EMC MUD 3 - Hurricane Preparedness

A letter to the residents from the East Montgomery County Municipal Utility District No. 3 Board of Directors:

Hurricane Season officially begins June 1st and lasts through November 30th. Living close to the Gulf of Mexico creates a high risk of being severely impacted during this hurricane season. Tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena.

If you live in an area prone to tropical cyclones, it is strongly advised that you prepare in advance. The following tips provided by the National Weather Service will help to ensure you and your family are prepared for this Hurricane Season.

1. Determine your risk - The threats from hurricanes to you and your family can vary widely depending on where you live. It’s not just those along the coast that can experience significant, life-threatening impacts. Evaluate what you need to do to protect your home and family NOW, before the first storm of the season forms in the Gulf. noaa.gov/hurricane-prep

2. Develop an evacuation plan - Make sure to have a hurricane evacuation plan. Find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you’re in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane. Next, figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate. Identify someone, perhaps a friend or relative, who doesn’t live in an evacuation zone or unsafe home, and coordinate with them to use their home as your evacuation destination. Be sure to account for your pets, as most local shelters do not permit them.

3. Assemble disaster supplies - Having just enough supplies to make it through a hurricane isn’t enough. It is recommended that you also assemble enough supplies to last several days or even weeks. Plan to have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family for a MINIMUM of three days. Make sure you have extra cash, a battery-powered radio, flashlights with extra batteries, and a portable crank or solar powered USB charger to charge your cell phone. ready.gov/kit

   If possible, your kit should include the following:

   • Supply of non-perishable (canned) food to last several days
   • One gallon of drinking water, per day, for each member of your family, for several days
   • Cash – if power fails, ATMs may not work
   • Portable battery or hand crank radio with the weather band
   • Flashlights for each member of the family and extra batteries
   • Personal items – medications, extra clothes, hygiene items, etc.
   • Supply of food, water, and medication for your pets to last several days
   • First-aid kit

4. Get an insurance checkup - Call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance checkup to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate insurance policy for flooding. Act now as there may be a waiting period for your flood insurance policy to kick in. floodsmart.gov

5. Strengthen your home - Take action now and plan to protect your home against strong hurricane winds. Have the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to board up the windows and doors. Make sure that your garage door is able to withstand high winds. flash.org/protect.php

6. Help your neighbors – There are many ways you can help your neighbors before a hurricane approaches. Learn about all the different actions your community can take to prepare and recover from the hazards associated with hurricanes: ready.gov/neighbors

7. Complete a written plan - The time to prepare for a hurricane is NOW, as the season begins. Having a written plan will take the guesswork out of what you need to do to protect you and your family. Know where you will take shelter from the storm and get your supplies now. Preparing for the hurricane season in advance will help ensure that you have enough supplies in the event of an emergency. ready.gov/plan