Disaster Preparedness Guide

Texas City's Disaster Preparedness Guide

Emergency Preparedness

The routine of our daily lives can easily be disrupted by emergencies and/or disasters and each event can have immediate and lasting effects. People can be seriously injured, or sometimes killed, and property damage can run into millions of dollars. The goal of Galveston County's Office of Emergency Management is to prepare the County to respond to, and recover from the effects of disasters and emergencies. Our goal will be accomplished, in part, by the utilization of the County's resources as well as the resources of local jurisdictions, the state, and federal government.

As the need arises, additional support and assistance will be provided by agencies such as the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Salvation Army, and the Greater Houston American Red Cross. Along with these service agencies are dedicated volunteers who extend themselves to assist the County when called upon.

When emergencies occur, emergency management departments (Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, and Health) are trained to respond to the areas affected by the event. It is the responsibility of all of us to be personally prepared to respond to and manage the effects of a disaster. Galveston County's Office of Emergency Management has prepared self-help booklets and pamphlets to assist you in developing your personal emergency preparedness program for your family's protection. Emergency Management staff members are also available for emergency preparedness presentations to civic groups and other organizations.

Remember, knowing what to do in emergencies is your responsibility. More importantly, knowing what to do is the best protection for you and your family...

KNOWING WHAT TO DO PROTECTS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

LEARN about potential hazards and how to deal with them
DEVELOP an Emergency Plan
PRACTICE and maintain your emergency plan.

Emergency Preparedness Checklist

FIND OUT WHAT KIND OF DISASTERS COULD AFFECT YOU:
Contact Texas City's Office of Emergency Management at (409) 643-5707

Ask about the types of natural or technological (hazardous materials, major transportation accidents, etc.) disasters most likely to occur in Galveston County. Request information on how to prepare for each occurrence.
Ask about the Emergency Alert System (EAS). EAS broadcasts are activated by local authorities when there is an emergency. (530 AM or KTRH 740 AM)
Pay close attention to these messages.
Ask about animal care after a disaster. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters. Only service animals accompanying the disabled will be allowed.
Ask about special assistance for the elderly and disabled, if needed.
Ask about evacuation and safe inland traffic routes.
Find out about the disaster plan at your place of employment, your children's school, day care center and other places where your family spends time.

Develop a Family Emergency Plan

Discuss what your family should do for each type of disaster:

Find the safe areas in your home to take shelter.
Determine the best escape routes from your home and find two ways out of each room.
Pick places to meet--choose a location outside your house in case of household emergency, such as a fire, and one outside your neighborhood in case you can not return to your house.
Pick local and out-of-town family check-in points for everyone to call if your family gets separated.
Make sure everyone knows the phone numbers.
Discuss what to do in an emergency.
Stock emergency supplies.
- You should assemble enough supplies to support your needs for three days.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit in case of evacuation.

Include water,
packaged or canned food,
can opener,
change of clothes/footwear,
blankets / sleeping bags,
first aid kit,
prescription medications,
an extra pair of glasses,
a battery powered radio,
flashlight,
extra batteries,
an extra set of car keys,
cash/credit cards,
and a battery operated tone-alert weather radio.

Prepare an Emergency Car Kit

Include a battery powered radio,
flashlight,
extra batteries,
booster cable,
tire repair kit/pump,
fire extinguisher,
blanket,
first aid kit,
bottled water
non-perishable high-energy foods,
and maps.

Install safety features such as:

smoke detectors
and fire extinguishers in your home.

Learn basic safety measures such as CPR, first aid and use of fire extinguishers, how, where and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity at the main switches.

Post emergency phone numbers by the telephone. Teach children how and when to call 911, Fire/Police/ EMS.

Practice and Maintain Your Plan

Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills annually.
Replace stored water every three months and food every six months.
Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacture's instructions.
Test your smoke detector once a month and replace the batteries twice a year. It is suggested the batteries be replaced in the fall and spring.
During emergencies, listen to 530 AM Texas City's designated Emergency Alert System Station, for emergency information from local public officials. Follow their instructions and recommendations.

Hurricane Preparedness

Before a Hurricane

A hurricane WATCH is issued by the National Weather Service when hurricane conditions threaten the coast within 36 hours, you should do the following:

Continue to monitor local TV or radio stations for instructions
Check supplies, especially water (at least 1 gallon per person per day).
Fuel vehicles and generators.
Cover windows with plywood.
Bring in ALL outdoor furniture, toys, and tools.
Moor any boats securely or move boats to a safe place.

A hurricane WARNING is issued when hurricane winds of 74 miles per hour or higher or dangerously high water and rough seas are expected within 24 hours in this area, you should:

Continue to monitor local TV and radio stations for instructions.
Move out of low-lying areas or from the coast early if requested by officials.
Check tie-downs if living in a mobile home. Leave Immediately.
Fill bathtubs and all available containers with extra water.
Stay away from windows, door, and openings.

During a Hurricane you should:

Remain indoors in an interior hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest level of your house well away from windows.
Cover yourself and your family members with a mattress or seek shelter under something sturdy, such as a well constructed dining room table which could protect you from possible debris.

After a Hurricane:

Beware of unsafe food and/or water. Boil tap water before drinking unless you are told it is unnecessary.
Utilities could be off. Treat all downed lines as live wires and do not go near the wires. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and notify the proper authorities.
Make temporary repairs. Without taking unnecessary risk, protect your property from further damage.
Inform your insurance agent of any damage, and leave word where you may be reached. Take pictures of damages.

RISK AREAS/EVACUATION MAP

The Saffir-Simpson scale divides hurricanes into five categories They are:

Category	Windspeed (MPH)		Damage

1		74-95			Minimal

2		96-110			Moderate

3		111-130			Extensive

4		131-155			Extreme

5		greater than 155	Catastrophic

Risk areas one through five (1-5) have been identified for Galveston County and assigned numbers that correspond to hurricane categories. These areas reflect how far inland the storm surge is expected, depending on the hurricane category. If a category 3 hurricane impacted Galveston County, risk areas one (1) through three (3) would be subject to storm surge. If you are unable to determine which risk area you live in, it is best to err on the side of caution and assume you live in the area nearest the coast.

The map on this page depicts, in color, the five risk areas within Galveston County. City names and major state and federal highways are identified to help aid in determining boundaries for each risk area. The map also shows recommended evacuation routes using red lines for primary and blue lines for secondary. Recommended evacuation routes are:

Primary		Primary		Primary		Secondary

F.M. 3005	I-45N		SH 6		F.M. 2004

SH 87		SH 146				SH 3

Floods

The most common type of all natural hazards is flooding Being prepared is a vital step toward protecting both lives and personal property. The following suggestions will help you develop your personal plan for floods.

Before a Flood

Understand Flash Flood Watch and Warning terms.

Flash Flood Watch: Flooding is possible.
Flash Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or is imminent.
Determine if your property is in a flood-prone area.
Purchase a tone-alert radio.
Assemble a disaster supply kit to include a radio with extra batteries, flashlights, first aid kit, and food.
Know how to shut off your utilities.
Consider purchasing Flood Insurance.
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During Heavy Rains

Listen to radio and TV stations for the most current information.
Know what streams, bayous, drainage channels, and creeks are prone to flood in your immediate area. Secure your home before you evacuate.
Avoid going near flood areas. The water depth is unknown.
Do not drive into flooded streets. Water depth is unknown and the condition of the roadway is not certain.
Know how and when to evacuate from your immediate area before its too late.

After a Flood

Stay away from flood waters
Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded.
Keep away from areas where power poles are down or where destruction of properties has occurred.
Be alert to personal health and safety issues regarding your families welfare.
Continue monitoring your radio for the latest information.
Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible.
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Tornadoes

Tornadoes strike with little or no warning. Each family should develop a tornado plan and designate a safety shelter. Practice the plan you and your family developed

How to Prepare for Tornadoes
Know the meaning of terms used to describe tornado threats:

Tornado Watch - tornadoes are possible.
Tornado Warning - take shelter, tornado sighted.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch - severe thunderstorms are possible
Severe Thunderstorm Warning - severe thunderstorms are occurring.
Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio, a battery-powered commercial radio and extra batteries for each.
Have emergency supplies on hand.
Inventory your possessions. Keep important papers in a safe deposit box.

What To Do During a Tornado

When a tornado is sighted, go to your shelter immediately, stay away from windows, door, outside walls:

In a house or small building, go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest level.
In a school, nursing home, hospital, factory or shopping center; go to predesignated shelter area or interior halls on the lowest level.
In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on lowest floor possible.
Get under a sturdy piece of furniture, a table or desk.
Use your arms to protect head and neck. In a mobile home, trailer, or vehicle, get out immediately and go to a substantial structure. A ditch, ravine, or culvert could be used if no structure is available. Do not attempt to out-drive a tornado.

Tornado shelters should be stocked with the following supplies:

flashlight and extra batteries
battery operated radio with weather band
first-aid kit
emergency food and water
manual can opener
essential medications
cash and credit cards
sturdy shoes

What to Do After a Tornado

Be aware of broken glass and downed power lines.
Check for injuries. Move seriously injured persons only if in immediate danger or life is threatened.
Use caution entering a damaged building.

Hazardous Materials Incidents

Hazardous materials are substances which, because of their chemical, physical, or biological nature, pose a potential risk to life, health, and property if they are released. Hazards can exist during production, storage, transportation, use, or disposal.

What To Do In A Hazardous Materials Incident

If you witness a hazardous materials incident, call 911.
Avoid incident site to minimize risk of contamination.
If you are caught outside during an incident, try to stay upstream, uphill, and upwind.
If you are in a car, close windows and shut off ventilation.
What To Do After An Incident

Shelter in Place Tips

Follow instructions given by emergency authorities.
Reduce toxic vapors from entering your home by sealing entry routes and closing doors and windows
Turn off all ventilation systems.
Seal gaps around window air conditioning units, kitchen exhaust fan grills, stove and dryer vents with duct tape.
Close as many internal doors as possible.
Close all fireplace dampers
If warned of potential outdoor explosion, close drapes, curtains and shades, and stay from windows to prevent injury from broken glass.
Stay in protected, interior areas of building where toxic vapors are reduced.
Listen to news media for instructions.
If evacuation recommended, do so immediately Listen to a battery powered radio for instructions.
If time permits, close all windows, turn off ventilation system to minimize contamination.
Use recommended travel routes recommended by local authorities.
Avoid contact with spilled liquid materials, airborne mist, or condensed solid chemical deposit.
Do no eat or drink food or water that may have been contaminated.

What To Do After An Incident

Do not return home until authorities say it is safe.
Upon returning home, open windows, doors, and turn on fans to provide ventilation.
Find out from local authorities how to clean up your land and property.
If a person or item has been exposed to hazardous chemicals, follow the procedures below;
Follow decontamination instructions from local authorities.
Seek medical treatment for symptoms that may be related to the hazardous materials release.
If medical help is not immediately available and you might be contaminated, remove your clothes, shower, and put on clean clothes. Seek medical help as soon as possible. Place exposed clothing in a sealed container and find out proper disposal procecures.
For more information on hazardous materials incidents please contact the Galveston County LEPC Chairperson, Terry Byrd, at (281) 996-3335.

Summer Heat

People living in Southeast Texas are not strangers to high temperatures and high humidity during the summer. Residents should be aware of how to cope with these adverse conditions. Humans in this region cope with summer heat, sweating and evaporative cooling. As air becomes moist (high relative humidity), evaporation is inhibited and cooling of the body becomes a problem. When our bodies are not able to maintain proper body temperature, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke manifest themselves. To help the general populous quantity values for identifying this problem, the term Heat Index was developed. The Heat Index is a combination of temperature and humidity and is used to describe "how hot it feels". The Heat Index is calculated as if standing in a ventilated, shady place. Prolonged exposure to Heat Indices ranging from:

80-90 degrees F could lead to possible fatigue
90-105 degrees F represents the possibility of heat cramps and heat exhaustion occurring
105-130 degrees F heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, arid heat stroke is possible
Greater than 130 degrees F is when dangerously fatal conditions exist.

Some tips to help you cope with reducing potential health related problems are:

reduce strenuous physical activities to early morning or late afternoon
wear loose fitting and light colored clothes
drink plenty of water
spend as much time as possible in air conditioning

Remember children, the elderly, and people with chronic ailments are most at risk during periods of extreme heat. Also, don't forget your pets, ensure they have plenty of water and shade.

Winter Weather

Galveston County is generally spared from dealing with severe winter weather. Occasionally, we are subjected to freezing or below freezing temperatures. Being prepared is the best way to cope with winter weather conditions when they impact our area. Some of the conditions the public may have to deal with are:

Ice Storms - may cause a disruption of communications and electrical services, and contribute to unsafe driving conditions. Bridges, overpasses, and some highways may close due to icing.
Below Freezing Temperatures - coupled with wind chill factor (rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by combined effects of wind and cold) people should protect themselves by wearing sufficient clothing, including a cap and gloves when outside, to help retain body heat. Do not forget the 4 P's: protect exposed Pipes, People, Pets, and Plants.
Home Heating System - loss of lives and damage to houses caused by fires tends to increase during the winter due to unsafe use or operating condition of home heating systems (especially space heaters). If possible, have your home heating system checked to be sure it is in proper working order prior to the winter season. Installing smoke alarms in your home is advisable.
Personal Vehicle - do not forget to have your vehicle's antifreeze level checked.

Below are some terms you should be familiar with:

Winter Storm Watch - severe winter conditions are possible within the next day or two.
Winter Storm Warning- severe winter conditions have begun or about to begin.
Winter Weather Advisory- winter weather conditions are expected to cause major inconveniences.

HELPFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

City of Texas City Emergency Management BC Clawson 409-643-5840