Get “Texas Ready” for Hurricanes, Other Disasters

News Release
July 8, 2019

Preparedness effort aimed at being ready before disaster strikes

The Texas Department of State Health Services is urging everyone to get ahead of what’s ahead by being Texas Ready for natural and manmade disasters. The new preparedness effort highlights the importance of three simple steps: be informed, make a plan, build a kit.

With summer and hurricane season beginning to heat up, now is the time to make sure you and your household have what you need to survive on your own for at least three days and know where you’ll go if you need to evacuate.

“Texas has more declared disasters than any other state, so we all have to be Texas Ready at all times,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. “If you wait until you see a disaster coming, you’ve missed the opportunity to make the best preparations possible, so please don’t delay.”

No matter the threat, from hurricanes and tornadoes to fires and manmade disasters, planning and preparation will help ensure that you, your community and Texas can weather whatever strikes the state.

Be informed: Be aware of the possible hazards that could affect your area. Stay in tune with weather watches and warnings. Monitor reputable sources of information. Heed the advice of local and state leaders in an emergency.

Make a plan: Gather the members of your household to create a plan together. Decide what you’ll do if you need to shelter in your home and where you’ll go and how to get there in case of an evacuation. Know how you’ll stay in contact. Don’t forget to plan for pets. Write it all down and practice.

Build a kit: Create a disaster supply kit that will last at least three days with things like food that doesn’t require cooking, one gallon of water per person per day, a battery- or crank-powered radio, backup batteries, a first aid kit, and any necessary medical, baby or pet supplies. Store copies of important documents in a waterproof container you can take with you, including identification, medications and copies of prescriptions, vehicle titles, and insurance and bank information.

Find additional tips, an emergency plan template, disaster kit checklist and other resources at www.txready.org.

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(News Media Contact: Chris Van Deusen, DSHS Director of Media Relations, 512-776-7119)