By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist
As hurricane season continues, officials urge Texans to make emergency and disaster preparations.
“It’s vital that Texans, especially those in coastal areas, take the time to prepare for the possibility of flooding, high winds and hurricanes this time of year,” Dr. Monty Dozier, AgriLife Extension special assistant in College Station, said. “Hurricane season in the Atlantic and Caribbean begins around June and typically continues through November.”
The Texas Extension Disaster Education Network website provides steps to help prepare for a disaster or emergency.
Resources are also available through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Bookstore.
Dozier recommends preparing and practicing a family emergency plan, as well as a disaster kit for the home, office, vehicle and for pets.
Kit contents for families should include bottled water, non-perishable foods, a hand-operated can opener, extra clothing, a first-aid kit, gloves, blankets, toiletries, mouth/nose protection masks, battery-powered flashlight, weather radio, spare batteries, garbage bags, medications and anti-bacterial cleaners or wipes.
Kit contents for pets should include the pet’s veterinary records and medications, a towel or blanket and at least three day’s food and bottled water for each pet.
“Be sure to take a pet carrier, leash or harness in the event your pet suddenly panics and tries to run away,” Dozier said.
A grab-and-go box for important documents and financial records is also beneficial.
“There are many steps people can take to get ready for a disaster or emergency, and our AgriLife Extension publications offer some practical and useful guidance on how to prepare,” Dozier said. “We hope Texans will use this time to prepare themselves and their families for a possible emergency.”