Emergency Preparedness Information
for the Houston Area

Gathered from various sources – mostly from the internet.
Compiled under the direction of the Ward Welfare Committee of the Katy 2nd Ward,
Katy Texas Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (www.lds.org).
Maintained by Ed Sarlls (esarlls3@yahoo.com) for the Ward Welfare Committee.
Last updated 16 Mar 2001. Comments invited.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction *

1.1 Disclaimer *

1.2 Acknowledgements *

1.3 Acronyms *

1.4 Weather Terms *

1.5 Guiding Principles *

1.6 Preparing for Emergencies *

1.7 Responding to Emergencies *

2.0 Emergency Numbers *

2.1 Emergency Response Agencies *

2.1.1 911 *

2.1.2 Law Enforcement *

2.1.3 Fire / Ambulance *

2.1.4 Doctors *

2.1.5 Dentists *

2.1.6 Poison Control *

2.1.7 American Red Cross *

2.2 Information Sources *

2.3 Utilities *

2.3.1 Electrical *

2.3.2 Natural Gas *

2.3.3 Water *

2.3.4 Phone *

2.4 Insurance *

2.5 Family Contact Person(s) *

2.6 Church Contacts *

3.0 Long-Term Preparations *

3.1 Financial Preparedness *

3.1.1 Homeowner’s/Renter’s Insurance *

3.1.2 Flood Insurance *

3.1.3 Home Inventory *

3.1.4 Valuable Documents *

3.2 Protecting Property *

3.2.1 Flood *

3.2.2 Tornado *

3.2.3 Hurricane *

3.2.4 Fire *

3.2.5 Other *

3.3 First Aid Kit *

3.4 Emergency Supplies (72-Hour Kit) *

3.4.1 Containers *

3.4.2 Water *

3.4.3 Food *

3.4.4 Cooking *

3.4.5 Clothing *

3.4.6 Shelter *

3.4.7 Light *

3.4.8 Personal Needs *

3.4.9 Other Supplies *

3.4.10 Communications Equipment *

3.4.11 Stress Management *

3.5 Escape Plan *

3.6 Evacuation Plan *

3.7 Food Storage *

3.8 Other Supplies and Tools *

3.9 Useful Skills *

3.10 Practice *

4.0 Before The Storm (when a WATCH is issued) *

4.1 Last Minute Preparations (when a WARNING is issued) *

4.2 Evacuation *

4.2.1 Travel by Car *

4.2.2 Travel by Foot *

5.0 During the Storm *

6.0 After The Storm *

6.1 Warnings *

6.2 Securing Your Property *

6.3 Insurance Claims *

6.4 Clean Up *

6.4.1 Electricity *

6.4.2 Gas *

6.4.3 Dealing With Water Damage *

6.5 Emergency Supplies *

6.5.1 Water *

7.0 Lessons Learned *

  1. Introduction

    2. This document has been prepared as a general-purpose reference document for Emergency Preparedness in the greater Houston area. Some information is specific for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (www.lds.org). As you can see, there are a number of suggestions and sources remaining to be reviewed. This document will be updated as time allows. Updates will be posted to http://www.oocities.org/esarlls3/EmergencyPrep/.

    Remember,

    If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.
     D&C 38:30

    1. Disclaimer

      2. Emergency preparedness involves considering the worst possible outcome to a potential event and what steps can be taken in advance to avoid or reduce the undesirable effects of the event. With that in mind, here is our tribute to the society we live in:

      These documents are intended to assist individuals and families in preparing for and responding to emergency situations. They incorporate information from a variety of sources and are provided for illustration and advice only. There is no guarantee that this information will be useful, helpful, or appropriate for your unique situation. No one knows your specific needs better than you do and no one else has responsibility for you or your family.

      All final decisions on preparation and actions taken during an emergency are your responsibility. No liability is assumed by the authors or contributors to this document, the Katy 2nd Ward, Katy Texas Stake or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for the use or misuse of any information in this publication.

      Any errors or omissions in this document are obviously unintentional. If you have suggestions for improvements or additional information to include or review, we will be happy to review your ideas. Send email to: esarlls3@yahoo.com with the subject: Emergency Plan.

    2. Acknowledgements

      3. Most of the information contained herein has been gathered from the internet and other sources. These sources are listed below and have been essential to compiling this information. I have added very little original information. Mostly just some editing and organization of information found elsewhere.

      The following sources have been reviewed in compiling this document. These are listed alphabetically by internet address.

      Link

      Description

      http://ehow.com/
      eHow to Prepare Your Home for a Flood
      eHow to Create a Home Escape Plan
      eHow to Prepare Your Home for a Tornado
      eHow to Store Water for an Emergency
      eHow to Prepare Your Home for the Rainy Season

       

      http://hurricane.weathercenter.com/guide/ready.htm
      http://hurricane.weathercenter.com/guide/getout.htm

       

      http://members.aol.com/vlabella/72hour_listb.htm
      The Frugal Shoppers Disaster Guide

       

      http://splash.metrokc.gov/wlr/flood/Before.htm
      How to prepare for a flood

       

      http://www.accessamerica.gov/docs/perfectstorm.html
      The Perfect Disaster-Preparedness Plan

      This site is a product of the National Partnership for Reinventing Government (www.npr.gov).
      This document lists various web sites for disaster related information. A number of sites referenced in this document were found through this list.

      http://www.bankersinsurance.com/StormSeason.htm

       

      http://www.fema.gov
      Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

      Surviving the Storm: A Guide to Hurricane Preparedness (1998 edition)

      This agency of the United States government is responsible for disaster preparedness, relief and recovery assistance.

      As each disaster approaches or hits, this site has news, warnings, briefings, preparedness, evacuation tips (including animals), emergency response updates, and links to other sites.

      http://www.fema.gov/fema/coping.htm
      Recovering Flood Damaged Property

      When a natural disaster or other emergency strikes this information will help you deal with items damaged by water, whether from flood, fire, earthquakes, severe storms or broken pipes.

      http://www.fema.gov/library/lib07.htm
      FEMA’s Online Library

       

      http://www.fema.gov/nfip/
      National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

      This program is administered by FEMA.
      Most hurricane damage comes from flooding, not winds.

      http://www.floodcoverage.com/

       

      http://www.khou.com/hurricane/preparation.html
      Hurricane Safety Precautions

       

      http://www.nagleepark.org/flood.html

       

      http://www.redcross.org/disaster/safety/displan.htm
      http://www.redcross.org/disaster/safety/supplies.html

      From "Family Disaster Plan" and "Disaster Supplies Kit" developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.

      Hurricane Tracking Chart, Preparation and Safety Information, by Reliant Energy / HL&P / Entex, KTRK-TV 13 (ABC), and Kroger.

       
    3. Acronyms

      4. The following acronyms are used in this document:

      Acronym

      Definition

      CINDI

      Center for Integration of Natural Disaster Information (a division of USGS)

      FEMA

      Federal Emergency Management Agency

      NFIP

      National Flood Insurance Program (administered by FEMA and available through most insurance agents)

      NOAA

      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (includes NWS)

      NWS

      National Weather Service (a division of NOAA)

      USCG

      United States Coast Guard

      USDA

      United States Department of Agriculture

      USGS

      United States Geological Survey
    4. Weather Terms

      5. Term

      Notes

      Hurricane

       

      Hurricane WARNING

      Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.

      Hurricane WATCH

      Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.

      Tropical Depression

       

      Tropical Storm

       

      Saffir-Simpson

      The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Intensity Scale was developed to simplify communication of the severity of a hurricane. The following categories are defined:

      Category

      Damage

      Maximum Winds (mph)

      1

      Minimal

      74-95

      2

      Moderate

      96-110

      3

      Extensive

      111-130

      4

      Extreme

      131-155

      5

      Catastrophic

      156-up

    5. Guiding Principles

FEMA Director James Lee Witt observed,

It has often been said that when disaster strikes, the things that divide us fall away, as neighbor helps neighbor and stranger reaches out to stranger. Natural disasters test our faith. But they also remind us of the enduring power of the American people to overcome calamity and of the commitment of our national community to help people rebuild their communities.

As director of FEMA, disaster relief is one of my highest priorities. I am convinced that we must do more than just respond to disasters after they occur. We must prepare for them in advance. Being prepared means that communities can continue to function and individuals can avoid the traumatic disruption of their daily lives. We know that every dollar spent on disaster preparedness saves two or more dollars in future costs.

With this philosophy in mind, the following principles and the information in this document can guide us in protecting our families and possessions and in assisting others following a disaster.

If we are prepared, we will be ready to:

    1. Preparing for Emergencies

      2.  

    2. Responding to Emergencies

 

  1. Emergency Numbers

    2. Space is provided below for you to record the numbers that are appropriate for your area.

    To report severe weather contact a law enforcement agency and they will forward the information to the National Weather Service.

    1. Emergency Response Agencies
      1. 911

        2. During a widespread emergency situation, the 911 system may be overloaded. You may need to consider calling the agency you need directly.

      2. Law Enforcement
        3.

        Agency

        Emergency Number

        Non-Emergency Number

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         
      3. Fire / Ambulance

        4. Agency

        Emergency Number

        Non-Emergency Number

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         
      4. Doctors

        5. Doctor

        Emergency Number

        Non-Emergency Number

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         
      5. Dentists

        6. Dentist

        Emergency Number

        Non-Emergency Number

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         
      6. Poison Control

        7. Agency

        Emergency Number

        Non-Emergency Number

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         

         
      7. American Red Cross

      Agency

      Emergency Number

      Non-Emergency Number

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       
    2. Information Sources

      3. The major Houston area news sources are listed below with space to add your favorites. The weather news sources I rely on are in bold.

      Source

      Publication Media

      Web Site

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      (UPN)

      Channel 20

       

      KHTV TV (WB)

      Channel 39

       

      KPRC Radio

      950 AM

      www.kprcradio.com

      KPRC TV (NBC)

      Channel 2

      www.click2houston.com

      KRIV TV (Fox)

      Channel 26

      www.fox26.com

      KTRH Radio

      740 AM

       

      KTRH TV (CBS)

      Channel 11

      www.khou.com

      KTRK TV (ABC)

      Channel 13

       

      KUHF Radio (NPR)

      88.7 FM

       

      KUHT TV (PBS)

      Channel 8

       

      The Houston Chronicle

      Newspaper

      www.chron.com

      Other sources of weather information.

      Link

      Description

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/graphicsversion/bigmain.html

      National Weather Service: Active Warnings

       

      http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index_text.html

      National Hurricane Center Tropical Prediction Center

      This server maintains a current database of meteorological and hydrological data, historical data, and written information generated by the National Weather Service or received from other official sources. In addition, this server accesses in real-time a selection of current official weather observations, forecasts, and warnings from U.S. government sources for use by the national and international community.

      http://www.nws.noaa.gov/

      National Weather Service (NWS)

      The National Weather Service provides warnings and forecast of hazardous weather, including thunderstorms, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, winter weather, tsunamis, and climate events. The National Weather Service is the official voice for issuing warnings during life threatening weather situations in the United States.
    3. Utilities

      4. This area provides space for you to enter your account and contact information.

        1. Electrical

        Account Number

         

        Department

        Contact Number

        Reliant Energy / HL&P (Houston Lighting and Power Company)

        Report downed lines or outages to 800-332-7143 or 713-207-7777.

         

         

         

         

      1. Natural Gas

        2. Account Number

         

        Department

        Contact Number

         

         

         

         

         

         

      2. Water

        3. Account Number

         

        Department

        Contact Number

         

         

         

         

         

         

      3. Phone

      Account Number

       

      Department

      Contact Number

       

       

       

       

       

       

    4. Insurance

      5. Agency

      Emergency Number

      Non-Emergency Number

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       
    5. Family Contact Person(s)

      6. After a disaster, local phone calls may be difficult. You should have a few contacts out of the area that you will keep updated with location and status information. Make sure all family members know these contacts and their address and phone numbers. Inform others who may be trying to inquire about your status following an event.

      Contact

      Home Number

      Work Number

      Other

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       
    6. Church Contacts

    Contact

    Home Number

    Work Number

    Other

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
  2. Long-Term Preparations

    3. This section is concerned with long-term preparation activities. These include financial preparedness, preparing to protect property, preparing emergency supplies, food storage and skills useful in responding to an emergency.

    Talk to neighbors and share information on preparedness and previous experiences.

    1. Financial Preparedness

      2.  

      1. Homeowner’s/Renter’s Insurance
      1. Flood Insurance

        2. Most hurricane damage comes from flooding, not from the high winds. Winds tend to diminish soon after the storm comes ashore, but the risk of flooding can actually be much worse further inland as the dying hurricane releases its moisture in torrential rains over a wide area.

        Disaster assistance is only available when the President issues a major-disaster declaration. Even then, it is quite limited – and usually in the form of a loan that must be repaid with interest. It is hardly a substitute for flood insurance, which also covers losses from small, localized flood events.

        Federal flood insurance is the only insurance that covers flood losses; homeowners insurance doesn’t. The government has a 30-day waiting period on all new flood insurance policies, so initiating a policy in advance of severe weather is essential. Flood insurance may be purchased through most insurance companies and licensed insurance agents. For information contact your insurance agent or the NFIP at 1-800-427-4661.

      2. Home Inventory

        3. Having a documented inventory of your possessions and their condition simplifies the claims process.

        If you have a video or photo camera, you might want to videotape and/or photograph your home's various rooms and their contents. Include pictures of furnishings, electronics, clothes, and your most valuable household items. Remember to record items in closets and drawers. Also gather any receipts for major purchases. Be sure to keep your list, videotape, photographs and receipt copies in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box, or with a friend or relative.

      3. Valuable Documents

The preferred storage for valuable documents is in a secure off-site location, such as a safe deposit box. A less desirable option is to have them stored in a waterproof, fire-resistant container and available for easy evacuation.

Valuable documents may include:

    1. Protecting Property
      1. Flood

        2. Floods are one of the most common natural disasters in the United States, killing an average of 110 people and costing an average of $3.7 billion each year, according to the American Red Cross.

        Some actions you take to prevent flood damage may be covered under your policy. Keep records of money you spend to buy sandbags, plastic sheeting, lumber, pumps, fill for temporary levees and wood. Also, money spent to move insured contents to a safe location. (Check your policy for details.)

        Make certain your rain gutters and down spouts are clean, and that they are draining away from your foundation. You can purchase lengths of ABS plastic pipe or simple plastic tubing (like garbage bag strength) to direct this water away from your house. Check your neighbor's rain spouts to make certain they aren't aimed at your house.

        Keep street drains, storm grates and flap gates free of leaves and other debris.

      2. Tornado

This section is largely from eHow to Prepare Your Home for a Tornado (ehow.com) by Lisa Ellis.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency reports that 1,000 tornadoes strike the United States each year, with winds reaching up to 300 miles per hour. Understand the danger involved and take it seriously. The worst tornado ever to hit the nation killed 606 people in Illinois in 1925.

  1. The safest place to be when a tornado hits is inside.

  2. Identify a safe spot in your house where you can take cover if you need to. Basements are a good choice because they are below ground. Other options include closets, bathrooms or hallways on the first floor, as long as they are away from windows.

  3. During a tornado watch, store your car in a garage or underneath a carport to protect it from hail or flying debris.

  4. Bring outdoor furniture and yard equipment into the garage or house so it does not get blown around in the heavy winds and injure someone.

  5. Find out what tornado warning signals are used in your community and what they mean.

  6. Practice a tornado drill with your family so you can see how you will respond if a tornado warning is issued.

  7. Educate an existing neighborhood group about safety procedures and set up a plan to alert senior citizens in case of a warning. Or start a new group with your neighbors.

  8. Many injuries or deaths resulting from tornadoes occur when buildings collapse. If you are building a new house or remodeling, include a "safe room" - a room built below ground out of reinforced concrete or wood and steel walls that are anchored by a concrete slab foundation or floor.

      1. Hurricane

        2. Windblown debris, storm surge and flash flooding are the major causes of damage in hurricanes. Debris can break windows and doors. Roads and bridges can be washed away by flash flooding or blocked by debris. Manufactured homes (trailers) are particularly vulnerable to hurricane-force winds.

        Boarding up windows not only saves the window but prevents a broken window from allowing wind and rain to enter the home and cause additional damage. Taping windows helps to prevent shattering but does not prevent breakage. Also, cleaning tape residue off of windows after a storm is difficult. We taped once and decided it was not worth the effort – if it’s worth protecting, board it up.

        Instructions for boarding windows is contained in FEMA’s Against The Wind: Protecting Your Home From Hurricane Wind Damage brochure (http://www.fema.gov/library/agstwnd.pdf, 225k). This document also contains advice on reinforcing the roofing structure and doors to improve hurricane survival.

        One commercial item I have found to simplify boarding windows is PLYLOX (www.plylox.com). These are simple spring metal brackets that hold ½" plywood in a window opening. These have the advantage of not requiring drilling into the brick or siding on a house and their cost is similar to masonry anchors.

        Boards should be pre-cut and marked for each window with anchors installed and holes drilled in boards ready for use.

        Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased or damaged limbs. Strategically remove other branches to allow wind to blow through the tree.

      2. Fire

        3. Have fire extinguishers available. Check and test them annually. Train responsible family members on how to use them. You fire department can help with this.

        Install smoke detectors on each level of the house and near all bedrooms. Check them monthly and replace batteries at least annually.

      3. Other

Know how to turn off utilities at the main switches or valves in case you have to evacuate or are instructed by emergency officials to do so.

    1. First Aid Kit

The greatest threat to loss of life is accidents resulting in severe bleeding or other forms of injury or trauma. We must be prepared to deal with these situations.

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.
    1. Emergency Supplies (72-Hour Kit)

      2. What will you do if disaster strikes your neighborhood: a fire, a riot, a flood, a tornado, a hurricane? Imagine being in hot, humid weather without air conditioning for days, dealing with mosquitoes and bored uncomfortable children. Plan ahead.

      In the event of a severe disaster, all familiar public services, including medical, will be immediately over-whelmed, particularly during the first 72 hours. This is the period of most critical need following a disaster. By 72 hours assistance from other parts of the country will be responding to assist local efforts.

      With a minimum of expense and trouble it is possible to bring together a few basic items which will ease the stress of a difficult situation and may even save a life.

      Your 72-hour kit contains items you might need if you must evacuate or remain at home without utilities for a few days. This should include provisions for foods, water, shelter, clothing, hygiene, lighting, communication, medication, baby needs and any special needs.

      It is important that you take a comprehensive survey of your own family’s needs and insure that you have included any special items that are unique to you. Your needs could be very much different than the suggested lists, only you can decide what you and your families needs are based on your resources and experiences.

      Don’t spend a lot of money. This is a survival kit. You will want to be comfortable but not extravagant. Preparedness is a lifetime journey, and your mental attitude is a key component. The best approach is to start small and build your resources. As time passes, re-evaluate and add to your plan, your stash, your skills and abilities.

      1. Containers

Most of these items can be placed in a backpack or other portable container and kept in a closet for quick and easy access in an emergency. A water-resistant container is desirable. If your container is not water-resistant, consider which items you may want to pack in plastic bags. Some ideas are:

The quality and durability of your container(s) is important. Having to pick up your supplies off of the driveway in the rain while you are evacuating or opening you kit to find wet clothing and spoiled food are not helpful to a productive attitude in a stressful situation.

Attach a list of last minute items to grab to each container.

      1. Water
      1. Food

A three-day supply of food for each person is desired. Keep in mind that this will be a stressful time for everyone and having a favorite treat available may be helpful. Also, store foods your family enjoys and eats at least occasionally.

Be aware of expiration dates on your stored food so you can rotate it early enough to avoid spoilage.

Place food in your kits that are easy to prepare or ready to eat. When you need to use this kit, remember you will have in most cases been evacuated from your home either by car or on foot. It will be a stressful time for your family. You may be in a Red Cross Shelter, in a campground or on the road or on the way to relatives homes. You will not have all the luxuries of home. Cooking at best will be difficult. Please keep this in mind as you choose your foods for this 72-hour emergency survival kit.

      1. Cooking

        2. A Sterno® stove. Buy Sterno® at party stores cheaper than at camping stores. Make sure to use on a non-flammable surface. About one large can per person per day is needed.

        Disposable plates, bowls, cups and utensils. This conserves water and reduces contamination. Pack in zip lock bags to keep clean.

        Two-plate gas stove (Coleman®). Using both burners for 4 hours per day requires about one quart of white gas per day.

        Fuel for stoves. Beware of storage requirements.

      2. Clothing

        3. A couple of changes of clothing and underwear for each member of the family are needed. Grubbies are appropriate to wear during cleanup activities.

        Also protective clothing appropriate for the expected weather.

      3. Shelter
      4. Light

 

      1. Personal Needs
      1. Other Supplies
      1. Communications Equipment

The following communications equipment may be helpful during an emergency situation:

      1. Stress Management

After the initial response to an emergency, the disrupted life style and disorientation can cause undo emotional stress and feeling of insecurity. Items that are emotionally reassuring should be included in the emergency kit.

These can include crayons, coloring books, story books, puzzles, soft small toys for children. Personal items for adults should be included such as books, handiwork, musical instrument, or sports equipment.

    1. Escape Plan

This section is largely from eHow to Create a Home Escape Plan (ehow.com) by Jeanne Barrett.

Have a home escape plan for your family in the event of a fire in the home. Practice the plan on a regular basis. Make sure everyone in the family is familiar with the plan.

  1. Explain to your family that you're going to create a home escape plan that could save you all in the event of a fire.

  2. Get a piece of white paper and a pencil.

  3. Draw a simple diagram of your house.

  4. Go through the diagram carefully with family members and find two escape routes for every room in the house - the bedrooms in particular. Windows are included as escape routes. If living in an apartment, locate the fire exits and stairs.

  5. Draw arrows on the escape plan, showing the ways out.

  6. Make sure every family member is familiar with the exits chosen.

  7. Decide on places for family members to meet outside. You should have two places to meet: nearby in case of a fire and outside the neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Make sure everyone knows when to meet where. Also inform your family contacts of your meeting places and their addresses and phone numbers.

  8. Stress the fact that family members should get themselves out in the event of a fire. Do not go running through the house looking for others. Go to a neighbor's home and call 911.

  9. Practice opening windows, taking off screens and, if on a second story, using ladders. This is especially important for children, who can have trouble working window locks or collapsible ladders without practice.

  10. Make sure there are no security bars on bedroom windows - or if there are, make sure they can be opened and closed easily.

  11. Tape a copy of the home escape plan to the back of each bedroom door.

Tips:

Warnings:

    1. Evacuation Plan

      2. Find several evacuation routes and plan ahead of time where you will go. Make your family contact person aware of your plans. Make housing arrangements ahead of time if possible. Use local shelters as a last resort. You will not be comfortable there and the space will likely be needed for those who do not have other options.

      Evacuation should be to avoid damage from a hurricane storm surge, flash flooding or because you live in a manufactured home (trailer). You should only need to travel 20-50 miles when you evacuate.

      Note that emergency shelters do not accept pets. Plan ahead for an animal shelter for your pets. Make sure they have current identification tags, pet carriers and leashes. They will also need their medicine and any feeding information or supplies.

    2. Food Storage

      3. A food storage program is intended to support the family during a time of economic difficulty. Enough food and commodity supplies to last a year should be collected over time.

      After shelter, food and transportation are frequently the largest expense a family faces. Buying a few extra months of food can be a burden. But by shopping wisely and adding to your food stash over time, you can make this less expensive.

      One of the best resources for large quantities of food is warehouse club stores, such as Sam's, and food co-ops.

      Store what you eat and eat what you store. Unless you regularly grind wheat and cook with it there are probably other things that make more sense to include in your food storage program.

      Be aware of expiration dates on your stored food so you can rotate it early enough to avoid spoilage.

    3. Other Supplies and Tools

      4. Rubber Boots and Gloves – for working in flood waters.

      Candles, Flashlights and Batteries – power outages happen.

    4. Useful Skills

      5. Teach all responsible family members how and when to turn of gas, electricity and water service.

      Take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR class.

    5. Practice

Quiz kids about the family emergency plans a few times each year.

Conduct fire and other emergency drills.

Have a family campout using your emergency kit each year. This helps you rotate the food, update clothing and adjust your stored items to changing family needs.

  1. Before The Storm (when a WATCH is issued)

Use the sources listed above in Information Sources to keep informed about developments as you make preparations.
    1. Last Minute Preparations (when a WARNING is issued)

Continue using the sources listed above in Information Sources to keep informed about developments as you complete preparations.

Personal safety is critical. Floods are the number-one weather related killer and flood waters can rise very quickly. You should be prepared to evacuate before the water level reaches your property. Also be aware that your evacuation route may flood before your property does.

Last minute preparations before a storm should include:

If you live in a manufactured home (trailer), do what you can to secure your home and then take refuge with friends or relatives or at a public shelter. Before you leave, take the following precautions:

    1. Evacuation

With Hurricane Floyd packing 155 mph winds and bearing down on the South East, over 3 million people from Miami to North Carolina left their homes. It was the largest evacuation in U.S. history. Most didn’t need to. The result was that those who needed to leave were needlessly caught in traffic and had difficulty obtaining gasoline and lodging.

Unless you are in a manufactured home (trailer) you should only evacuate to avoid high water, not wind. Ninety percent of the people who lose their life in a hurricane lose it because of the storm surge – not because of the wind or rain.

Generally, only those in manufactured homes (trailers) or in an evacuation zone need to leave. If you live in a well-constructed house, have covers for the windows, and are not in an evacuation zone you should stay home and minimize already-congested traffic.

If you must evacuate, go the shortest distance possible. It is unlikely that you would need to travel over 50 miles.

If you have to evacuate and have time:

NOTE: Food in a freezer will stay frozen for up to 36 hours if the door is kept closed. Wrapping the freezer in blankets can extend this time.

NOTE: Do not turn off gas at the meter. The gas pressure helps keep water out of the gas lines. If you desire, you may turn off gas at each appliance. Doing so will require re-lighting each pilot light when you turn them back on.

      1. Travel by Car

Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are automobile related.

Water weighs 62.4 pounds per cubic foot and typically flows downstream at 6 to 12 miles per hour. When a vehicle stalls in water, the water’s momentum is transferred to the car. For each foot water rises, 500 pounds of lateral force are applied to the car. Also, each foot of water lifts the car by 1500 pounds. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.

      1. Travel by Foot
  1. During the Storm

Continue using the sources listed above in Information Sources to keep informed about developments during the storm.

  1. After The Storm

    2. Continue using the sources listed above in Information Sources to keep informed after the storm.

    1. Warnings

      2. WARNING: Check for gas leaks. Don't use candles, lanterns or open flames unless you're absolutely sure the gas has been turned off and the area aired out. Even fumes can ignite.

      WARNING: Electrical wires can kill you. Electrical current can run through water. See Emergency Numbers for reporting downed power lines.

      WARNING: Be careful using any equipment that can produce carbon monoxide exhaust fumes. This odorless gas is deadly. In particular, never use charcoal in a confined area.

      WARNING: If flooding occurs, stay away from flood waters and don’t let children play in or near them. Flood water is dirty, contaminated with various chemicals and contains snakes and floating clumps of ants. Wear rubber boots and gloves to avoid skin contact and possible rashes.

      WARNING: Floors covered with mud are very slippery. Be careful.

      WARNING: Don’t eat spoiled food. If you’re not sure, throw it away. Only drink water that you know is safe.

      WARNING: Beware of moving water crossing a road or evidence that water had been crossing a road. The soil below the road may have been washed away causing the road to collapse when driven on.

    2. Securing Your Property
    1. Insurance Claims

      2. Restoring your home after a flood is a long and difficult process–even when you have flood insurance–but being well-prepared for filing your claim can help speed the settlement, which in turn will help you get things back to normal sooner.

      The first and most important step is to call your insurance agent to report your flood claim, or contact the insurance company directly.

      Before beginning any clean up, take photographs of everything "as is," indoors and out, to show the water level and extent of damage. Make a room-by-room inventory of missing or damaged items, and try to locate receipts for major purchases.

      Advance or partial payment of your claim may be possible. Ask your adjuster about this.

    2. Clean Up
      1. Electricity

Note that Reliant Energy / HL&P maintains over 37,000 miles of power lines covering 5000 square miles. They handle over 6 million service calls each year. They have an emergency plan in place with other power companies that can provide 3000 additional linemen and 2500 additional tree trimmers.

Reliant Energy / HL&P uses the following priorities in restoring power: 1) Emergency facilities, 2) High-power transmission lines from power plants to substations, 3) Primary feeder lines from substations to neighborhoods and businesses, 4) Individual customer outages from transformer failures or service drops. After reporting your outage, wait patiently – HL&P will be working around the clock as soon as it is safe after a storm until all customers are restored.

      1. Gas
      1. Dealing With Water Damage

The FEMA’s Recovering Flood Damaged Property document (http://www.fema.gov/fema/coping.htm) is available as a web form and as a printed wheel (http://www.fema.gov/fema/r-n-r/ers_wl.htm). When a natural disaster or other emergency strikes this information will help you deal with items damaged by water, whether from flood, fire, earthquakes, severe storms or broken pipes.

    1. Emergency Supplies
      1. Water

The preferred method of water purification is to use halazone tablets. These are available at most drug and sporting goods stores under a variety of brand names. These tablets release iodine to purify the water.

Chlorination can also be used. Use a 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite solution (like Clorox®) at a rate of 4 drops per gallon (1/4 tsp. per 5 gallons). Stir and allow to stand for 30 minutes. The taste or smell of Chlorine is a sign of safety and is not harmful.

If these are not available, boil the water for 10 minutes to destroy bacteria. After it cools, pour it back and forth a few times between containers to aerate it.

After water has been purified, pour it through a water filter to remove solids.

 

  1. Lessons Learned

In every significant experience, some insight is gained that can be helpful to others in the future. Please send your comments and suggestions to:

Ed Sarlls, III
esarlls3@yahoo.com
21411 Park Mill Ln.Katy, TX 77450