If You Evacuate

Hurricanes cause massive damage and loss of life. From the 1900 storm that devastated Galveston Island, killing more than 6,000 people, to Hurricane Alicia in 1983, Texas has weathered 10 of the 30 worst hurricanes in United States history. Since then, thousands of new residents have moved into high-risk areas with little or no experience of preparing for our surviving storms of such magnitude.

Many other Texans have acquired a false sense of security believing that, "It won't happen to me." Don't be a casualty of the next hurricane. Plan ahead.

When Officials Recommend an Evacuation

  • Coordinate your departure with the people who will be traveling with you and notify an out-of-area person of your evacuation plans
  • Secure your home
  • Pack your disaster supplies kit into your vehicle
  • Double check your evacuation route and leave

Secure Your Home

  • Turn off gas, water, and electricity
  • Board up windows
  • Draw drapes across windows
  • Brace garage doors
  • Bring in outdoor furniture and other loose objects; anchor those items you cannot bring inside
  • Place boats on trailers; locate near home; and fill boats with water
  • Lock all windows and doors
  • Make arrangements for pets before leaving; most shelters and many hotels and motels do not allow them

Evacuation Tips

  • Keep your vehicle in good repair with a full tank of fuel
  • Check on friends and neighbors who may have special needs
  • Prepare your disaster supplies kit now and take it with you when you evacuate
  • Secure your home quickly; evacuate when asked to do so
  • Have an out-of-area point of contact whom family and friends can call to learn your evacuation plans
  • Designate a meeting point for your family should you get separated
  • If possible, have a CB radio or other form of communication to take with you. Use it only for emergencies
  • Monitor local radio and television constantly for the latest news and information

Your Disaster Supplies Kit

  • Baby food, diapers and formula
  • Battery-operated radio
  • Bedding or sleeping bags
  • Bleach (without lemon or other additives)
  • Can opener
  • Eating utensils
  • Extra batteries
  • Extra eyeglasses or prescription information
  • Extra keys
  • Extra prescription medicine or refill information
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlights
  • Hearing aid or other special-need items
  • Important papers including insurance
  • Money, checks or credit cards
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Name, address and telephone number of an out-of-area contact person
  • Tarp, rope and duct tape
  • Three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Toilet paper
  • Toiletries
  • Water (one gallon per person per day)