Galveston Prepares

Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You Can.

Introduction

Hurricanes - A Powerful Force

A hurricane can cause widespread devastation during and after it occurs. This website is designed to help you properly prepare for a hurricane and know how to protect yourself during and after one. Planning and preparing can make a big difference in safety in the wake of a hurricane. The ability to quickly recover following a hurricane requires a focus on preparedness, advance planning, and knowing what to do in the event of a hurricane.

How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land. Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. The heavy winds of hurricanes can cause damage or destroy homes, buildings, and roads, as well as cause power, water, and gas outages. These effects can injure or kill people, disrupt transportation, and pollute drinking water. Hurricanes cause deaths and injuries primarily from drowning, wind, and wind-borne debris. The impact from hurricanes can extend from the coast to several hundred miles inland.

Plan for Evacuation

What You Need To Be Ready

If the danger of a hurricane is significant, state or local government officials may issue an evacuation notice. You can do the following to be better prepared.

Learn your community's evacuation plan and identify several posted routes to leave the area.
Evacuation routes: Check with your state's Department of Transportation or Office of Emergency Management website to find routes near you.
Emergency shelter location: To find a shelter near you, download the FEMA app at fema.gov/mobile-app. Once you determine your evacuation route and shelter location, write them down on your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist.
Make a plan for your pet.

Stay Informed

Emergency Alerts

You can receive alerts and warnings directly from the National Weather Service for all hazards with a NOAA Weather Radio (NWR). Some radio receivers are designed to work with external notification devices for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. For more information on NWR receivers, visit nws.noaa.gov/nwr/info/nwrrcvr.html.

There are also channels on XM Satellite Radio you can go to.