What To Do Before, During, and After a Hurricane
September 2018
Source: Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Basic Preparedness Tips
Put together a disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash first aid supplies, and copies
of your critical information if you need to evacuate.
Plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for 7-10 days and/or you are not able to leave
due to flooding or blocked roads.
Make a family emergency communication plan. Signup for test or email alerting for emergency notifications
at Smart911.com.
Montgomery County is a pass through county; we will not evacuate our residents due to a threat of a hurricane.
You will need to decide if you should leave, where you will go. Where you will stay, and the best route
to take. Ensure that you give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination as there will be many
mandated evacuees trying to reach shelter cities.
Preparing Your Home
Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so before hurricane season, trim or remove damaged
trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage
to your property.
Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows, and doors, including
the garage doors. Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages.
Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from
windows and door and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator
into a wall outlet. Service your generator throughout the year to make sure it will work when you need
it. Plan to have fuel to run your generator.
Hurricane Watch
Hurricane watch = conditions possible within the next 48 hrs.
- Review your emergency plan
- Monitor and bookmark the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website
www.mctxoem.org for storm updates and emergency instructions.
- Review the items in your disaster supply kit and add items to meet the household needs for children,
parents, individuals with disabilities or other access and functional needs or pets
Hurricane Warning
Hurricane warning = conditions are expected within 36 hrs.
- Monitor the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website www.mctxoem.org for storm updates and emergency instructions.
- Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
- Follow the hurricane timeline preparedness checklist, depending on when the storm is anticipated
to hit and the impact that is projected for your location.
When a hurricane is 36 hours from arriving
Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid
supplies.
Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. Remember that during disasters, sending
text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
Review your evacuation plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly so plan ahead. Keep your car
in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and
a change of clothes.
When a hurricane is 18-36 hours from arriving
Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture,
garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or
remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
Cover all of your home's windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second
option is to board up windows with 5/8" exterior grad eor marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
When a hurricane is 6-18 hours from arriving
Turn on your TV/radio, or check the county website www.mctxoem.org
every 30 minutes in order to get the least weather updates and emergency instructions.
Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
When a hurricane is 6 hours from arriving
Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary, If you lose power,
food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature
when the power is restored.
Ensure cell phones are charged case you lose power.
What to do during a hurricane
Continue to shelter in place.
Stay indoors, preferably in an interior room, on the bottom floor, away from windows.
Listen to NOAA weather radio for updates and instructions.
Do not go outside until you are certain that the hurricane has cleared your area. Some areas will get
the eye of the storm, or a clearing in weather conditions and then the second set of hurricane bands
will ensue.
After a Hurricane
Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
Only leave your home or place of shelter after officials say it is safe to do so.
Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
If you evacuated, return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and fast-moving
water can sweep your vehicle away.
Avoid flood water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide
dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away.
Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof),
as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.