Officials Urge Residents to Prepare Ahead of Hurricane Season
Staff Report
EDINBURG TX – As hurricane season approaches, emergency management officials are urging residents to take early action to protect their families and property from potential storms.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends that households develop evacuation plans, assemble disaster supply kits, review insurance policies, and take steps to strengthen their homes. Experts emphasize that the best time to prepare is before a storm is on the horizon.
Key steps include:
- Creating an evacuation plan in case local authorities issue an order to leave.
- Assembling disaster supplies such as non-perishable food, water, batteries, phone chargers, a radio, and cash.
- Reviewing insurance coverage, especially flood insurance, which typically has a 30-day waiting period.
- Documenting possessions for claims purposes.
- Establishing a communication plan with a hand-written list of emergency contacts.
- Reinforcing the home by securing windows, doors, and roofing materials.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through trusted sources such as weather.gov/hurricane and local emergency management offices.
Source – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).