“This storm (referring to the heavy rains which caused widespread flooding in late June 2006) is yet another reminder of the dangerous weather season that is upon us. Each Texas family needs to take time to prepare their own emergency response plan that includes provisions for food and water, and supplies like batteries and flashlights. We do not always know what Mother Nature will bring, but we must always be prepared." Governor Rick Perry

After last year’s record-breaking hurricane season, it would seem logical that citizens in hurricane hot zones are doing all they can to prepare for what is expected to be another active storm season. But are they? Are YOU? A recent study conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling and Research, Inc. says “NO”. In fact, of 1,100 adults polled along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, 83 percent had taken no steps to fortify their homes this year, 68 percent had no hurricane survival kits and 60 percent had no family disaster plan. Needless to say, we were shocked by the findings.

Although the Harris County government and Ponderosa VFD are doing everything possible to prepare for this type of emergency, the bottom line is this: the ultimate safety of you and your family rests predominantly in your hands. Why? If you whittle it down to the basics, it’s a matter of numbers. In times of county-wide emergencies, we must respond first to those most vulnerable: only the elderly, the poor and the disabled should count on the government to help them escape a hurricane or endure its immediate aftermath. If you don’t fit into one of these categories, and you choose to ignore warnings or evacuations, you should assume you’re temporarily on your own. Emergency services can not respond if wind speeds are over 45 mph – it is too dangerous – and once we are cleared, we must first take care of those who cannot take care of themselves.

Prepare! Prepare! Prepare!

The most important thing you can do to ensure your family’s safety is to be prepared. That means a clear emergency plan and appropriate supplies are in place ahead-of-time. Review the condition of emergency equipment, including flashlights, radios and generators, and make sure your fire extinguishers are placed in proper locations throughout your home. And remember, generators MUST be kept outdoors…carbon monoxide can kill.

“I urge citizens to take the time necessary to properly prepare for storms before it is too late,” says Ponderosa Fire Chief, Fred Windisch. “Create a plan and have a family meeting to ensure that all understand it. This plan should include knowing how to turn off the main breaker in the circuit breaker panel and how to shut off the natural gas meter. These actions will prevent fire and damage to sensitive electronic equipment, refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners. And if an evacuation order is given, don’t dawdle!! Get out of town quickly. Your property is not worth your life.”

Combating Complacency.

The confusion and gridlock surrounding Hurricane Rita’s evacuation last year resulted in mass frustration and a hesitancy amongst many to get on the roads in a similar emergency situation. Understand that this reluctance is extremely dangerous. If we receive a direct hit from a powerful tropical storm or hurricane, the hours spent on the road will all be worthwhile. And improvements based on the learning of Rita’s evacuation – such as the use of contra flow lanes outside of Harris County and monitoring by planes and helicopters to reduce choke points – are certain to make the trip to safer ground much less of a hassle. But hassle or not, your family will be safe. And in the end, isn’t that all that matters?

Know the hurricane risks in our area and have a clear idea of our community’s safety plan, official area shelters, etc. All of this, and more, can be found at the Harris County Office of Emergency Management’s website: www.hcoem.org. Also, click here to download and print our hurricane preparedness checklist.

Be ready and be safe.

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