Tips to Get Storm Ready:
Preparing for an Emergency Helps Save Lives
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects an above-normal hurricane season this year, sounding the alert for many coastal towns, including Houston and its surrounding areas. At Supreme Care ER in Houston, Texas by Cypress and Jersey Village we firmly believe that preparing for an emergency saves lives. Always know that we are well equipped to remain open and operational during a storm when all hospitals close. Please keep in mind the following tips to help you get storm ready and consider us as the best place to go during a medical emergency.
Recent Hurricane Impact in Texas
Our state has experienced many hurricanes, but the damage from the most recent storms has been devastating for many communities.
- 2017 – Hurricane Harvey brought prolonged, torrential rainfalls that caused catastrophic flooding. The storm destroyed some 16,930 homes and damaged more than 290,000. Harvey was the deadliest storm in nearly 100 years, with 103 deaths reported.
- 2019 – Tropical Storm Imelda also resulted in catastrophic flooding in southeastern Texas, killing five people
- 2020 – Hurricane Hanna’s heavy rains triggered flash flooding that required water rescues in different communities in the Rio Grande Valley. Four people died from carbon monoxide poisoning
- 2020 – Hurricane Laura impacts southeast Texas with strong winds causing extensive power outages. Six people died from carbon monoxide poisoning, and an additional 18 people needed treatment for carbon monoxide-related injuries
- 2020 – Tropical Storm Beta caused significant flooding in the southern parts of Houston, and one person drowned
- 2021 – Hurricane Nicholas makes landfall on the eastern part of the Matagorda peninsula leaving close to 500,000 people without power and damaging nearly all the homes on Surfside Beach
As the Texas hurricane season is most active mid-summer through late fall, it’s a good time to get storm ready.
Preparing for a Natural Disaster Can Help Save Your Life
Here are some ways you can prepare for storm season:
Know your Risk
Join your community’s emergency warning system to get notified of any emergency alerts in your area. If your community doesn’t have an emergency warning system, consider joining the wireless emergency alert system to receive alerts on your mobile devices.
Understand the Different Alert Categories
Tropical Storm or Hurricane Advisory – Advisory alerts are sent out when authorities expect hazardous weather conditions. If you are careful and avoid high-risk areas, these situations are rarely life-threatening.
Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch – If you receive a watch alert from the National Weather Service (NWS), a storm is possible within the next 48 hours. In these instances, please pay close attention to local news and radio stations for more information. Also, take the time to check your emergency supplies and gather items you may need if you lose power.
Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning – These alerts signal that officials expect a storm within 36 hours. When a storm or hurricane warning is issued, please complete your storm preparations, and pay close attention to any evacuation orders in your community.
Make an Emergency Plan
- Make a plan that includes your entire household, including your children, family members with disabilities or mobility needs, and pets.
- Register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR); if you have family members with disabilities or limited mobility, they can help with evacuation efforts
- Always keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half-full in case you need to evacuate in a hurry
- Keep basic emergency supplies such as a change of clothes, blankets, flashlight, snacks, bottled water, flares, jumper cables, essential tools, and a first aid kit in your car
- Designate a meeting place for your family to meet should you need to evacuate or if your home suffers damage during the storm
Secure Important Documents
- Collect all critical medical, financial, legal, and educational documents and records. Please place them in zip lock bags to prevent them from being damaged.
- Consider taking a video of your home to document all items and your home’s current condition for insurance purposes.
- Additionally, keep some amount of cash.
Gather Supplies for Your Emergency Home Kit
Here are some essentials for you to gather:
Medical Supplies – Make sure to refill prescriptions for any medical condition you or a family member has. Have a stock supply that can last at least 2-weeks.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure you have spares at hand.
Hygiene and Sanitation Items – maintaining good hygiene can help prevent illnesses and infections. Stock up on the following items:
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Moist towelettes
- Paper towels
- Soap
- Feminine products such as sanitary pads and tampons
- Disposable diapers
Protective Gear – Make sure you have face masks, protective eyeglasses, sturdy gloves, and footwear to help protect you during clean-up efforts.
Tools and Safety Items – Keep flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-operated radio to stay tuned to weather alerts, matches, a multi-purpose tool, and a whistle to alert rescue teams if you are in danger.
Food Supplies – Have at least a week’s supply of non-perishable food for everyone in your family. Stock gallons of water to match your family’s needs for a week. If you have infants, ensure you have the necessary baby formula and food for them.
Where to go in Case of an Emergency?
It’s vital to keep a list of hospitals and ER centers near your home in case you suffer a medical emergency.
Call 911 if anyone in your family sustains a life-threatening injury.
At Supreme Care ER, our doors remain open to provide care for you and your family.
