I encourage every Texan to be ready for severe weather, especially during hurricane season. It is recommended that you prepare an emergency kit, make a plan, learn local evacuation routes, and always listen to the warnings of local leaders and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

After experiencing Hurricane Harvey, Texans know the force these powerful storms bring with them and how important preparation is leading up to, during, and after landfall.  

Here are six basic hurricane preparedness tips from Ready.gov:

• Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.

• Put together a go-bag: disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate
. Don’t forget the needs of pets!
• If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.

• Make a family emergency communication plan.

• Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet with your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts.”
• During and after the storm, do not attempt to walk or drive through flood waters. One foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!