EST. 2013
Hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1st to November 30th, is a serious consideration for those living in coastal and inland areas. For Texans, who know all too well the devastation hurricanes and tropical storms can cause, being prepared is not an option—it’s a necessity.
While the havoc a storm wreaks can’t be stopped, the impact on your family’s safety and well-being can be significantly reduced with careful preparation. As your electricity advocate, Energy Ogre is here to help you get ready, with a focus on electricity considerations and an all-in-one guide to facing the storm.
Table of Contents
- Before the Storm: Your Preparedness Checklist
- Building Your Hurricane Preparedness Kit
- Home and Property Preparation
- Financial and Document Preparation
- Electrical and Generator Options
- During the Hurricane: Staying Safe
- After the Hurricane: The Recovery Phase
- FAQs: Your Top Hurricane Questions Answered
1. Before the Storm: Your Preparedness Checklist
Preparing for a hurricane involves three key stages: planning, assembling supplies, and securing your home. Start your preparations well before a storm is even on the radar.
- Create a Family Communication Plan
- Designate an out-of-town contact person for all family members to call in case you are separated. It's often easier to make a long-distance call than a local one during a disaster.
- Establish a meeting place for your family both in your neighborhood and outside of it.
- Practice your plan with all family members, including children.
- Know Your Evacuation Zone and Routes
- Find out if you live in an official hurricane evacuation zone by checking your local government or emergency management websites (e.g., ReadyHarris.orgfor Harris County).
- Familiarize yourself with your community's evacuation routes. Have a primary and a secondary route planned, and be ready to follow official instructions, even if they differ from your planned route.
- If you or a family member has a disability or a medical need, register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) online or by calling 2-1-1 to receive assistance during an emergency.
- Find out if you live in an official hurricane evacuation zone by checking your local government or emergency management websites (e.g., ReadyHarris.orgfor Harris County).
- Stay Informed
- Listen to official weather reports from reliable sources like the National Hurricane Center and local meteorologists.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts and notifications from your city or county.
2. Building Your Hurricane Preparedness Kit
In the event of a storm, you must be prepared to survive for several days on your own. Having an emergency kit ready ahead of time can be a lifesaver. Keep all these items in a single, easy-to-carry container.
- Food and Water
- Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three to seven days, for drinking and sanitation.
- Food: A several-day supply of non-perishable food that requires no cooking or refrigeration.
- Examples: Canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; protein bars; dried fruit; and powdered milk. Don't forget a manual can opener!
- Medical and Hygiene Supplies
- First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, medical tape, pain relievers, and any personal prescription medications (at least a 7-day supply).
- Hygiene Supplies: Hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, soap, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and garbage bags.
- Lighting and Communication
- Lighting: Flashlights with extra batteries or crankable lanterns. Candles are not recommended due to fire hazards.
- Battery-Powered Radio: A battery-powered or hand-cranked radio to listen for emergency broadcasts, especially if the power and cell service are out.
- Charged Devices: Charge all cell phones, laptops, and tablets ahead of time. Have portable power banks or a car charger on hand.
- Important Documents and Money
- Keep important documents—such as insurance policies, identification, passports, and medical records—in a waterproof, portable container.
- Have an ample amount of cash in small bills, as ATMs may be inoperable after a storm.
- Special Needs Supplies
- Baby Supplies: Formula, diapers, wipes, and baby food.
- Pet Supplies: Food, water, collar, leash, carrier, and any necessary medications.
3. Home and Property Preparation
Before a storm arrives, take steps to secure your home and minimize potential damage from wind and flooding.
- Secure Your Home's Exterior
- Trim trees and shrubs to remove dead branches that could become projectiles.
- Clear your yard of any loose items like patio furniture, grills, toys, and trash cans, and bring them inside or secure them.
- Cover windows and doors with hurricane shutters or cut-to-fit plywood.
- Prevent Water Damage
- Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure they are free of debris and can drain properly.
- If you live in a flood-prone area, consider using sandbags to divert water away from your home.
- Fill sinks, tubs, and other containers with water for sanitation purposes in case the water supply is cut off.
4. Financial and Document Preparation
Don't wait until the last minute to secure your financial well-being.
- Review Your Insurance
- Check your home and auto insurance policies to understand your coverage for wind and flood damage. Remember, standard homeowners' insurance does not cover flood damage—that requires a separate policy.
- Digitize Documents
- Scan or take photos of important documents and store them in a secure, password-protected cloud service.
5. Electrical and Generator Options
Losing power is a common and frustrating consequence of a hurricane. Having a plan for electricity can make a big difference.
- Before the Outage
- Charge all devices, including cell phones, laptops, and portable chargers.
- Use this time to stock up on fuel for your generator.
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings to keep food fresh for longer.
- Heavy-Duty Electrical Options
- Generators
- Generators come in a wide range of prices and power capacities.
- Portable Generators: Best for powering a few essential items like lights, a refrigerator, or a fan. They are noisy and require proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Standby Generators (Whole House): These automatically turn on when the power goes out and can power most of your home's appliances, including HVAC systems. They are a significant investment but offer peace of mind.
- Portable Power Stations: A quiet, battery-powered alternative to a generator. They can power small devices and appliances and are a great choice if you don't need to run a whole house.
- Generators come in a wide range of prices and power capacities.
- Generators
- Solar Panels
- If your home has solar panels, they will only provide power during an outage if you have a compatible solar battery. The battery is crucial for storing energy and can help with essential needs, though running high-demand appliances like AC may drain it quickly.
If you’re thinking about solar options in general, here we break down some pros and cons you will want to consider.
Disclaimer: When using a generator, always review the owner’s manual and operate it safely. NEVER run a generator inside a home, garage, or any enclosed space due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
6. During the Hurricane: Staying Safe
Once the heavy rain and wind hit, your plan shifts from preparation to protection.
- Protective Measures
- Stay Indoors: Stay in the safest, most secure room in your home, away from windows, doors, and glass. A small, interior room on the lowest level is often the best option.
- Monitor the Storm Surge: Continue to listen to your battery-powered radio for official updates on storm tracks and evacuation orders.
- Be Patient: Don’t be fooled by the "eye of the storm"—a period of calm in the middle of a hurricane. The worst of the storm will return, so stay inside until officials announce it is safe to leave.
7. After the Hurricane: The Recovery Phase
- Assess Damage Safely
- Do not go outside until officials say it is safe.
- Watch for downed power lines. If you see one, stay away and call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Do not drive through flooded roads. Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown.
- Electrical Safety
- If you evacuated, it’s a good idea to turn off your main circuit breaker before you leave. If you are standing in water, DO NOT try to shut off power from your breaker box. SafeElectricity.org suggests calling your utility and requesting the power be shut off at the meter.
- Do not touch wet electrical equipment.
- Document and Claim
- Take photographs of any damage to your property for insurance purposes. Contact your insurance company to file a claim as soon as it is safe to do so.
8. FAQs: Your Top Hurricane Questions Answered
Q: Do I need to turn off my electricity before a hurricane?
A: If you are evacuating, it is a good practice to turn off your main circuit breaker and unplug appliances to prevent damage from power surges. However, if you are staying home and not in a flood-prone area, you can leave it on to power essential appliances like your refrigerator.
Q: What is the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning?
A: A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible in the specified area. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected, and you should take immediate action.
Q: What if I have a medical device that requires power?
A: You should contact your health provider and create a plan. You can also register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) to receive assistance.
Q: How can I save money on my electricity bill after the storm?
A: Energy Ogre helps members find and switch to the best electricity plans for them. Learn more about how we work to be your electricity advocate.
About the Author
- This guide was created by the team at Energy Ogre, your trusted electricity advocate in Texas. With years of experience helping consumers navigate the Texas electricity market, we're dedicated to helping you make smart, safe, and cost-effective energy decisions, especially when it matters most.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always follow the instructions of local and state emergency officials, including evacuation orders.
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