GET “TEXAS READY” FOR HURRICANES, OTHER DISASTERS

Preparedness effort aimed at being ready before disaster
strikes
The Texas Department of State Health Services
is urging everyone to get ahead of what’s ahead by
being Texas Ready for natural and manmade disasters.
The new preparedness effort highlights the importance
of three simple steps: be informed, make a
plan, build a kit.
With summer and hurricane season beginning to
heat up, now is the time to make sure you and your
household have what you need to survive on your
own for at least three days and know where you’ll go
if you need to evacuate.
“Texas has more declared disasters than any other
state, so we all have to be Texas Ready at all times,”
said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner.
“If you wait until you see a disaster coming, you’ve
missed the opportunity to make the best preparations
possible, so please don’t delay.”
No matter the threat, from hurricanes and tornadoes
to fires and manmade disasters, planning and
preparation will help ensure that you, your community
and Texas can weather whatever strikes the state.
Be informed: Be aware of the possible hazards
that could affect your area. Stay in tune with weather
watches and warnings. Monitor reputable sources of
information. Heed the advice of local and state leaders
in an emergency.
Make a plan: Gather the members of your household
to create a plan together. Decide what you’ll do
if you need to shelter in your home and where you’ll
go and how to get there in case of an evacuation.
Know how you’ll stay in contact. Don’t forget to plan
for pets. Write it all down and practice.
Build a kit: Create a disaster supply kit that will last
at least three days with things like food that doesn’t
require cooking, one gallon of water per person per
day, a battery- or crank-powered radio, backup batteries,
a first aid kit, and any necessary medical,
baby or pet supplies. Store copies of important documents
in a waterproof container you can take with
you, including identification, medications and copies
of prescriptions, vehicle titles, and insurance and
bank information.
Find additional tips, an emergency plan template,
disaster kit checklist and other resources at www.
txready.org.