As we head i
nto the end of hurricane season, it’s important not to let our guard down as we’re now in the peak of hurricane season which runs through November 30. Several months into hurricane season many of us have likely borrowed from our hurricane supplies or forgotten where we put important papers and items that might be needed in case of evacuation. Now’s the time for a little mid-season check-up to make sure you’re ready should a storm come our way. The American Red Cross recommends creating a “Go Kit” with 3 days’ worth of supplies to carry with you in case of evacuation and a “Stay at Home Kit” containing two weeks of supplies. Supplies should include:
– Water – 1 gallon per person, per day
– Non-perishable, easy to prepare food
– Flashlight
– Battery-powered or hand crank radio
– Extra batteries
– First Aid Kit
– Medications (7-day supply)
– Multi-purpose tool
– Sanitation and personal hygiene items
– Copies of pertinent documents (identification cards, birth certificates, insurance policies, medication lists, medical history, deed/lease to home, passports, etc)
– Cell phone with portable charger
– Family and emergency contact information
– Extra cash
– Emergency blanket
– Maps of the area
– Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit as needed:
1. Medical Supplies (glasses, syringes, hearing aids with extra batteries, etc)
2. Baby Supplies (bottles, formula, diapers, etc)
3. Games and activities to fight boredom
4. Pet Supplies (food, collar, leash, carrier/crate, bowl, etc)
5. Two-way radios
6. Generator
7. Fans and cooling towels to deal with the heat
In addition to stocking your supplies, it’s crucial to revisit emergency plans with family/friends, the website https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes has great resources for helping to develop your plan. Plan ahead to make sure you know in the case of evacuation where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay. 
If you can’t imagine living without power, water, gas, phone , or internet for an extended period of time, you may want to consider evacuating well in advance of a storm. Additionally, if you need daily help, it is wise to ride out the storm with family/friends who can deliver that assistance. Hired caregivers may not be able to reach you for an extended period of time after a major hurricane and you will need to be prepared to meet your own needs until it is safe for staff to return to you. Anyone who may need assistance during times of emergency is encouraged to register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry far in advance of any emergency. This is a free registry that provides local emergency planners and emergency responders with information on your needs in an emergency. You can register by phone at 211 or online at https://stear.tdem.texas.gov. If you’re already registered, make sure to update your registration annually!
STACEY WELFEL, PT, CFPS
Director of Training & Compliance
Mrs. Welfel serves as Director of Training and Compliance. She has more than 15 years of clinical experience as a neurological physical therapist, most of which was spent working with catastrophic rehab clients at TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital. She currently works as a physical therapist and clinical coordinator for Rehab Without Walls, a unique rehabilitation concept providing patients with neurological injuries the functional skills necessary to return to their home and community.
