As we have entered the peak of hurricane season for Southeast Texas, it’s a good time to verify that you and your family are prepared. The purpose of emergency preparedness is to reduce the effect of destruction caused by unexpected situations like accidents, fire, sabotage, spills, explosions, natural disasters, terrorist activities and medical emergencies. In other words, you want to be ready for when disaster strikes, which unfortunately can occur at any moment without notice.
Now is the time to review your emergency supply kit to make sure you are ready when disaster does strike. A family’s emergency kit should contain, but is not limited to:
- Water (1 Gallon per day per person)
- Food (3 day minimum of nonperishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local map
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Cash money in small bills
You can customize your kit to personalize it to you and your family’s needs. Please consider reviewing your supplies now so you can add or replace what you are missing. It is better to be prepared before disaster strikes so you can avoid long lines at the store and be able to locate the items that you need, which may be limited or unavailable during an emergency event.
For emergency information, please stay tuned to local news, weather, and communications from government authorities for announcements and advisories in case further action is needed. Some helpful phone numbers are as follows:
- In the event of an emergency, dial 911
- MUD 71 24-hour line for water/sewer issues: (281) 897-9100
- Harris County: (713) 755-5000
- Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management: (713) 881-3100
- Harris County Toll Road Authority Roadside Assistance (daily from 5:00 am-midnight): (281) 584-7500