Hurricane season is here, and if you haven’t been in Galveston for long, you’ll quickly learn that the most important thing you can do before hurricane season is to get your family and home prepared. Natural disasters can lead to an influx of medical emergencies, and Hospitality Health ER wants to help minimize those situations as much as possible. The following hurricane safety tips will help you make sure that you have what you need to get out of town or ride out the storm.
5 Steps Towards Hurricane Safety
Now’s the time to start getting ready, even if a hurricane isn’t approaching. Don’t wait until there’s a big storm headed your way. By getting ahead of an emergency situation, you’ll avoid the chaos at stores when a hurricane warning goes into effect. Here’s what you can do to prepare:
#1. Learn all the evacuation routes. Galveston can be difficult to evacuate since it’s an island with limited exit routes. To find your ideal route, check out h-gac.com.
#2. Prepare your home. If possible, have storm shutters installed. This is a worthwhile investment if you live in Galveston. If you don’t have storm shutters, board up your windows with plywood when a hurricane watch or warning is issued. Secure outside objects to prevent them from getting damaged or injuring someone.
#3. Have water and a supply of non-perishable food on hand. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person: one gallon of water per person per day. This includes two quarts for drinking and two quarts for cleaning and other sanitary needs. Store extra water for nursing mothers, children, sick family members, and for hot days when you’ll need more hydration. You can store water in plastic milk gallon containers, soft drink bottles, water coolers, and pitchers.
Stock up on foods that require no refrigeration liked canned meats, fruits, and vegetables. Remember you’ll need a non-electric can opener just in case your power goes out. Also keep vitamins, high energy foods (like protein bars), and special foods for children and infants on hand.
#4. Have proper tools and supplies ready. You can never be too prepared. Remember that electricity may be impacted at your home and stores, so having cash and batteries on hand is very important. You also want to keep certain items in plastic bins so they don’t get wet, like flashlights, matches, bed sheets, boxed foods, and clothes. Here are some other hurricane safety must-haves:
- A first aid kit
- Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications like antacids, aspirin, advil, laxatives, and anti-diarrhea meds
- Flashlights and plenty of batteries
- Extra fuel for evacuation. Remember evacuation traffic may cause you to burn a lot of fuel.
- Fire extinguisher
- Battery-operated radio
- Cash
- Compass
- Matches
- Whistle
- Sanitation items like toilet paper, soap, and feminine supplies
- Clothing like rain gear, boots, and gloves
#5 During and after the storm:
- Remain indoors. Bring all your family members into a safe room and stay away from windows.
- Use your phone as little as possible in order to preserve battery. Do not use candles because they can easily start a fire if knocked over
- Keep up with what’s going on by radio.
- Avoid low-lying areas if you need to evacuate.
- Make sure the storm has completely passed before going outside.
- Report and stay away from any damaged power lines.
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