GALVESTON COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT
Protecting and Promoting the Optimal Health and Well-Being of Galveston County
Ben G. Raimer, MD
Chair, United Board of Health
Philip Keiser, MD
Local Health Authority
Kathy Barroso, CPA
Chief Executive Officer
GUEST COLUMN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2019
Now is the time to prepare for hurricane season
Disaster kits, insurance check-ups, protecting home, pets all part of storm plan
By: Randy Valcin
Director of Epidemiology and
Public Emergency Preparedness
You don’t want to find yourself preparing for a storm when it is headed your way. That’s especially true for
hurricanes.
May 5-11 marks National Hurricane Preparedness Week and the Galveston County Health District (GCHD) is encouraging
residents to prepare now. This season includes an expected 13 named storms with five hurricanes and two major
hurricanes, according to the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project. The Atlantic hurricane season
begins June 1 with peak season coming in August and September.
First, determine if you’re at risk. Do you live in a hurricane evacuation zone? Do you live in a home that would be unsafe
during a hurricane? Find out now.
Assemble disaster kits
From food and water to medicine, cash, batteries, radios and chargers, get together your supplies before hurricane
season begins. Have enough food and water for each person for at least one week with one gallon of water per day per
person. Fill prescriptions and have medicine on hand.
It’s also a good idea to have a flashlight, portable battery-operated radio, first aid kit and manual, sturdy shoes, gloves
and a whistle. Don’t forget extra batteries for your supplies that require them.
Strengthen homes
There’s a lot you can do around your home to help protect it from strong winds that come with hurricanes. Trim trees on
property, shop for approved window coverings, collect loose outdoor items, secure all doors on property and find a safe
location for vehicles well ahead of an upcoming storm.
If you plan to ride out a hurricane in your home, make sure it is in good repair and up to local hurricane building code
specifications. Have the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to board up the windows and doors.
-more-
Media Contact: Ashley Tompkins
Director of Communications
409-938-2211 (office)
409-354-5501 (cell)
atompkins@gchd.org
