Tailgate Focus #2 - Hurricane Safety

Safety is ALWAYS a priority and that is no exception during hurricane season.

Prioritizing safety in hurricane season – One of the biggest safety concerns this season is not taking hurricanes seriously. In recent years, many residents of the Gulf Coast area have become complacent because some hurricanes were not as severe as predicted or because the escape routes were largely ineffective. Complacency is one of the most UNsafe states of mind as it leads to lack of preparation, lack of proper situational assessment and lack of action.

Be prepared and have a strategy – Make all essential preparations well in advance of an actual event. Take photos of your property, develop an escape plan, pack a bag, gather important documents, establish a communication plan, and know where you are going and how you are going to get there.

Don’t underestimate – It is easy to think about how the last time was or wasn’t as dangerous as you thought it might be. But this isn’t the last time, it is THIS time and you simply do not know what the weather will do. It is much easier to realize you made preparations and were overly cautious than to realize you’ve lost health or property due to improper response.

Take action – If you are in an area that holds a high potential for hurricane activity, take action. Do not wait to utilize those well prepared plans. Begin by communicating with your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to ensure everyone knows where you will be and that you can reach others. Follow your evacuation plans and help others who may not have prepared as well.

Make hurricane safety a priority this season. Pledge to Prepare by visiting

http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.
To receive even more safety and hurricane tips, visit our website and click to follow us on Twitter or Facebook.

National Hurricane Center’s Huricane Preparedness
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php

FEMA’s Family Emergency Plan
http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/Family_Emegency_Plan.pdf

Harris County and Texas Department of Public Safety’s business hurricane plan
http://www.harriscountycitizencorps.com/newsletters/hurricaneplanforbusinesses.pdf

The Center for Disease Control’s hurricane preparedness checklists and suggestions.

http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/readiness_factsheet.asp