It is vital for your family/household to have a plan in place. Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes. You must know how to contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing these questions:
How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- Montgomery County residents can receive emergency alerts and notifications by signing up for ALERT MCTX.
- Residents also are strongly encouraged to download the READYMCTX for Android or Iphone.
What is my family/household communication plan?
- Download the Family Plan fillable PDF here.
- Make sure everyone in your family/household carries a copy of the completed form in his or her backpack, purse or wallet.
Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.
As you prepare, tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets and specific needs such as the operation of durable medical equipment.
Keep in mind these factors when developing your plan:
- Different ages of members within your household
- Responsibilities for assisting others
- Locations frequented
- Dietary needs
- Medical needs, including prescriptions and equipment
- Disabilities or access and functional needs, including devices and equipment
- Languages spoken
- Cultural and religious considerations
- Pets or service animals
- Households with school-aged children
Step 3: Stock up on emergency supplies.
- You might be without power and drinkable water for an undetermined amount of time during and after the storm. It is important to at least, have these items:
- Seven-day supply of water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Seven-day supply of non-perishable food (for each family member)
- Manual can opener
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Personal ID
- Camp stove with fuel or other nonelectric cooking device
- Cell phones & portable chargers
- Map of your area and list of emergency shelters
- First Aid Kit with manual
- Cash
- Download the Montgomery County full Emergency Supply Kit check list here.
Home Preparation Tips
- Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of diseased and dead wood,
- Cover all large windows and patio doors with securely fastened storm shutters made from 5/8″ thick plywood or greater
- Secure doors using a security deadbolt lock with 1″ minimum bolt throw length.
- Fill available gasoline containers, keep them full until the end of the hurricane season.
- Bring outdoor furniture, toys, garbage cans, potted plants, garden tools, etc. inside.
