Be Prepared for Hurricane Season 2012

It is time to prepare yourself for the 2012 hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1, 2012, and lasts until November 30, 2012.

We always hope for the best, but prepare for the worst during this time of year. We have been lucky over the past few years, but it remains important for you and your family to stay vigilant and prepare for and evacuate if a hurricane is approaching your area.

Prepare yourself with an emergency supply kit; make a plan on how to communicate with family and friends in the event a disaster strikes; be aware of evacuation routes if you live in an "evacuation zone;" and stay informed of the weather forecast during hurricane season.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has put together a recommended emergency supply kit including at least the following items:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for both drinking and sanitation
• Non-perishable food items
• Can opener
• Battery-powered flashlights
• Battery-powered radio
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask
• Plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Moist towelettes
• Garbage bags
• Tool kit

Please contact either my Corpus Christi (361-884-2222) or Brownsville (956-544-8800) office if you need assistance.  

Emergency Contact Information
Visit the websites below to help prepare for the 2012 hurricane season.

Federal Government websites:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency
U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service Forecast Office (Houston/Galveston)
National Weather Service Forecast Office (Brownsville)
National Weather Service Forecast Office (Corpus Christi)
www.weather.gov
www.ready.gov/america/index.html 

State of Texas websites: 
Governor’s Office
Texas Department of Public Safety
Texas Division of Emergency Management

County-specific websites:
Cameron County:
Emergency Management, (956)-547-7000,
Sheriff, (956)-554-6700

Kenedy County:
Emergency Management, (361)-294-5205,
Sheriff, (361)-294-5205

Kleberg County:
Emergency Management, (361)-595-8527,
Sheriff, (361)-595-8500

Nueces County:
Emergency Management, (361)-826-1100,
Sheriff, (361)-826-2900

San Patricio County:
Emergency Management, (361)-364-9650,
Sheriff, (361)-364-9600

Willacy County:
Emergency Management, (956)-689-5456,
Sheriff, (956)-689-5576