September marks the peak of hurricane season with Sept. 10th statistically the peak day. This remembers all that preparing for hurricanes should be a year- round task.
September is also National Preparedness Month (NPM) is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”
Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage, rip currents and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States.
Timeline of the 2021 hurricane season:
Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season is: May 15 – November 30.
Atlantic Hurricane Season: June 1-November 30.
Central Pacific Hurricane Season: June 1-November 30.
BEFORE THE STORM
Make a plan. Be prepared. Be ready.
- Put together an emergency supply kit. Watch a video on how to build a Go-Kit.
- Create a communication plan with your family.
- Sign up for your community or county warning system.
- Know flood risks in your area.
- Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowners policies do not cover flooding. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect, so the time to buy is well before a disaster. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
- Know your evacuation routes.
- Register for STEAR if you or anyone you know will need some assistance in an emergency event.
- Keep important documents in a waterproof container; create password-protected digital copies.
- Protect your property; move valuables to higher levels; declutter drains and gutters.
- Follow weather alerts.
Additional Resources
- gov – disaster preparedness, information and resources
- Flood Safety – before, during and after
- Hurricane Safety – before, during and after
- Texas Animal Health Commission – animal resources
- Texas Division of Emergency Management
- gov – plan ahead for disasters
- National Flood Insurance – homeowners and renters insurance does not typically cover flood damage
- TCEQ – information for public water systems, household debris management, safe drinking water
DURING THE STORM
Stay safe. Heed all local orders.
When severe weather threatens, remain vigilant and closely monitor weather conditions. Heed all local orders, and take shelter as directed.
- Follow weather alerts.
- Stay safe during a hurricane.
- Stay safe when a flood threatens.
- 2-1-1 for shelter, food and disaster services.
- Red Cross: Find an open shelter.
- org for flooded roads and conditions.
Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains, or other areas. Never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always observe road barricades placed for your protection. Remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown.
Additional Resources
- gov – disaster preparedness, information and resources
- Flood Safety – before, during and after
- Hurricane Safety – before, during and after
- Texas Animal Health Commission – animal resources
- 7-1-1 for Relay Texas Service
- 1-800-452-9292 for TxDOT statewide road closures
- 1-800-525-5555 for roadside assistance
- Texas Division of Emergency Management
- TCEQ – information for public water systems, household debris management, safe drinking water
Read More at Texas Hurricane Center.
Source: Texas Hurricane Center