This is the Willacy County Navigation District's page on how to make a hurricane preparedness plan. We have opted to utilize the standards set forth by the Texas Department of State Health Services, or DSHS. The link to the original site can be found here.
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Family Members
Keep a complete list of all family members, including:
- Full names, common nicknames and, if applicable, maiden names
- Social Security numbers (keep Social Security numbers separate from other information for identity security purposes)
- Date of birth
- Medical information and prescriptions
Most families are not together during the day. When a disaster happens, make sure you and your family members know where and how to get in touch with each other. Make sure you know:
Where does each person work or go to school?
- What is the address?
- What is the phone number?
- If the school or workplace must evacuate, where do they go?
Use text messaging and email. These use less bandwidth and battery power than voice calls, and may work even when phone service is disrupted.
If you must use your phone, keep all calls short. Use phone calls to communicate vital information only.
Emergency Contacts
Choose emergency contacts you and your family can contact if you are separated or lose your mobile phone. Emergency contacts can help coordinate information and meeting locations. Consider using family and/or friends located out of the immediate area, even out of the city or state in which you live.
Who is your local emergency contact?
- What is his/her work or home phone number?
- What is his/her mobile number?
- What is his/her email?
Who is your out-of-town emergency contact?
- What is his/her work or home phone number?
- What is his/her mobile number?
- What is his/her email?
Meeting Places
If there is a disaster that forces you and your family to evacuate, or if you cannot return home while at work or school, know where you will go.
Choose a local meeting place.
- What is the phone number?
- What is the address?
Choose an out-of-town meeting place.
- What is the phone number?
- What is the address?
Be sure children memorize phone numbers and know how to use a phone.
If you have a smartphone, save your safe meeting location(s) on its map/navigation app.
If you can't get to a family member at school or other function, send a photo of the person who is coming to pick them up.
If your family evacuates, send them a photo of the contact person they're to meet.
If you have a fixed emergency meeting place, send a photo you already have stored so others will know where to meet.
If you don't have a fixed emergency meeting place, send photos of where and what you're near so others can find you.
For a quick way to send location information: draw a map on paper, take a photo, and send.
Important Information
Record medical contact and insurance information you may need during or after a disaster:
Take a picture of every closet, drawer, and other storage location in your home so you can itemize things that may be damaged or destroyed.
Who is your doctor? What is the address and phone number?
Who is your pharmacist? What is the address and phone number?
Make a list of medications and dosages.
What medical insurance do you use?
- What is the phone number and address?
- What is your policy number?
What home owner’s or renter’s insurances do you use?
- What is the phone and address?
- What is your policy number?
Who is your vet? What is the address and phone number?
What is the name of your kennel? What is its address and phone number?
Keep a copy of animal shot records with your important documents.
If you care for someone who needs assistance, such as a child or elderly person:
- Write a summary of the individual’s medical history, medical provider’s phone number, medical insurance information, pharmacy phone number, list of medications and dosages, special diet, and use of assistive devices or durable medical equipment, such as oxygen. Include your name and contact information, as well as your emergency contact information.
- Store the medical information in a sealable plastic bag and attach the bag to the individual if you need to evacuate and you become separated.
Sheltering at Home
When staying home is your safest choice, stayed tuned to the news, check what’s in your Disaster Supply Kit, and add these items:
- Smoke detectors with extra batteries
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Fire extinguisher
- Phone and charger. Solar charger if possible.
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to seal doors, windows, and air vents from contaminated air or to build an emergency shelter)
- Canned non-perishable food
- Manual can opener
- Bottled water
Evacuating by Car
You may have to leave in a hurry to get to a safe place. Keep your Disaster Supply Kit near your car and add the below items:
- Road maps
- Car repair items (tools, spare tire, Fix-a-Flat, oil)
- Food and water
- Plastic plates, cups, and utensils
- Tent, blankets, and pillows
- Clothes and sturdy shoes
- Rain gear and towels
- Books, games, and toys
Before you leave home, take these additional steps:
- Fill your gas tank
- Check your spare tire
- Take cash, checkbook, credit cards, and important documents
- Call your family emergency contact(s) and share your evacuation plan
- Charge your phone
- Download or print a map of your route
Other Tips
You can use your phone to take photos of:
- Items you need to take before evacuating
- Special medicines or brands of food
- Medical insurance and pharmacy identification cards
- The contents of important documents
- A variety of document scanner or copier apps are available to help you do this.
- The steps necessary to secure the house before evacuating
- Your personal property, home, and/or business to show their condition prior to a disaster
- Personal property you want retrieved if you are unable to return home
