friends, work, schools, doctors)
  7. Utility bills or mail (to show proof of residence)