Bohac Urges Hurricane Preparedness

HOUSTON, TEXAS—The 2010 Hurricane Season began on June 1st and experts predict that coastal residents could face increased activity. State Representative Dwayne Bohac (R-Houston) urges residents of the Gulf Coast to be prepared should a storm hit the area.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center forecasts that eight to fourteen hurricanes will form during this hurricane season. Three to seven of those hurricanes could be major storms that reach Category 3 or higher. A Category 3 hurricane has sustained winds of 111-130 miles per hour. Categories range from 1 to 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale that measures hurricane intensity. In 2008, Hurricane Ike hit the Texas Gulf Coast as a strong Category 2 with a storm surge equivalent to a Category 5.

“2010 is predicted to be a very active year for hurricanes. We have all seen the devastation that a powerful storm can leave behind, and now is the time to get prepared,” said Bohac. “The last time NOAA made this type of prediction was in 2005, the same year the Gulf Coast was battered by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.”

“Being prepared is essential during hurricane season,” Bohac continued. “When Hurricane Ike hit in 2008, we found that many families were not prepared and did not have emergency provisions. I am urging all families to make sure they have all the essential materials in their homes, or know the appropriate evacuation routes should one be ordered.”

To further protect Texans against future hurricanes, Bohac helped pass Senate Bill 361 during the last legislative session that requires that water districts have an emergency preparedness plan for services following a natural disaster. In short, water districts are now required to have backup generators in place to ensure that water continues to flow even in an extended black out, which could occur during a hurricane.

Bohac also encourages Harris County residents to visit the Harris County Homeland Security and Emergency Management website to educated themselves on what to do in the event of a hurricane www.hcoem.com. Coastal residents can also visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency website to learn more.

Below is a checklist of supplies that are critical to any hurricane survival kit:

• Non- perishable food
• Bottled water: 1 gallon per day per person for 14 days
• Manual can opener
• Flashlight (1 per person)
• Portable battery powered lanterns
• Identification documents
• Money
• Glass enclosed candles
• Battery powered radio or TV
• Extra batteries
• Ice chest and ice
• First Aid Kit-including aspirin, antibiotic cream, and antacids
• Mosquito repellent
• Sun screen (45 SPF recommended)
• Waterproof matches/butane lighter
• Plain bleach or water purification tablets
• Disposable plates, glasses, and utensils
• Cooking supplies
• Personal supplies, including prescription information
• Baby supplies, including diapers and formula
• Pet supplies