Texas, Feds Ask the Public to Get Ready for Hurricanes
"Hurricane season is unpredictable, and as we saw last year with Hurricane Harvey, these powerful storms can cause dangerous conditions and leave behind major devastation," said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. "By preparing ahead of time, we can help ensure our state is ready when natural disasters strike.
This year's Atlantic hurricane season begins in less than a month, and the Texas Department of Public Safety this week urged all Texans to use Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 6-12, 2018) to learn how to protect themselves and their families from hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricane season starts June 1 and continues through Nov. 30.
NOAA also is recommending taking time during this week to evaluate your risk of being affected by a hurricane, create an evacuation plan, and make sure you have emergency supplies on hand.
"Hurricane season is unpredictable, and as we saw last year with Hurricane Harvey, these powerful storms can cause dangerous conditions and leave behind major devastation," said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. "By preparing ahead of time, we can help ensure our state is ready when natural disasters strike. I encourage all of my fellow Texans to plan now in advance of hurricane season and to closely monitor any weather warnings and evacuation orders in the coming months."
"As Texans know all too well, the damage caused by a hurricane can be catastrophic, and the impact these storms have on our lives does not go away when the storm warning expires," said DPS Director Steven McCraw. "Our neighbors along the coast are still recovering from Hurricane Harvey. Hurricane Preparedness Week offers an important reminder for everyone to be diligent, and by taking a few simple steps — like developing a hurricane plan and assembling an emergency disaster kit — we can ensure we are ready when a storm hits. It can mean the difference between life and death."
DPS recommends that Texas residents:
- Assemble an emergency kit that includes essential documents, supplies, and provisions
- Review hurricane evacuation maps and select a route for you and your family
- Plan how all family members and pets will evacuate safely
- Consider any special needs for individuals with disabilities or the elderly
- Stay informed about changing weather conditions in and around your area
- Follow the instructions of local officials if a storm develops