Be Prepared
One of the most dramatic and potentially damaging weather events that occur in this area is a hurricane. During a hurricane, homes, businesses, public buildings, roads and power lines may be damaged or destroyed by high winds and floodwaters. Debris can break windows and doors. Roads and bridges can be washed away by flash flooding or blocked by debris.
The force of wind alone can cause tremendous devastation, toppling trees and
power lines and undermining weak areas of buildings. Hurricane season generally
lasts from June 1 to November 30 of each year.
This page provides information on actions you can take to prepare for and
recover from a hurricane. Information contained in this brochure is provided by
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
and the City of Baytown.
BEFORE THE HURRICANE
Be prepared before the storm by having the following supplies
and equipment on hand to meet your need for at least three days:
VEHICLE(S):
Gasoline, oil, tires, radio
WATER:
Containers to store drinking water. At least one gallon of water per person Per day, plus water for your pets.
FOOD:
Non-perishable foods such as soups, cereals, nuts, etc.
SANITATION:
Plastic trash bags
Toilet paper
Soap and paper towels
MEDICAL SUPPLIES:
Prescription drugs
First Aid Kit (bandages, antiseptics, alcohol, scissors, tweezers)
Snake bite kit
Slings, splints
Cold packs
First Aid manual
KITCHEN SUPPLIES:
Non-electric can opener/bottle opener Knife
INFANT SUPPLIES:
Formula
Disposable bottles
Disposable wipes
Disposable diapers
GENERAL SUPPLIES:
Battery-powered radio
Important phone numbers
Matches
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Plastic sheeting (to cover broken windows)
Masking tape (for windows)
Cash
Blankets
Pet food
Camera and film
Extra set of keys
1 sleeping bag per person
Make plans for protecting your house, especially the roof, windows and doors.
Trim dead or weak branches from trees.
Check into flood insurance. Call your insurance agent or call the National Flood Insurance Program at 1-888-CALL-FLOOD (1888225535663).
Make copies of your identification, insurance papers, etc. and give to a friend or relative outside the evacuation area for safekeeping, or put in a safety deposit box.
Do a home inventory. Make a list of all your personal belongings, and take pictures. Keep receipts for all major appliances, etc. Send a copy to your insurance agent by certified mail, return receipt requested in case you need to make a claim later.
IF A HURRICANE WATCH OR WARNING IS ISSUED
Listen to the radio or television for hurricane information. Follow instructions if ordered to evacuate.
Check your emergency supplies. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, and bottles.
Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools; anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but that could be wind-tossed. Remove outdoor antennas; if possible.
Install hurricane shutters or pre-cut plywood.
Fill your car with fuel. Review evacuation routes and gather your disaster supplies in case you are instructed to evacuate.
Store valuables and personal papers in a water proof container.
If you have a boat, moor it or move it to a designated safe place, if time permits.
Have identification for your pet, a pet carrier, food, medicines and a leash.
Agree on a family meeting place outside the evacuation area with final destination at least 100 miles inland.
Make a contact list and make sure everyone has a copy. Include a central contact point to take messages and pass on information.
Leave early before evacuation is called if you have special medical needs.
IF EVACUATION IS NECESSARY
Leave when instructed by authorities to do so. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
Secure your home. Unplug your appliances and turn off electricity and the main water valve if ordered to do so. If time permits, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or move it to a higher floor.
Take your emergency supplies and clothing (three sets per person).
While away from home, buy at least a 5-day supply of food and water to use when you return home. Also, purchase bleach and household cleaning supplies. It will take a few days to get the roads clear, utilities restored and stores open again.
AFTER A HURRICANE
Return home only after authorities say it is safe to do so. Keep tuned to the radio or television for recovery information or call (281) 420-6556.
Beware of downed or loose power lines. Report them immediately to the power company, police or fire department.
Enter your home with caution. Open windows and doors to ventilate or dry your home. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage.
Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, quickly leave the building and leave the doors open. Call the gas company.
Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or frayed wires, turn off electricity at the main fuse box. If you have to step in water to reach the electric box, call an electrician for advice.
Check for sewage and water-line damage. If you suspect there is such damage, call the City of Baytown. Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until notified it is safe to do so.
Take pictures of damage for insurance claims.
Register with FEMA for disaster assistance if needed. Listen to the radio or television for further information.
Beware of snakes. In periods of natural disasters, snakes are forced into areas where they are not commonly found. They may be encountered in or around homes, barns, driftwood, leaves, automobiles, building materials, trash or any type of shelter.
After a disaster, you may find animals that are lost, hurt, hungry and/or scared and are more likely to attack, if provoked. Teach children the importance of avoiding these animals.
If you use a generator, place it outside or carefully ventilate the exhaust to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
HURRICANE CATEGORIES
Category 1 74-95 mph sustained winds
Category 2 96-110 mph sustained winds
Category 3 111-130 mph sustained winds
Category 4 131-155 mph sustained winds
Category 5 156+ mph sustained winds
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Emergencies Only 911
City of Baytown:
Emergency Management (281) 420-6556
Police Department (281) 422-8371
Fire Department (281) 422-2311
BAWA (water quality) (281) 426-3517
Health Department (281) 420-5384
FURTHER INFORMATION SOURCES
Sterling Municipal Library www.baytown.org
FEMA www.FEMA.gov
Harris County www.hcoem.org
Baytown LEPC www.baytownlepc.org
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