What You Need in Your Hurricane Go-Bag

This satellite image provided by NOAA on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, shows Hurricane Otis approaching the Pacific coast of Mexico, near Acapulco. Otis is expected to make landfall early Wednesday, and a hurricane warning is in effect from Punta Maldonado to Zihuatanejo. (NOAA via AP)

HOUSTON (KIAH) – Hurricane season is here, and are you ready to weather the storms? Well, CW39 Houston has you covered on hurricane preparedness. Earlier this month, the CW39 Houston weather team put together a special called “Eyes on the Gulf” covering the history of hurricanes and a look at the most important information you’ll need to prepare this year. Chief Meteorologist Adam Krueger is joined by Meteorologists Carrigan Chauvin and Idolina Peralez with more information to keep you and your family safe.

The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management wants to make sure you check all the boxes to prepare in case a hurricane makes landfall near your area. Below are some ways to be ready for anything.

Plan Plan

• Have all important contact information together (including names, phone numbers, addresses, etc.).
• Make sure your phone is FULLY charged. Buy portable chargers in case your phone runs out of battery.
• Find safe areas in your home. Choose areas away from windows (closets, bathrooms).
• Make a plan if you need to evacuate your home.
• If you need to find shelter, call 3-1-1 to find the nearest location.

Prepare your home for the storm

• Install and test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Residents can request a free smoke detector from the Houston Police Department.
• Keep all your belongings (including safes and important documents) in a safe place.
• Teach children how and when to call emergency services.

Practical evacuation plan

• Conduct annual emergency drills in your homes and businesses.
• Replace stored water every three months.
• Replace fire extinguishers if necessary (check manufacturer’s instructions).

Emergency kit

• Store canned foods in a cool, dry place.
• Store canned foods in tightly closed containers.
• Keep your kit up to date by making monthly or annual changes.

With these tools, you and your family should be prepared for the hurricane. For more information on how to report storm damage, visit the City of Houston website.