Pearland Texas Hurricane Preparation 2010
Everyone in Pearland Texas and surrounding areas remembers Hurricane Ike two years ago. Almost everyone I know had some sort of damage done to their Pearland homes and/or yards. In fact, several tornadoes touched down in Pearland, leaving behind mass damage to properties across town. Our home in Pearland had lots of damage and we lots years old trees. We stayed through the hurricane in our home along with other family members and friends. Honestly, I have to say, I do not know if our family will stay again. The fear for me was overwhelming. We had water leaks everywhere in the house, trees, coming down and even had an exterior door fly off the handle. I honestly thought we were prepared. One thing I will say is, we will be better prepared next time!
Before the storm hit, I was lucky enough to win the debate with my husband to buy a generator. At the time he thought I was being a little overly worried. After hurricane Ike hit we did not have electricity for 2 weeks. That generator did come in handy! But, one thing we did underestimate was the amount of gas and oil we would need for the generator. Next time, we will have more on hand before the storm hits.
While we are still a month away from the official start of hurricane season, it is never to early to start preparing!
What to do to prepare for a storm:
The National Hurricane Center recommends several things to do in preparation for a storm.
- 1. Develop a family plan. A family plan includes discussing the type of hazards that could affect your family. In particular, you should know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. How do these factors effect insurance coverage? Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance and it is recommended by most insurance companies that you have flood insurance, particularly in the gulf coast region.
- 2. Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit. This kit should include enough water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days, non perishable food items like can goods, propane cooking stove for heating up food, batteries and flashlights, toiletries, medicines - including refills on daily medications and a battery operated radio to hear important updates for your area. For a complete list of recommended items for your Disaster Supply Kit, check out the National Hurricane Center's recommended kit list.
- Determine escape routes and have alternate places in which you can evacuate to.
- Have copies of all important documentation and papers in a secure place. This includes insurance information, vital records, copies of wills, doctor information, etc.
- Make sure that your home is secure. This includes having pre-cut plywood boards to fit your windows. Most people will wait to do this when a storm is already heading your way, but most experts recommend having these boards already on hand before home improvement stores run out of the supplies. The last thing you want to do scramble all over town for supplies when a hurricane is imminent.
For more recommendations on storm preparation, visit the National Hurricane Center's website.
On June 12, 2010, the City of Pearland Texas is hosting a Brazoria County Hurricane Preparedness Seminar at 10:00 a.m. at the City of Pearland Community Center located at 3523 Liberty Dr., 77581. Emergency Management Coordinators will be on hand, as well as the national weather service, local drainage district representatives, and county hurricane preparedness committee members. I encourage you to attend this seminar! You can learn more Pearland and the county's storm preparations as well as learn about how you and your family can become better prepared for the upcoming storm city.
For more information on this seminar at the Community Center or to find out the location of others seminars hosted by Brazoria County, click here.
Pearland Texas Hurricane Preparation 2010 is one of the most important things you can do for your home and family this year.
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