As hurricane season approaches, the City of South Padre Island urges residents and visitors to be prepared. The season begins on June 1st and ends on November 30th. Avoid the rush and empty stores by preparing early. Here are some essential tips and a checklist to help you get ready: Preparation Kit Essentials: - Water: 1 gallon per person per day.
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Food: Non-perishable items for at least 3 days.
- Emergency Kit: Sanitation needs, first aid kits, flashlight, extra batteries, and a whistle.
- Radio: Battery-powered or hand crank radio.
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Evacuation Routes: Check the Texas Department of Transportation or Office of Emergency Management websites for local routes.
- Emergency Shelter Locations: Use the FEMA mobile app to find nearby shelters.
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Safety Reminder: Never use generators, gasoline-powered equipment, grills, camp stoves, or charcoal-burning devices inside or in partially enclosed areas. Keep them outside and at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents.
Stay Informed: -
Emergency Notifications: The City of South Padre Island uses RAVE to alert citizens, businesses, and visitors about emergencies. Sign up for notifications here.
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Social Media: Use social media to stay updated and let friends and family know you’re safe. Follow these resources:
Plan Ahead: - Prepare an emergency plan and an evacuation plan.
- Ensure all family members know what to do if an emergency is declared and they are not home.
- Familiarize yourself with your evacuation zone.
- Gather supplies for at least three days, including medications.
- Keep important documents safe or create password-protected digital copies.
- Maintain a list of emergency contacts.
After the Storm: - Air Out: Open all doors and windows when present.
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Move Out: Remove any contaminated materials, such as porous items with visible mold.
- Tear Out: Remove flooring, paneling, drywall, insulation, and electrical outlets that were saturated by floodwater.
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Clean Out: Disinfect any remaining debris and mud.
- Dry Out: Dry the building and any remaining contents.
Pet Preparedness: - Basic Survival Items: Ensure you have food and water for at least 3 days in airtight and waterproof containers.
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Medicines and Medical Records: Keep them handy.
- Identification: Collar or harness with ID tag, rabies tag, leash, and a crate/pet carrier.
- Comfort Items: Familiar treats, toys, and bedding to reduce stress.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that you and your loved ones are well-prepared for the hurricane season. Stay safe and stay informed.
Resource Numbers American Electric Power (AEP)
AEPTexas.com 1-(800) 423-7316 Laguna Madre Water District (LMWD) LMWD.org (956) 943-2626 Spectrum Cable & Internet Provider
Spectrum.com (833) 267-6094 Republic Services Recycling & Disposal RepublicServices.com 1-(866) 223-8508 |
