One thing you don’t need to tell a storm-tested Texan is that there is immeasurable value in being ready for the worst, especially during our annual hurricane season.
Here in Harris County we know the importance of being ready and, if we forget, it seems there is always a reminder churning in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Hurricane season is underway, and preparedness tips bear repeating every year to minimize impact. (Submitted image)
First, know hurricane terms.
Listen for National Weather Service (NWS) alerts on TV or radio or check online.
According to federal officials, a “hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 miles per hour [mph] or higher) are possible in a stated area.”
Authorities declare hurricane watches at least 48 hours before they expect sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph.
Hurricane warnings are more serious. They predict hurricane-force winds and are issued before tropical-storm-force winds are expected.
Below are some tips from federal, state and local sources to serve as reminders to you and yours from our family at the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office:
- Have your reactions planned out. Whether you are told to evacuate or shelter-in-place, know what you’re going to do. Locate the nearest shelter or escape route, know where you will go and what you will need to pack.
- Make sure your vehicle or vehicles are fueled up and ready to go.
- Do not wait until the last second to act. There is usually plenty of time in advance of a hurricane. Use that time to get ready and to listen to the proper authorities.
- Have an emergency supply kit. Be prepared in advance with any medication you take, food, plenty of water, toiletries, batteries, flashlights, and other critical supplies.
- Have a plan for your pets.
- Make provisions for important documents and get your home ready.
- Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and neighbors who might live with disabilities.
- Sign up for emergency alerts from local government agencies and first responders. Don’t rely on social media.
- If you have a generator, learn how to use it safely.
- Have a list of emergency numbers handy.
- Make sure your plans include action for every stage of storm from response to recovery.
- Remember, if you must evacuate, grab your supply kit and only take what’s really needed – mobile phones, chargers, identification documents and papers, medications, cash and credit cards.
- If leaving, unplug appliances.
- Follow road rules and do not drive into deep water. “Turn around, don’t drown.”
- Even if it looks calm outside, stay inside until the storm is officially declared over and as having moved past your location.
- Stay away from windows or any place where flying debris might hit you.
Know there are lots of great sources of information, like the Red Cross, local emergency management websites and resources like the AARP, the Center for Disease Control and others.
Stay informed, educate yourself in advance, and be safe!
Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen
Constable Alan Rosen was first elected in 2012. He won a fourth term in 2024.