Hurricane Info

The Atlantic hurricane season begins 
June 1st and runs through November 30th.  

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Plan Early, Before a Storm Threatens!

When a tropical storm or hurricane threatens, the National Hurricane Center will issue advisories based on the storm’s projected strength and estimated time of landfall.

PREPARE FOR HURRICANE SEASON - DO THIS NOW!

Take photos or slides and make an inventory of your personal possessions. Store the information off the premises, i.e., at the office or in a safe deposit box.  Review your insurance coverage. Hurricane damage may be covered under a standard homeowners policy, but it is very important to check with your insurance provider to assure that you're covered. Ask your agent to review the policy limits, including coverage for contents. 

Flooding is generally not covered under standard homeowner policies, so ask your agent about flood insurance, which is available through the National Insurance Flood Program. If you rent a house or apartment, talk to your agent about purchasing a renters insurance policy if you don't already have one.

A family plan is a work in progress. It should be reviewed each year and appropriate changes made. Most importantly, you should practice your plan before the beginning of each season. No two hurricane plans are identical. Each family has its own set of unique individuals and that will be reflected in your own personal plan. It is important that everyone knows what will be expected of them and what they can expect of others. Children should be given assignments as well. Keeping children occupied during a storm will make them easier to control and help calm their fears. During a hurricane emergency make sure that at least one parent, relative or very close adult friend will be with the children at all times.

First decide where you will go when a storm threatens. If you live in an evacuation zone, a mobile home, an area prone to severe flooding or a dwelling considered to be unsafe, you must plan on evacuating for even a minimal hurricane If you are unsure whether you five in a flood-prone area, call your county or city Office of Emergency Management and give them your address to determine if your home is in an evacuation zone. If you live outside an evacuation zone and have a sturdy roof, impact code approved window shutters and door braces, you should probably plan on staying in your home when a storm threatens.

If evacuating, make a decision now about where you will go. If you have friends or relatives outside an evacuation zone who live in a hurricane-safe house, try to make arrangements to stay with them. Obviously you should make those plans now so that they will be expecting you. Those arrangements should include who will be responsible for food, water and all the necessary items you will find listed throughout this Guide. One of the advantages of an arrangement like this is that you can divide up responsibility for some of the tasks. Plan on leaving as early as possible to avoid rapidly deteriorating weather and increased traffic. Make sure that you take proper identification (driver's license and utility bill with your Edinburg address) with you. You may need it to re-enter the City. 

Historically, many people have planned on evacuating to an inland hotel. Hotels tend to fill up fast and if they are all sold out you may be forced to make a last-minute decision to find a shelter.

If you intend to attempt to leave the Valley you should plan on leaving as early as possible. If you try to fly out be prepared for the possibility that the airport may close or all flights may be full or canceled. 

Attempting to drive away from an approaching storm could be a big mistake. 

A shelter should be your last resort if you have nowhere else to go. Shelters will be crowded and uncomfortable with no privacy. Bring pillows, blankets and your own supply of food, water and prescription medicines. If you have young children you'll need a few of their favorite small toys, games and books. Do not go to a shelter until you hear from officials that the specific shelter has opened. NOT ALL SHELTERS WILL BE OPENED WHEN A STORM APPROACHES. Familiarize yourself with the location of 2 or 3 shelters in your area so that you know exactly where to go when the shelter opens. Pets, alcohol and firearms are not allowed in shelters. 

In general

Check with your employer to see if you will have any special job responsibilities when a storm threatens. Have a clear understanding that you will require an appropriate amount of time to prepare your home and family.

Assign an emergency meeting place in case your family gets separated. Designate an out of town family member or friend as an emergency contact.

Write down the important points in your plan so it is clear who will handle each task and you won't forget anything in the heat of the moment.

Safe rooms

Large interior closet, bathroom, stairwell or hallway with no windows may serve as safe room If your home begins to break apart during a storm, a safe room is where your family would have the best chance of surviving. You should identify the safe room in your home and make sure that everyone knows where it is. When a storm hits, this is where you should be. Safe rooms can also be used in other weather related emergencies such as tornadoes. A designated safe room built into every new home could provide significant additional protection for you family. This can be relatively inexpensive and has proven to be effective. Existing closets and bathrooms can be improved to provide additional strength to the walls and ceiling. A well-built designated safe room can provide relatively safe haven and peace of mind.

Reduce Hurricane Damage -- Take Action Now

During a hurricane homes may be damaged by high winds.  Debris can break windows and doors, allowing high winds inside your home.  The force of wind alone can cause weak places in your home to fail.  The following is a FEMA guide developed after Hurricane Andrew swept through Florida.  
Against the Wind: Protecting Your Home from Hurricane and Wind Damage

Follow this checklist as a guide for supplies you may need if disaster strikes.
Printable supplies quide 

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WATCHES

A tropical storm or hurricane ”watch” means that tropical storm or hurricane conditions are a possible threat within 36 hours in the specified region. Begin preliminary preparations to protect life and property. Avoid long lines, ensure your vehicle has a full tank of fuel in case an evacuation is ordered.  Stay tuned to your local news for updates.

All Businesses Must Be Secure
This includes taking down and bringing in any loose signs, tables, chairs and other loose structures.

All Construction Sites Must Secure Sites and Loose Structures

WARNINGS

A tropical storm or hurricane “ warning” means tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected in a specified region within 24 hours. All of your preparations should be completed. REMEMBER: winds and storm surge from tropical storms are not normally as strong as a hurricane. However, many tropical storms (and even tropical depressions) may contain tornadoes, torrential rains, and flooding. If an evacuation is ordered, please remember to take with you an emergency suitcase of essential hurricane supplies, including items such as identification (driver's license and utility bill with your Edinburg address) and prescription medicine.
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SPECIAL NEEDS  

Persons using home health care should contact their provider to make arrangements for care. 

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DURING THE STORM

A hurricane can be a terrifying experience.  Your survival may depend on you ability to think quickly and clearly.  Talk or read to your young children.  Explain what they are hearing, as hurricane winds can be very loud and frightening.  Reassure them that it may take a while, but eventually the storm will pass.  Children can sense when adults are upset.  Keep a clear head for their sake and yours.  

Remember - Response to Emergency Calls may cease at the arrival of Tropical Storm Force Winds

The City of Edinburg Fire, Rescue and Police crews may cease emergency operations during an impending hurricane when the winds reach Tropical Storm force (i.e. 40 mph). Following a hurricane, emergency calls will be very limited due to flooding, power lines down, street access, and limited personnel. 

If you live in an evacuation zone but did not evacuate, you may still be able to escape rising water. Emergency managers suggest you look for a last-resort refuge. Evacuation zones are prone to surge-flooding, so if you are trapped in an evacuation zone as the storm is hitting, try to get into a two-story or taller building. If you are in a high-rise, avoid the upper floors because winds are stronger the higher you go. Try to quickly, identify a safe room (i.e., parking garage, interior room, etc.).

Weather conditions will deteriorate rapidly as the storm gets closer. All your preparations should have been made. If you missed anything, it may be too late to prepare further.

Stay indoors, away from windows and doors.

Consider turning off circuit breakers before the power goes off (as it probably will). Power surges and spikes can damage electronic equipment. Also, broken or shorted wires become fire hazards when the power is turned back on. You may want to leave one breaker on that feeds a lamp, so you will know when the power comes back on.

When the power goes out, use flashlights or battery operated lamps (not candles or kerosene lamps) during the storm. Do not use lighting that has a flame.  High winds may cause windows to break and knock the candle over or come in contact with curtains.  Frightened children or pets could also knock it over.  During a hurricane emergency services, including the fire department, may be overwhelmed or may not be able to reach you during the storm.  It is best to take the extra precaution and not to use candles or similar type lighting.

Once you're in your safe room, stay there even if you hear breaking glass or worse. It is extremely dangerous to expose yourself to the hurricane's winds.

Animals should be placed in their carriers.

If your house begins to break apart, cover yourself with the mattress and pillows. If your safe room is a bathroom, you can get in the bathtub and cover yourself with the mattress.

Do not leave your safe room until you hear an official "All's Clear." If the wind dies down, you may be in the eye of the storm. Winds may resume at any time as strong (or stronger) than before, but will be coming from a different direction.

Use the phone for urgent calls only. Avoid contact with the phone if you hear thunder.

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EVACUATION AREAS- Areas will be announced as needed and according to the storm's severity and direction.  

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HURRICANE INFORMATION LINKS

National Hurricane Center		FLASH - Federal Alliance for Safe Homes
NWS Hurricane Awareness		Hurricane Fire Safety
NWS - Brownsville		Texas StormLink
FEMA Tropical Storm Watch		Disaster Planning Tips for Pets and Livestock
Hidalgo County Hurricane Information		FEMA For Kids - Hurricanes

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