Hurricane Preparedness Tips
Hurricanes can be swift and unpredictable, so it’s important that you prepare. Even if your area is not in the direct path of a hurricane, you may still experience power outages, flooding, or travel hindrances due to damage from the storm.
XOOM Energy wants to provide Texans with tips and resources to help you stay informed and safe before and after the storm.
BEFORE THE STORM- Prep and Stay Alert
After the first notification of a developing storm, get the latest updates from county and city officials. Listen to local radio and television reports. Check the National Hurricane Center site regularly.
Stock up on supplies for your home and car; buy bottled water, instant coffee, and tea bags, non-perishable food, batteries, toiletries, rain gear, flashlights, pet food, medications, a battery-operated radio, and a solar-powered phone charger.
Pack a bag of essential items, including a car charger, clothing, socks, shoes, toiletries, cash, and important documents (in a resealable plastic bag).
Get your car ready by filling up on gas, performing any necessary maintenance, checking and replenishing all fluids, replacing your windshield wipers, and filling your tires with air.
Keep emergency phone numbers in multiple places, and ensure everyone in the family knows the warning signs and what to expect.
Make a plan for finding shelter where you are or for an evacuation, depending on the advice from local officials.
Trim trees and shrubs around your home to minimize the risk of broken branches and debris.
BEFORE THE STORM- More Information:
DURING THE STORM: Key Survival Tips
Listen to local radio and television reports for weather condition updates.
Stay inside, even if it seems that the storm has ended, to avoid being outside when strong winds pick up.
Keep away from windows and outside doors, and head to a basement or bathroom. Bathtubs can provide some protection if you cover yourself with plywood or other materials.
Avoid using a landline telephone or touching electrical equipment.
If the power is out, turn off all major appliances.
Evacuate to a safe home or shelter if your home is flooded, or if emergency personnel has recommended for you to do so.
Whether you choose to stay home or evacuate, you’ll want to unplug electronics and appliances and remove air conditioner fuses.
Emergency Phone Numbers
For a medical/functional emergency, call 211 For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Houston:
Individuals needing rescue, call 281-238-3430.
Groups who need to be picked up and taken to a shelter, call 713-426-9404. This number is reserved for groups needing pickup as opposed to individuals.
For info about shelters or help, inside Houston, dial 311. Outside Houston, dial 211.
South Texas
City of Corpus Christi – Automated 24-hour line – 361-857-1818 & 361-857-1888
Aransas County Sheriff 361-729-222
Bee County: Emergency Management 361-362-3271; Sheriff 361-362-3221
Duval County Sheriff 361-279-3351
Jim Hogg County Sheriff 361-527-3710
Jim Wells County Safety Department 361-668-1018; Sheriff 361-668-0341
Kleberg County Emergency Management 361-595-8527; Sheriff 361-595-8500
Live Oak County Sheriff 361-449-2271
Nueces County Sheriff 361-887-2222
Refugio County Sheriff 361-526-1698
San Patricio County Emergency Management 361-364-6144; Sheriff 361-364-2251
Fort Bend
Office of Emergency Management & Sheriff’s Office 281-342-6185
US Coast Guard
People in distress can call the following US Coast Guard numbers:
281-464-4851. 281-464-4852. 281-464-4853. 281-464-4854.
AFTER THE STORM- What Now?
Let family and friends know you are safe.
Continue monitoring updates and instructions from local authorities.
If electrical appliances got wet, wait for an electrician to check the device before using it.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated. Keep away from floodwater and flooded roads. Drive around floodwater and not through it. Remember that flood and standing waters present health risks.
Stay away from downed power lines and dangerous materials.
Report power outages in your area to your local Transmission and Distribution Service Provider.
For FEMA assistance
Apply by registering on the website DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling (800) 621-FEMA (3362). Those using TTY call (800) 462-7585 directly; those who use 711 or Video Relay Service call (800) 621-3362. Both toll-free numbers will be operational from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week until further notice, according to FEMA.
Additional Resources:
· Harris County Emergency Management
· Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management
· Texas Department of Public Safety on Post-Hurricane Recovery
· Ready.gov on Recovering from a Disaster
· FEMA
