Should you need to Evacuate.

1. Ensure you have all Items you will need in a Hurricane Shelter for at least the first 72 hours.
2. Know your Evacuation Zone, Maps based on Hurricane Categories are available from the Emergency Management Office. Always plan 1 category higher then what is forecast.
3. The Primary Public Information Station is AM 740 KTRH which will give directions to Shelters opening in and for the Houston area.

There are several important things that can be done in order to reduce the effects of a disaster:

1. Make sure you have a support system in place.
2. Complete your individual personal assessment and prepare your individual disaster plan.
3. Gather the supplies you will need before, during and after a disaster. Make sure the supplies are specific to your disability.
4. Make sure your residence is as safe as possible in the event of an emergency.

REMEMBER PREPAREDNESS MUST BEGIN WITH YOU

SUPPORT SYSTEM
A support system, sometimes called the "buddy system," can help you prepare for a disaster as well as during and after a disaster. Members of your support system, or "buddies", can be roommates, relatives, neighbors, friends, co-workers, or anyone you choose. They should be people you trust to determine if you need assistance. Your support system members should know your capabilities and needs and be able to help in a matter of minutes.

1. Have your "buddies" assist you in preparing a written personal assessment
2. Give your support system copies of your emergency information list, medical information list, disability related supplies and special equipment list, evacuation plans, any emergency documents, and your personal disaster plan.
3. Arrange for your support system to check on you immediately if local officials announce a recommendation to evacuate if a disaster occurs.
4. Agree on methods of communication to be used during a disaster.
5. Give your "buddies" any keys they need for your place of residence or vehicles.
6. Make sure your support system knows how to operate and transport any equipment specific to your disability. Make sure it is labeled and laminated instruction cards are attached.
7. If you have a service animal, ensure the animal is familiar with your support system members and have written instructions on any care the animal may require.
8. Review and update your personal assessment and disaster plan with your support system on a regular basis.

PRACTICE YOUR PLAN

PERSONAL ASSESSMENT
The assistance you will need before, during, and after a disaster will be determined by the nature of the disaster itself and your individual capabilities. The answers to the following questions should be written or recorded and distributed to all members of your support system:

• What will you do if you are unable to heat water?
• What will you do if there is no water for several days?

• How will this be accomplished if the roads are blocked because of the disaster?
• Who will get groceries, medication, and medical supplies?

Evacuating:

• Do you need assistance if you are requested to evacuate?

Exits:

• Who will you call if you need help exiting your residence?
• What available alternate exits are in your residence?

Service Animals and Pets:

• Who will care for your animal(s) in case of an emergency?

PERSONAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Remember preparedness must begin with you. Preparation, which includes practice, is the key to success in dealing with a disaster. Preparation is an ongoing process. Keep in mind the usual means of support and assistance may not be available during an evacuation and after the disaster. Prepare a personal disaster plan. Included in this preparedness guide is information for the plan and a disaster plan checklist for you to follow. Keep several copies at different accessible locations and remember, share the plan with your support system.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION LIST:
A emergency information list is to let others know the people that should be called if you are found unconscious, unable to speak, or need assistance to evacuate. Include emergency out-of-town contacts as well as names and phone numbers of your support system.

Have a relative or friend who lives from 50 - 100 miles away from you as your "contact person". This is advisable because normally someone outside a disaster area is easier to contact. Ask your "contact person" to relay information to others; this will help reduce phone calls into and out of the affected area. Be sure your emergency information list states the best way to communicate with you.

MEDICAL INFORMATION LIST:
A medical information list should contain information about your medical providers, the name, dosage and prescribing physician of medications, your medical condition and physician's phone number. List any adaptive equipment you use, your allergies and sensitivities, and communication or cognitive difficulties you may have. Attach copies of health insurance cards. Make arrangements to have additional medication, enough to last 14 days, in case of a disaster. Have additional copies of prescriptions.

GENERAL PREPARATION INFORMATION:

Identify a specific evacuation location if an evacuation is recommended:

• Write down your means of transportation in case of an evacuation.
• Install smoke detectors in your residence.

Have a floor plan of your residence:

• Identify primary and alternate exits.
• Practice using different ways out of your residence.
• List any equipment you will need for assistance.

• Practice or write down brief, clear, specific instructions or directions.
• Write down plans for your pets and/or service animal.

DISASTER SUPPLY KIT

The following list contains your basic disaster supplies for your residence and your disability related supplies:

You should keep enough basic supplies to maintain you in your home for at least three days, preferably seven or more:

• A supply of water for drinking and cooking (one gallon per person per day). Store in sealed, unbreakable containers.
• A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener.
• A change of clothing, shoes, and rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags (one per person).
• A first aid kit and additional prescription medications.
• Extra eyeglasses or contact lens supplies.
• A battery-operated radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Credit cards and CASH in a water-proof container.
• Extra keys.
• Books, magazines, cards, toys, and games.
• Important documents in a water-proof container (will, insurance policies, deeds, etc.)
• Photographs or videotapes of personal property and an up to date inventory.
• Hygiene and sanitary supplies, grooming supplies.
• Tools (hammer, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.)
• Fire extinguisher.
• Food, leach, harness, and other items for service animals and/or pets.
• Eating utensils.

Make arrangements for your pets in case of a disaster. Emergency shelters will only accept service animals.

Prepare an evacuation plan. Make arrangements for evacuation and transportation assistance if necessary. Make arrangements for a place to stay outside of your area in case of an evacuation. Keep your vehicle's fuel tank filled during hurricane season.

Practice how to explain specific needs to others, such as how to move you and your adaptive equipment. Practice giving brief, specific instructions or have them written down.

DISASTER PLAN CHECKLIST
As you complete each section of your personal disaster plan, mark the date completed on the checklist below:

Review and update your plan on a regular basis.

Make an Emergency Information List. Include the following:

• Medical and emergency contact information.
• Emergency out-of-town contacts.
• Names and phone numbers of your support system.
• Name and phone number of a "contact" person who lives 50 - 100 miles from you.
• Means of communication if you have a communication disability.

Make a Medical Information List. Include the following:

• Medical providers.
• Medications you use.
• Adaptive equipment, body support equipment.
• Allergies and sensitivities.
• Communications or cognitive difficulties
• Attach copies of health insurance cards.

Have an additional 14 day supply of medication available.

Have extra copies of prescriptions.

The following items are suggested as a minimum:

One of the best ways to reduce damages from a disaster, as well as avoid possible injuries, is to prepare your residence before the disaster.

The following is a list of suggestions to help make your residence safer:

• Check the hallways, stairwells, doorways, windows, and other areas for any hazards that may keep you from leaving your residence.
• Secure or remove furniture and other items that may block your escape route.
• Keep a battery powered emergency light or provide illumination in case of a power outage.
• Bring any outdoor items which may be blown around indoors.

Watches and Warnings:
The National Weather Service gives severe weather information to the public. This includes thurderstorms, winter weather, floods, and tornadoes. Listen for the following terms:

"Watch"
Means that severe weather is threatening and may occur in your area. Continue to listen to the radio or watch televison for information and advice.

"Warning"
Means that the event is happening now; it is imminent or has been seen on weather radar. This is the time to immediately protect yourself. Some events happen quickly and there may not be time to issue warnings. The time to take action is when severe weather may be moving into your area, even if no official watch or warning has been issued.

HURRICANES
If you hae not been advised to evacuate the area, stay in the middle of your residence, away from windows. If you are visually impaired, use a long cane in areas where debris may have fallen or furniture may have shifted. This is recommended even if you do not usually use a cane indoors. Watch your television or listen to your NOAA weather radio for updates. Stay in close contact with your support system "buddies" and be prepared to evacuate if recommended.

FLOODS
Flooding not only can accompany hurricanes, but torrential rains can also cause serious flood on Galveston Island. In case of flooding, evacuate immediately if recommended. Avoid areas subject to flooding. Do not attempt to cross or drive over a flooded road. The roadbed may be washed out and you could be stranded or killed. If you have a two story residence, move to the second floor.

TORNADOES
Hurricanes also spawn tornadoes. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted; take shelter immediately. Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Protect yourself from falling objects or flying debris. Go to an interior part of the structure on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway). If at all possible get under something sturdy; such as a heavy table, and stay there until the danger has passed.

Disasters have many affects. Some are predictable and others or not. You should know what can happen and what your evironment may be like after a disaster.

HURRICANES
Do not return to your residence until local officials have informed you it is safe. Keep tuned to the radio and television for instructions. Drive carefully along debris filled streets. Roads could be undermined and collapse under the weight of a vehicle. Avoid loose or dangling wires and report them immediately to your power company or to the police or fire department. Report broken sewer or water mains. Avoid using open flames. With decreased water pressure, fire fighting becomes difficult. Check refrigerated food for spoilage if power has been off during the storm. When you arrive home, have your "buddy" assist you in checking for visible structural damage before you go inside.

FLOODS
Roads and sidewalks may be covered with mud, water, or debris, so you may not be able to tell where they begin or end. If fresh food has come in contact with flood waters throw it out. Local authorities may issue a boil water order. Boil drinking water before using if pressure is low or the water is cloudy. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before using. Use flashlights, not laterns, torches, candles, or matches. Report broken utility lines.

TORNADOES
Homes and buildings may be totally destroyed or left isolated. Your residence could be damaged so that it is unlivable for a long time. Streets may be filled with debris, power lines may be down, sewer and water mains may be broken. Tornadoes are nature's most violent and erratic storms. A tornado can travel for miles along the ground, lift and suddenly change direction and strike again.

For more information concerning emergency preparedness please contact your local emergency management office.

Bayou Vista 409-935-0449
Clear Lake Shores 281-334-1034
Dickinson 281-337-2489
Friendswood 281-996-3335
Galveston 409-797-3710
Hitchcock 409-986-5559
Jamaica Beach 409-737-1142
Kemah 281-334-1611
LaMarque 409-938-9260
League City 281-338-4837
Santa Fe 409-925-3092
Texas City 409-643-5707
Tike Island 409-935-1427

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Last updated:  February 26, 2007