Prepare for Hurricane Season

Preparing For a Hurricane

As we approach another hurricane season, the power of nature’s unpredictability is evident. While we can not accurately forecast the intensity of a storm, our best defense is being prepared. As we prepare for Hurricane Season 2024, we must equip ourselves with the necessary knowledge and tools to weather any storm that comes our way.

The Colorado State University’s annual hurricane outlook, a trusted source of information, has given us a clear view of what is to come. This year’s projection is particularly concerning, with a 54% chance of a hurricane hitting the Texas coast and a significant 25% probability of it being a major one. With these predictions in mind, it is crucial that we arm ourselves with the correct information and resources to navigate the stormy seas ahead.

That’s why we want to give you vital information to be prepared if you get stuck in a storm. Know your area’s evacuation plan can help alleviate some stress in the event of an evacuation. Making a plan ahead of time is an excellent tool to ensure that you have everything you need. Planning ahead is also essential if you or a family member have any disabilities that could require extra assistance.

When is Hurricane Season?

The period from June 1st to November 30th marks the official hurricane season, a time when coastal residents must remain vigilant and informed. While experts anticipate 12 to 17 named storms and about five hurricanes in 2024, it has been seven years since Harvey hit the Texan coastline. So, the odds for a big one are increasingly coming, even if the activity hovers around average levels. However, as we’ve learned from past experiences, it only takes one storm to alter lives forever, wreaking havoc.

Stay Informed

Technology should be our greatest ally in the face of an impending storm. By staying updated with weather alerts and warnings, we can make informed decisions that could mean the difference between safety and peril. Make use of your phone’s alert system and download a reliable hurricane tracker. Stay tuned to local news channels and weather apps to track the storm’s trajectory and any upcoming warnings.

Have several ways to receive alerts. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)- which requires no-sign up.

For More Information Head To The Ready.gov Website

How to Assemble a Basic Emergency Kit

The skilled nurses at Signature Health Services will contact our patients to advise them to stock up on medications and supplies, food, and water in the event of a hurricane or natural disaster. However, we all need to be prepared.

It is crucial to be prepared for upcoming storms and know what essential items to have on hand in case of an emergency. Being ready can save lives and provide a sense of peace.

The Red Cross lists the following items as necessary or desirable for your Hurricane Preparation Kit. Hurricanes can occur at any time, and it is not too late to gather these items, but you need to act now. If you are homebound, please ask family, neighbors, or friends to purchase the supplies you need. It would help if you also considered using a grocery delivery service  like Instacart.com.

• Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• Deluxe family first aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents in water-proof casing (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area
• Write down all the emergency numbers

Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, making essential purchases and slowly building up supplies in advance will allow extended periods between shopping trips. Advanced preparations also protect those who are unable to procure essentials beforehand and must shop more frequently. Only take the items you and your family may need so that others who rely on these products can also access them.

Consider the special needs of all your family members and add supplies to your kit:

• Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Games and activities for children
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
• Two-way radios
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Manual can opener

• Whistle
• Matches
• Rain gear
• Towels
• Work gloves
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Extra clothing, hat, and sturdy shoes
• Plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Scissors
• Household liquid bleach
• Entertainment items
• Blankets or sleeping bags

Preparing your home is a crucial part of hurricane readiness. Review your insurance policy to be sure it provides adequate coverage, and take steps to fortify your home against potential damage. Secure windows and doors, stock up on supplies for an extended period, and formulate a comprehensive plan well in advance. Remember, preparedness is not a last-minute task but a daily commitment to safeguarding yourself and your loved ones.

Hurricanes have hit the United States in the past, and we have learned to manage them better. First, keep calm and follow evacuation recommendations from authorities, especially if you live in vulnerable areas or have special needs. Seek shelter in designated locations, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep a watchful eye on media updates for critical information.

At Signature Health Services, we prioritize your health and safety above all else. Remember to keep emergency numbers handy and stay informed throughout hurricane season. Whether you call 911 for emergencies or reach out to 211 for shelter locations in Southeast Texas, knowledge and preparedness are our most reliable weapons against the fury of nature.

As we prepare for the potential challenges that could lie ahead, let us stand united in our resolve to weather the storm. Together, armed with knowledge, preparation, and resilience, we can navigate the tumultuous waters of Hurricane Season 2024. Remember, you are not alone in this. We are a community, and our collective strength and support will help us emerge stronger on the other side.

Works Cited

10 steps to prepare for a hurricane. Chubb. (n.d.). https://www.chubb.com/us-en/individuals-families/resources/10-steps-to-prepare-for-a-hurricane.html. 

Hurricanes. Hurricanes | Ready.gov. (n.d.). https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.