Hurricane Preparations

Advance Preparation

  1. If they haven’t already done so, citizens should register with the CodeRed notification system, a reverse 9-1-1 emergency program operated by the Public Safety Center. Citizens can choose to be notified by telephone, mobile phone, SMS text message, email, or any combination of methods. 
  2. Talk to your family and make plans in the event of an evacuation. You may also want to research lodging options and have a list to call BEFORE you leave your home.
  3. Make sure your insurance information is up-to-date and in a single location so that you can grab it in case of an evacuation. You can also email your flood and windstorm insurance information to yourself or put it on a thumb drive or cloud. This way you can get the process started before you come back.
  4. Update your cell phone and contact lists of employees, family members and friends.
  5. Sign up for the FEMA mobile app in advance. Also make sure you have access the emergency evacuation routes outlined by TxDOT.

During Hurricane Season

Listen frequently to radio, TV and NOAA weather radio for bulletins and forecasts of a storm’s progress. Double check items in your emergency supply kit. Service and fuel your vehicles. Inspect and secure mobile home tie-downs. If you plan on staying, make sure you have supplies to survive on your own for at least one week. Board up windows in case the storm moves quickly and you have to leave. Store lawn furniture and other loose, light-weight objects, such as garbage cans and garden tools. Get extra cash in case power does out and ATMs do not work. Check with your boat manufacturer for proper ways to secure your boat during a storm. Consider arrangements to move your boat well in advance of an approaching storm. Trailer boats should be removed from the water and securely stored at least 48 hours before the onset of tropical force winds. Follow the instructions issued by the Aransas County Emergency Operations Center. Evacuate immediately if ordered to do so.

Emergency Supplies

When hurricane conditions threaten, check your emergency supplies. You’ll need non-perishable food, water, batteries, cash and credit cards. Visit Ready.gov for a items to place in an emergency supply kit.Take copies of medical prescriptions and insurance information as well as products for any special health care needs and special products for babies and the elderly. Keep your gas tank full and listen for instructions from the Aransas County Emergency Operations Center.