Living in Houston means being prepared for a variety of natural and man-made emergencies. From hurricanes and floods to power outages and industrial accidents, the potential for crisis situations is high. To ensure your safety and that of your family, it’s crucial to have a well-stocked emergency kit and a solid preparedness plan. This blog will guide Houston residents on the essential items and steps needed to stay ready for any emergency.
Water and Food Supplies
Water:
Houston's hot climate and the risk of water contamination during floods make it essential to have a reliable water supply. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days. Consider additional water for sanitation and pets. Portable water filtration systems or purification tablets can be lifesavers if you run out of bottled water.
Food:
Non-perishable food items are vital. Stock up on canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, protein bars, and other long-lasting food items that require little to no preparation. Ensure you have a manual can opener on hand.
Medical and First Aid
First Aid Kit:
A well-equipped first aid kit is a necessity. It should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, gauze pads, tweezers, scissors, pain relievers, and any prescription medications. Include items like a thermometer, a breathing barrier for CPR, and a first aid manual.
Personal Medications:
Keep a supply of any essential medications, along with copies of prescriptions. Consider having extra glasses or contact lenses if needed.
Emergency Tools and Equipment
Flashlights and Batteries:
Power outages are common in Houston during hurricanes and storms. Keep multiple flashlights with extra batteries. Hand-crank or solar-powered flashlights are also a good investment.
Multi-Tool:
A versatile multi-tool or Swiss Army knife can be incredibly useful for a variety of tasks during an emergency.
Radio:
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio is essential for staying updated on weather conditions and emergency broadcasts. NOAA Weather Radios are recommended for real-time alerts.
Whistle:
An emergency whistle can help you signal for help if you are trapped or need to alert rescuers.
4. Hygiene and Personal Care
Sanitation Supplies:
Include items such as soap, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, and disinfectant wipes. Store these in waterproof bags to keep them dry.
Clothing and Bedding:
Pack extra clothing, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate items like rain gear or warm clothing. Include blankets or sleeping bags for each family member.
Important Documents and Cash
Document Storage:
Keep copies of important documents such as IDs, insurance policies, medical records, and bank information in a waterproof container. Having some cash in small denominations can be useful in situations where electronic transactions are not possible.
Special Considerations
Infants and Children:
If you have young children, include baby formula, diapers, wipes, and any other necessary supplies. Pack comfort items like toys or blankets to help keep them calm.
Pets:
Don’t forget your furry friends. Store extra pet food, water, and supplies such as leashes, collars, and any medications they need.
Elderly or Disabled Family Members:
Ensure you have the necessary medications, equipment, and supplies for elderly or disabled family members.
Planning and Communication
Emergency Contact Information:
Compile a list of emergency contacts, including family members, friends, and local emergency services. Make sure everyone in your household knows how to reach these contacts.
Family Emergency Plan:
Develop a family emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, meeting points, and communication strategies. Practice the plan regularly to ensure everyone is familiar with it.
Local Resources:
Familiarize yourself with local emergency resources and shelters. Know the locations and how to get there quickly.
To help you prepare, we have put together a list of great amazon finds that you can easily store in your home for when you need them (let's hope it is not soon), with Hurricane season right around the corner, it is time to take matters into your own hands and we are here to help you as Houston's trusted electricians
Emergency preparedness is especially important for Houston residents given the city's susceptibility to severe weather and other emergencies. By assembling a comprehensive emergency kit and creating a detailed family emergency plan, you can ensure your household is ready to face any crisis. Remember, preparation is key to weathering storms, both literally and figuratively. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe, Houston!
If you ever need an electrician to help you deal with weather damage, Unity Services is the team of electricians you can trust to keep your home safe and to give you peace of mind.
We are available 24/7 to help you with any emergencies you may have.
We are always one call (or click) away
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Unity Services has the best team of Licensed Electricians, who carry over 100 years of combined residential and commercial electrical experience. We are always ready to serve you with knowledge and professionalism at your home or business.
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We are proud to be a family-owned small local business that strives to provide our community with the most efficient and transparent solutions. We pride ourselves on our commitment to customer satisfaction. We believe that communication, transparency, and quality workmanship are the keys to building lasting relationships with our clients.
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This post is not sponsored, we just love amazon(too much), however disclosure: The links above are affiliate links, meaning we will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
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