I got an e-mail from my Congressman today, with a Hurricane Checklist. It's nice to be remembered in non-election years. If you are ever in the Houston area during a hurricane, this is what you need to know.
================
Dear Friend,
With hurricane season upon us, it is crucial to take every step possible to ensure that we are prepared for any possibility. Below is an EMERGENCY CHECKLIST you can use to prepare and protect your family, as well as EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION for District 22. Please make sure to print this vital inforamtion and forward to your friends and family. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call my offices in Stafford (281-240-3700) or Clear Lake (281-461-6300).
Additionally, anyone with special needs living in an evacuation zone, especially those without transportation, should call 211 immediately to register with local officials. This will help to ensure adequate space on buses and in shelters in the case of an evacuation. Please do not wait until there is a storm in the Gulf to register. Call 211 today!
Together we can keep our communities safe no matter what the winds may bring.
Sincerely,

NICK LAMPSON
Member of Congress
Congressman Lampson’s Hurricane Checklist
To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:
SECURE YOUR PROPERTY:

• Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows.
  A second option is to board up windows with 5/8"
  marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
  • (Tape does not prevent windows from breaking!)
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten
  your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce
  roof damage.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are
  well trimmed.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters
  and downspouts.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat or RV.
• Consider building a "safe room."
• Make sure you have copies of insurance papers and other important documents in weather-proof containers.

**
IF A HURRICANE IN YOUR AREA IS IMMINENT:

• Listen to the radio or TV for information
• Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure
  outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise,
  turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting
  and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
• Moor your boat if time permits.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such
  as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and
  other large containers with water.

**
EVACUATE ONLY UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

• If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
• If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well secured.
• If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
• If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
• If you feel you are in danger.
• Be sure to stick to your designated evacuation routes!
• Bring your important documents including insurance papers, birth certificates, etc.

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO EVACUATE:

• Go to your safe room.
  • If you do not have one, take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
• Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed.
• Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
• Do not be fooled if there is a lull!
  • (It could be the eye of the storm and winds will pick up again)

**
EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT:

• Keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own, or shelter in place, for at least three days.
  • Keep these materials in an easily accessible, separate container or special cupboard.
• Include:
  • One gallon of drinking water per person per day
  • Non-perishable, ready-to-eat canned foods and manual can opener
  • A first aid kit
  • A flashlight
  • A battery-operated AM/FM radio, NOAA All-hazards radio, and extra batteries
  • A whistle
  • Iodine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach (for disinfecting water ONLY if directed to do so by health officials) and eyedropper (for adding bleach to water)
  • Personal hygiene items: soap, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.
  • A phone that does not rely on electricity.
  • Child care supplies or other special care items

Congressional District 22 Emergency Contact Information:
**Gather personal contact information for your doctors, insurance agents, family and friends and keep with other important documents in weather-proof containers. **
Red Cross Greater Houston Area Chapter
2700 Southwest Freeway
P.O. Box 397
Houston, TX 77001-0397
713-526-8300
Harris County
Office of Homeland Security
& Emergency Management
6922 Old Katy Road
Houston, TX 77024
713-881-3100
Fort Bend County
Office of Emergency Management
307 Fort Street
Richmond, TX 77469-7728
281-342-6185
Galveston County
Office of Emergency Management
1353 FM 646 West, Suite 201
Dickinson, TX 77539
Main Number: 281-309-5002
Toll-free / 24-Hour On-call: 888-384-2000
Brazoria County
Office of Emergency Management
111 E. Locust, Suite 102
Angleton, TX 77515
979-864-1801
Price Gouging Contact Information:
Office of the Texas Attorney General
PO Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711-2548
Consumer Hotline: 1-800-621-050

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Many of the items on this list also is useful is you live in an area that is subject to other disasters (tornadoes, earthquakes, etc.). Phone books in our area often have this kind of info in the front. And many of the local TV stations will publicize that you can find the info on their websites. But it's great that public servants are also providing this info -- the more times you're informed, the better.

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