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• Hurricane Tracking Chart

Keys to Hurricane Safety

Before a Hurricane Threatens | When a Watch is Issued | When a Warning is Issued | If you Stay at Home | If you Evacuate | After the Hurricane | Recovery | Threat of Hurricane Flooding | Hurricane Terms

This material-some of which was first published by Texas A&M's Sea Grant College Program in Galveston-is provided as a public service. The key to safety is preparation.

Know the elevation of your home above sea level. This information is available from local Emergency Management officials. Your nearest Weather Service office can supply flood stage data for area streams and bayous.

Learn Potential Maximum Storm Surge
Find out if your home is subject to storm surge (tidal) flooding. Information about the potential for inland flooding and storm surge is available through the nearest Weather Service office.

How Safe is Your Home?

• Plan to relocate during a hurricane emergency if you live near the seashore. If you live in a mobile home, always plan to relocate.
• Know the Location of the Nearest Shelter. Emergency Management or Red Cross personnel can give you the location of the shelter nearest your home and explain what you should bring with you.
• Plan for your family's safety. Know how to contact family members should the need arise.
• Plan Route to Safety If You Must Leave Plan you escape route early. Check with Emergency Management personnel for low points and flooding history of your route. Check the number of hours it could take you to evacuate to a safe area during peak evacuation traffic.

Inventory Your Property
A complete inventory of personal property will help in obtaining insurance settlements and/or tax deductions for losses. Inventory checklists can be obtained from many sources, including your insurance representative. Don't trust your memory. List descriptions and take pictures. Store these and other important insurance papers in waterproof containers or in your safety deposit box.

Check Insurance Coverage
Review your insurance policies and your coverage to avoid misunderstanding later. Take advantage of flood insurance. Separate policies are needed for protection against wind and flood damage, which people frequently don't realize until too late. Do not wait until a hurricane is in the Gulf-by then, it's too late. When a storm is heading to shore, insurance offices are too busy preparing for the emergency and won't be able to respond to individual requests, and insurance can't be obtained.

Make Plans Early

• Listen Constantly to Radio or TV. Monitor storm reports and keep a log of hurricane position. Remember evacuation routes sometimes can be closed up to 20 hours before landfall by wind gusting or storm surge flooding.
• If considering moving to a shelter, make arrangements for all pets. Pets are not allowed in shelters.
• Refill needed prescriptions.
• If evauation has not already been recommended, consider leaving the area early to avoid long hours on limited evacuation routes.

Supplies--a Checklist:

• Continue Listening to Radio or TV Continue to monitor hurricane position, intensity and expected landfall.
• If You Live in a Mobile Home Check tie-downs and leave immediately for a safer place. Mobile homes are not safe in hurricane-force winds.
• Prepare for High Winds Brace your garage door. Lower antennas. Be prepared to make repairs.
• Anchor Outside Objects Garbage cans, awnings, loose garden tools, toys and other loose objects can become deadly missiles. Anchor them securely or move them indoors.
• Protect Windows and Other Glass Board up or shutter windows securely. Draw drapes across windows and doors to protect against flying glass if shattering does occur. DO NOT TAPE WINDOWS .it increases the chances for larger, more dangerous pieces of flying glass.
• Move Boats on Trailers Close to House Fill boats with water to weight them down. Lash securely to trailer and use tie-downs to anchor trailer to the ground or house.
• Check Mooring Lines of Boats in Water ...THEN LEAVE THEM . Store Valuables and Personal Papers Put irreplaceable documents in waterproof containers and store in highest possible spot. If you evacuate, be sure to take them with you.

Prepare for Tornadoes, Storm Surge and Floods
Tornadoes, storm surge and flash floods are the worst killers associated with a hurricane.

• During a tornado warning seek shelter inside in an interior hallway, closet or bathroom on ground level. If outside, move away at right angles from the tornado; if escape is impossible, lie flat in a ditch or low spot.
• The surge of ocean water plus flash flooding of streams and rivers due to torrential rains combine to make drowning the greatest cause of hurricane deaths.

Check Your Survival Supplies Again.

• In an inside room away from doors and windows. Don't go out in the brief calm during passage of the eye of the storm. the lull sometimes ends suddenly as winds return from the opposite direction. Winds can increase in seconds to 75 mph or more
• Protect Property Without taking any unnecessary risks, protect your property from damage. Temporary repairs can reduce your losses.
• Stay Away from Windows and Glass Doors. Move furniture away from exposed doors and windows.
• Stay Tuned to Media Broadcasts Keep a radio or television tuned for information from official sources. Unexpected changes can sometimes call for last minute relocations.
• Remain Calm. Your ability to meet emergencies will help others.

• Leave Early. Don't delay your evacuation. Travel during daylight if possible.
• Know Where You're Going... and let someone know where you're headed. Make your destination well inland.
• Move Your Most Valuable Possessions that you can't take with you to higher points within your home.

For Shelters

• Take blankets or sleeping bags, flashlights, special dietary foods, infant needs and lightweight folding chairs.
• Register every person arriving with you at the shelter.
• Do not take pets, alcoholic beverages or weapons of any kind to shelters.
• Be prepared to offer assistance to shelter workers if necessary, and stress to all family members their obligations to keep the shelter clean and sanitary.
• Lock Windows and Doors Turn off gas, water and electricity in your home. Check to see that you have done everything to protect your property from damage and loss.
• Take Suvival Supplies with You

Evacuation Checklist:

• First Aid Kit
• Canned or dried provisions, can opener spoons, etc.
• Bottled water
• Extra family medications, prescriptions
• Spare eyeglasses, hearing aids and batteries, if needed

Keep Important Papers with You at All Times

• Driver's license and other identification
• Insurance Policies
• Property Inventory
• Medic-alert or device to convey special medical information
• Maps to your destination Take Warm, Protective Clothing

If You Are Evacuated, delay your return until it is recommended or authorized by local authorities.

Beware of Outdoor Hazards

• Watch out for loose or dangling power lines, and report them immediately to proper authorities. Many lives are lost through electrocution.
• Walk or Drive Cautiously
• Debris-filled streets are dangerous.
• Snakes and poisonous insects will be a hazard.
• Washouts may weaken road and bridge structures which could collapse under vehicle weight.
• Guard Against Spoiled Food
• Food may spoil if refrigerator power is off more than a few hours.
• Freezers will keep food several days if doors are not opened after power failure, but do not refreeze food once it begins to thaw.
• Do Not Use Water Until Safe
• Use your emergency supply or boil water before drinking until official word that the water is safe.
• Report broken sewer or water mains to proper authorities.
• Take Extra Precautions to Prevent Fire Lowered water pressure in city mains and the interruption of other services may make fire fighting extremely difficult after a hurricane.

Insurance
Insurance representatives will be on the scene immediately following a major disaster to speed up the handling of claims. Notify your insurance agent or broker of any losses-and leave word where you can be contacted.

Take Steps to Protect Property
Make temporary repairs to protect property from further damage or looting. Use only reputable contractors (sometimes in the chaotic days following a disaster, unscrupulous operators will prey on the unsuspecting). If possible, check contractors through the Better Business Bureau. Keep receipts for materials used.

Be Patient
Hardship cases will be settled first by insurance representatives. Don't assume your settlement will be the same as your neighbor's. Policy forms differ and storm damage is often erratic. In a major catastrophe, the insurance industry will have emergency offices and extra manpower to expedite claim settlements and to speed recovery. Everyone cannot be first.

It Takes a Team Effort
Responsibility for the clean-up falls to numerous local, state and federal agencies. A local Emergency Management Coordinator (the mayor, county judge or a designated representative) will be on hand to help residents in this effort.

Storm Evacuation Map for the Galveston Bay Area

The Galveston Bay and Freeport areas constitute one of the most vulnerable sections of the Texas Gulf Coast to hurricane damage, because so many people live near the shore and at low elevations. Land subsidence in recent years has added to the seriousness of the situation.

According to the National Weather Service, more then 500,000 people living within 10 miles of Galveston Bay, and in Brazoria County, may be subjected to tidal flooding during a major hurricane. Considering that National Weather Service records show that 9 out of every 10 deaths in hurricanes are caused by drowning in tidal waters, the threat to these residents is obvious.

Emergency authorities urge all persons who may be subjected to tidal flooding during a major hurricane to relocate inland or to higher ground. We at Union Carbide hope that the information provided here and on the accompanying tracking chart will aid you in making the proper decision when the next hurricane threatens the upper Texas coast.

Low-Lying Evacuation Roads

Listed here are some of the major evacuation routes leading out of the coastal areas that are less than 8' above Mean Sea Level (MSL). Most of the coastal and bayshore areas are 5' or lower. This means that almost all evacuation routes will be cut off when tides reach the 5' level. NOTE: The tide levels forecasted by the National Weather Service do not take into account flooding of streams and adjacent areas due to heavy rains that often precede and occur with hurricanes. Only saltwater flooding is considered. Therefore, it is conceivable that many roadways, even those with higher elevations than the ones mentioned, could become impassable much earlier than predicted.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT EVACUATION INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE/ERROR DUE TO HIGHLY LOCALIZED SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS, POOR DRAINAGE, TRAFFIC CONGESTION, HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION, ETC. STAY TUNED TO THE LOCAL EMERGENCY BROADCASTING STATION (EBS) IN YOUR AREA OR NOAA WEATHER RADIO.

Texas City-La Marque Area
This area is protected by the storm levee which should afford protection for all except extremely high tides.

Sensitive elevations are:

• Loop 197 between Highway 3 and 146 and the Texas City levee; 3' above MSL.
• Texas Avenue (FM 1765) between 29th Street and Highway 146; 5' above MSL.
• Palmer Highway (FM 1764) between 29th Street and Highway 146; 3' above MSL.
• Highway 146 between Texas City and Dickinson Bayou at Moses Lake; 4' above MSL.

San Leon-Dickinson Area
Sensitive elevations are:

• FM 517 South between the San Leon Chamber of Commerce Building and Highway 146; 6' above MSL.
• FM 517 South between Highway 146 and Dickinson at Gum Bayou; 6' above MSL.
• FM 517 North between Galveston Bay and Highway 146 at Bacliff; 8' above MSL.

Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula
Sensitive elevations are:

• 5' Tides could virtually isolate Galveston Island from the Mainland. Sensitive elevations are:
• 8' Tides between 61st Street and the causway; (IH-45)
• 6' Tides between the causeway and the Wye for the northbound lane; (IH-45)
• 8' Tides bewteen the causeway and the Wye for the southbound lane; (IH-45)
• 4' Tides will isolate West Galveston Island from Galveston.
• 5' Tides will isolate Bolivar Peninsula from Galveston.
• Normally, the Ferry ceases operations when tides reach 5'.
• 3' Tides will isolate Bolivar Peninsula from High Island and the northeast.
• Highway 87 near Gilchrist and just north of High Island has an elevation of 3' above MSL.
• 3' tides will begin to put water over Highway 6 between IH-45 and Hitchcock.
• 4' Tides will affect highway 146 between IH-45 and the Texas City Levee.
• The San Luis Pass bridge is normally closed when tides reach 3' since the road on the Brazoria County side becomes flooded and impassable.

Kemah-Seabrook-NASA Area
Sensitive elevations are:

• Highway 146 in Kemah from FM 2094 and the Clear Creek bridge; 4' above MSL.
• FM 2094 between Highway 146 and League City; 6' above MSL.
• Todville Road between Hammer Street and Highway 146; 3' above MSL.
• Red Bluff Road between Highway 146 and Bay Area Boulevard; 4' above MSL.
• Bayport Road (old Highway 146) between Todville Road and La Porte; 4' above MSL.

Baytown Area
Sensitive elevations are:

• Plans to close the Baytown Tunnel on Highway 146 when tides reach 8'.
• Lynchburg Ferry crossing on Highway 134; 1' above MSL.
• Bayway Drive in Baytown near Scott Bay; 5' above MSL.
• Bayway Drive near Bay Villa; 5' above MSL.
• West Main in Baytown at Goose Creek; 3' above MSL.
• FM 2354 at Cedar Bayor; 2' above MSL on the Baytown side and 4' above MSL on the Chambers County side.

Anahuac-Chambers County Area
Sensitive elevations are:

• West Bayshore Road between Oak Island and Anahuac; 4' above MSL.
• FM 562 northeast from Smith Point; 5' above MSL.
• FM 1985 (Whites Ranch Road) between FM 562 and Highway 124; 7' above MSL.
• Highway 124 between High Island and junction of FM 1985; 4' above MSL.

Freeport Area
Sensitive elevations are:

• 5' Tides will cut off escape routes from Surside.
• 5' Tides will flood FM 523 between Highway 332 and FM 2004.
• 5' Tides will flood FM 2918 near the mouth of the San Bernard River.
• Some areas of Highway 288 out of Freeport are as low as 5' above MSL. Other areas are 8' above MSL.

• Tropical Disturbance An area of disturbed weather in the tropics that has the pontential of storm development.
• Tropical Depression A closed low pressure circulation at the surface in the tropics with winds up to 39 MPH.
• Tropical Storm A closed low pressure circulation at the surface in the tropics with winds 39 to 73 MPH.
• Hurricane A closed low pressure circulation in the tropics with winds in excess of 74 MPH.
• Small Craft Advisory When issued in conjunction with possible hurricane conditions for this area, advised small craft operators to take precautions and not to venutre into the open Gulf.
• Gale Warning When winds of 38-55 MPH are expected.
• Storm Warning When winds of 55-74 MPH are expected. Normally, not used in the Gulf or this area; usually Hurricane warnings follow gale warnings.
• Hurricane Watch Hurricane may threaten this area within 24 to 36 hours.
• Hurricane Warning Hurricane force winds or high tides and seas are expected to strike this area within 24 hours.

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Last updated:  February 26, 2007