We know to protect our property when any kind of weather event rolls in, but many forget to protect themselves.
SAN ANTONIO — When you are preparing for a storm or cleaning up after one, you may only think about your property. but taking care of yourself is just as important.
Preparing for a hurricane or cleaning up from severe storms can be quite a task. You have to make sure you do it safely to keep yourself from suffering any kind of injury. Starting with have a storm safe plan.
“We have wonderful emergency management folks. We have wonderful first responders. But they can’t take care of everybody at once. So plan for yourself, plan for your family,” said Dr. Emily Kidd, the Acadian Ambulance Service Texas Medical Director.
You need to have a communication plan too.
“Think about what you would do if the cell phone towers get knocked down by wind. How would you communicate with your family? Do you have a rendezvous point where everybody would go to?” Dr. Kidd added.
If you lose power for hours or days, make sure you have enough supplies to get your through.
“Do you have enough non-perishable food and fresh water to sustain yourself for several days and medications?” Dr. Kidd said.
Also have an emergency kit with bandaging materials, flashlights, extra batteries, diapers, extra clothing and pet food. And just because a storm is over, it doesn’t mean the danger is.
The CDC says if you have to be in floodwater make sure you wear a life jacket and wash your hands thoroughly after. Stay away from damaged buildings until they are deemed safe. Stay away from powerlines that may have fallen or are hanging overhead. And protect yourself from animals and pests with bug spray and wear long sleeves and pants when outside.
Did you know that more hurricanes hit Texas than any other state but Florida? That is why so much of our attention here at KENS 5 turns to the Gulf to keep watch on developing tropical systems.
Head to KENS5+ where the KENS5 weather team explains more about these deadly storms and how you can prepare in our new “Texas Hurricanes” special. Watch it now on KENS5+, download it on your TV and watch for free.