hurric ane season 200 7 are you prep ared? - gulf · pdf filea n d p rep a ra tio n a re co m...

HURRICANE SEASON 2007 ARE YOU PREPARED?

BRAZORIA COUNTY


BRAZORIA COUNTY


BRAZORIA COUNTY1 2

We’re Here to Help.

211 Registry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Evacuation HUBS in Brazoria County. . . . . . . . 4

Evacuation Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Evacuation Zones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Animal Evacuations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Public Shelters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Prepare Your Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Prepare Your Vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Hurricane Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Family Disaster Supply Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Hurricane Tracking Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

City Communication Information . . . . . . . . . .12

Dear Brazoria County Citizens,

Brazoria County and the cities in Brazoria County have

joined together in a public awareness campaign on Hurricane

Preparedness. We are providing this brochure to ensure that

all residents in Brazoria County are prepared in the event of a

weather emergency.

Hurricanes can cause massive property damage and loss of

life. History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness

and preparation are common threads among all major

hurricane disasters.

Preparedness is the key to protecting your family and property.

Please don’t have a false sense of security believing that “It won’t

happen to me.” Don’t be a casualty of our next hurricane.

By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take,

you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

Make your plans now. By doing so, you will ensure that you and

your family will survive any hurricane that may threaten our area.

Sincerely,

Brazoria County Emergency Management Coordinators

Doc Adams, Brazoria County Emergency Management—Joyce Hawkins, Pearland Fire Marshal’s Office—Mike Jones, Angleton Police Department—Kim Knapp, Lake Jackson City

Manager’s Office—Terry Lucas, Alvin Police Department—Gloria Luna, United Way of Brazoria County—Jason Perez, Angleton City Council—Bill Ray, Homeland Preparedness Project

Table of Contents

BRAZORIA COUNTY

This booklet contains vital information to assist you through hurricane season. It is strongly recommended that you keep this guide readily available throughout the season and by your side during an evacuation.


BRAZORIA COUNTY


BRAZORIA COUNTY

DIAL 2-1-1 TO REGISTER FOR A RIDEBrazoria County resident - If you have special health care or transportation needs, you need to make extra efforts to get ready for hurricane season. Remember, hurricane season officially begins June 1 and continues through November 30.

Operators answering the phones at 2-1-1 are prepared to help you register for transportation and special assistance now, before hurricane season begins.

If you have special health care needs, register by dialing 2-1-1: Gulf coast residents with special health care needs (including those who are disabled or medically fragile) who live in evacuation zones and do not have friends or family to help in an evacuation should register for a ride in advance by dialing 2-1-1. The 2-1-1 registry must be dialed IN ADVANCE. Do not wait until a storm is in the Gulf to register for assistance. This service is for people who cannot drive themselves or make transportation arrangements.

If you need transportation, register with 2-1-1: If you do not have a car or other vehicle, and you cannot get a ride with friends, neighbors or family, register IN ADVANCE for a ride by dialing 2-1-1.

In the event of an evacuation, individuals who have registered with 2-1-1, will need to meet at an evacuation HUB.

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WHAT IS A HUB?A HUB is a meeting location for residents who have registered with 2-1-1 for public transportation or any individuals needing public transportation during a mandatory evacuation. At this location, residents will be checked in and bused to public shelters in Belton Texas.

Evacuation HUBS in Brazoria County

WEST COLUMBIAColumbia High School521 South 16th StreetWest Columbia, TX

ALVINAlvin ISD Transportation Center2780 SH 6Alvin, TX

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?• You MUST bring your driver’s license or state issued picture ID• No more than two carry-on bags per person• No more than one household pet per family (see guidelines/restrictions under Animal Evacuations)

Brazoria County has been divided into three HUBS. If you need public transportation during an evacuation, you will need to get to one of these HUBS.

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ANGLETONAngleton Middle School 1001 West MulberyAngleton, TX

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2-1-1 Registry

Evacuation Destination:

EXPO CENTER

301 West Loop 121Belton, Texas 76513


BRAZORIA COUNTY


BRAZORIA COUNTY

Evacuation PlansHOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO EVACUATE?Mandatory evacuation orders will come from your local officials. Evacuations will be based on zip codes. When that call comes, you need to be prepared to leave immediately.

See pages 12 - 14 for specific information pertaining to your city’s communication of recommended evacuations.

SHOULD I EVACUATE?Local officials make decisions to evacuate 36 to 48 hours before a storm makes landfall. Hurricanes are extremely unpredictable and can become much more dangerous in a matter of hours. It is NOT safe to wait. Plan to LEAVE EARLY.

Should you choose to stay, please remember there are NO SHELTERS in Brazoria County. Also, please know that emergency crews will be unable to assist you during the storm.

WHERE SHOULD I GO?You may evacuate to any city you choose. Brazoria County residents have been assigned Belton, Texas for public shelters. If you do not have hotel reservations or family you can stay with, you may evacuate to the public shelters.

WHAT ROUTE SHOULD I TAKE?There are no mandatory routes you must take when evacuating from your city. In fact there are several different routes you may take. When weather is good, take your family on an outing to check routes and become familiar with roadways.

Please know that the State will be providing gas, water, and food on all designated evacuation routes (SH 36, SH 288, SH 6, I 45, 290). If you choose to take an alternate route, essentials services such as food, fuel, etc. are not guaranteed.

WHEN EVACUATING YOU SHOULD:• Coordinate your departure with the people who will be traveling with you. Notify an out-of-area person of your evacuation plans.• Make arrangements for your pets.• Pack your disaster supplies kit into your vehicle. • Secure your home.• Double check your evacuation route and leave.

It is NOT safe to wait.

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HURRICANE SEASON 2007 ARE YOU PREPARED? HURRICANE SEASON 2007 ARE YOU PREPARED?•

Evacuation Zones

FUEL• Motorists should fill their tanks before evacuating. • TxDOT has worked with the private sector (Texas Oil and Gas Association and the Texas Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association) to assure maximum-possible fuel availability during an evacuation. • Should fuel supplies become low, evacuees should look for TxDOT signs indicating key fuel locations. • TxDOT courtesy vehicles will be patrolling major evacuation routes.

KEY TELEPHONE NUMBERS• The number to call for ROAD CONDITIONS on state highways is 1-800-452-9292. • If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.

EVACUATING TIPS • Keep your vehicle in good repair with at least a half a tank of fuel.• Check on friends and neighbors who may have special needs.• Prepare your disaster supplies kit NOW and take it with you when you evacuate. (see page 10 for kit ideas)• Secure your home quickly; evacuate when asked to do so.

I DON’T WANT TO EVACUATE!Please know if you choose to stay during a major hurricane, there will be NO SERVICES available to you. Hospitals will close, ambulances will not run, and police and fire cannot respond until the storm passes.

WHEN SHOULD I RETURN?• Please contact your city’s emergency management coordinator’s office or the county’s emergency manager’s office before returning. These numbers can be found on pages 12 thru 14.

• Do not venture onto roads until you have been advised that they are passable and safe.

• TxDOT will post staggered re-entry maps on TexasOnline.com

Mandatory Evacuations will be based on zip codes. Be prepared to leave immediately as your zone is called.


BRAZORIA COUNTY


BRAZORIA COUNTY

Prepare Your HomeHere are some steps you can take to protect your property BEFORE A STORM HITS:• Find out the elevation of your property and check floodplain maps. • Check your insurance coverage. Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover flood damage. • Learn about the National Flood Insurance Program. • Find out if your home meets current building code requirements for high winds. Structures that meet current high-wind provisions have a better chance of surviving violent windstorms. • Install commercial shutters or prepare 5/8 inch plywood panels for your windows. • Garage doors are frequently the first feature in a home to fail. Reinforce garage doors so that they are able to withstand high winds. • Assess your property to ensure that landscaping and trees do not become a wind hazard. Trim all dead wood, and weak branches or overhanging branches from all trees. Certain trees and bushes are vulnerable to high winds and any dead tree near a home is a hazard. • Move outside items to safety, such as patio furniture, plants and grills. • Put valuable documents in waterproof containers and take them with you when you evacuate. • Turn off electricity at the main circuit breaker or fuse box to protect appliances from power surges and reduce the risk of live dangling wires after the storm. • If the house is supplied with natural or propane gas, turn it off at the meter or tank. • Remove perishable items from your refrigerator and freezer if you evacuate. • Make a final walk-through inspection before closing the door.

Prepare Yourself.

Prepare Your Vehicle• Fill up with fuel before you leave town. It’s smart to keep your tank at least half full during hurricane season. • Check your vehicle’s fluid levels and ensure there is adequate coolant in the radiator. • Don’t forget your tires. Check for proper air pressure because hot road surfaces are rough on tires. Be sure that your spare tire has air and that you have the proper equipment to change your tire. Ensure you have a jack and lug wrench in your vehicle and know where they are in the vehicle. Your owner’s manual should have instructions for changing tires and flats. • Make sure to carry water and non-perishable food; enough for you and your passengers in case you become stranded. • If you are stranded, stay with your vehicles and use emergency flashers. Tie a white cloth on the antenna or door handle and raise the hood. • Have a working flashlight and extra batteries in your vehicle.

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Animal EvacuationsThe inland shelter locations will be equipped to shelter most animals of all types. Currently there is not a limit on the number of animals that you may bring to shelter as long as you are transporting them with your own vehicle. All animals must be housed in a sturdy plastic or metal cage.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND ANIMAL EVACUATIONSIf you are utilizing public transportation at a HUB location, there are several provisions that must be followed. These rules are imposed to ensure the safety of everyone and will be enforced without exception.• Dogs and cats are the only type of animals permitted. No reptiles, farm animals or the sort will be allowed.• Only one animal per person will be allowed on the bus. If you feel you MUST take more than one animal, please contact your city’s local emergency manager BEFORE an evacuation is called.• All animals MUST be transported and housed in a sturdy plastic or metal cage/transport device. No cardboard or partly enclosed devices will be allowed.• Animals must remain secured in the travel device at ALL TIMES while on the bus.• All animals must have current shot records.• Animal owners are responsible for supplying food and water for their animals.

WILL MY PET RIDE WITH ME?The director of each HUB will be responsible for determining the mode of transportation for animals at their HUB. Please know that some residents traveling on the bus have pet allergies, so the animals may need to be transported separately. We do ask for your patience and understanding in this matter.

Public SheltersIF I PLAN ON GOING TO A PUBLIC SHELTER, WHAT ADDITIONAL ITEMS SHOULD I TAKE? Public shelters are basic facilities that provide temporary housing for evacuees. Most shelters do not have beds or cots, so you will probably be sleeping on the floor. So pack as if you were going camping. Bring: • Sleeping pads or air mattresses • Blankets or a sleeping bag for each person • Robe & shower shoes • Books, cards, games and QUIET toys for children

WHAT SHOULD I NOT TAKE TO A PUBLIC SHELTER? Alcoholic beverages, weapons, and illegal drugs are not allowed in public shelters.

SHOULD I CARRY FOOD AND DRINKS IN MY CAR? Stopping for food or drinks during a large-scale evacuation may significantly delay you in getting to your destination. Some restaurants and stores along hurricane routes may be closed and those that are open are likely to be very crowded. Additionally, once you leave the evacuation route to purchase food or drinks, it may be difficult to re-enter the flow of traffic.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP OTHERS? Check on friends and neighbors to make sure they have transportation or to see if they need help in getting essential items together so they can be ready to evacuate. Assist them if you can. If you cannot, help them get in touch with the local emergency management office.


BRAZORIA COUNTY


BRAZORIA COUNTY9 10

HURRICANE HAZARDS COME IN MANY FORMS:STORM SURGEStorm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more.

TORNADOESHurricanes can also produce tornadoes that add to the storm’s destructive power. Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane. However, they are also often found elsewhere embedded in the rainbands, well away from the center of the hurricane.

Some hurricanes seem to produce no tornadoes, while others develop many.

FLOODINGWhile storm surge is always a potential threat, more people have died from inland flooding in the last 30 years. Intense rainfall is not directly related to the wind speed of tropical cyclones. In fact, some of the greatest rainfall amounts occur from weaker storms that drift slowly or stall over an area. Inland flooding can be a major threat to communities hundreds of miles from the coast as intense rain falls from these huge tropical air masses.

HIGH WINDSThe intensity of a landfalling hurricane is expressed in terms of categories that relate wind speeds and potential damage.

SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE

Tropical Storm — winds 39-73 mphCategory 1 Hurricane — winds 74-95 mph Category 2 Hurricane — winds 96-110 mph Category 3 Hurricane — winds 111-130 mphCategory 4 Hurricane — winds 131-155 mphCategory 5 Hurricane — winds 156 mph and up

ESSENTIALS:• Battery-operated radio• Flashlight• Extra Batteries• First Aid Kit (one for your home and one for each car)

- Do not include candles. Candles cause more fires after a disaster than anything else.

WATER:• 3 gallons per person, minimum, in a food-grade, plastic container• Additional water for sanitation

FOOD:• Minimum 3-day supply of non- perishable food that requires no refrigeration or preparation and little or no water• Dry cereal • Peanut butter• Canned fruits • Canned vegetables• Canned Juice • Ready-to-eat canned meats• Ready-to-eat soups (not concentrated) • Quick energy snacks, graham crackers

Family Disaster Supply Kit

SANITATION:• Disinfectant • Household chlorine bleach• Soap, liquid detergent • Toilet paper, towelettes, paper towels • Personal hygiene items • Cloth towels (at least 3)• Feminine supplies • Plastic bucket with tight lid• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation use)

CLOTHING & BEDDING:• Sunglasses • Rain gear• Sturdy shoes or work boots • Blankets or sleeping bags • Complete change of clothing and footwear per person

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES• Whistle • Aluminum Foil• Crowbar • Compass• Paper, Pencil • Plastic sheeting• Medicine dropper • Needles, thread• Signal Flare • Matches in a waterproof container• Assorted nails, wood screws • Pliers, screwdriver, hammer• Plastic storage containers • Heavy cotton or hemp rope• Cash, traveler’s checks, change• Map of the area • Non-electric can opener, utility knife • Charged cell phone battery • Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils• Tape, duct tape and plumber’s tape or strap iron• Patch kit and can of seal-in-air for tires• Shut off wrench, to turn off household gas & water

FOR BABY:• Formula • Diapers• Bottles • Medication• Powdered milk • Baby food

Make sure you have your vehicles’ oil and fuel levels checked regularly during hurricane season!

FOR PETS:• Food, water• Non-tippable food and water containers • Leash, harness or carrier• Records of vaccinations

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS:• Important telephone numbers• Record of bank account numbers• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates) • Inventory of household valuables• Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stock and bonds• Records of credit card account numbers and companies• Copy of passport, social security cards, and immunization records

FAMILY MEDICAL NEEDS:• Insulin • Prescription drugs• Heart and high blood pressure needs• Denture needs• Extra eye glasses• Contact lenses and supplies

ENTERTAINMENT:• Games & booksYOU MAY WANT TO INCLUDE: Family photos, jewelry and select irreplaceable personal items.

Keep a small bag packed including a minimum of these items:• Personal sized bottled water (one for each family member - don’t forget your pets)• Dry snacks• One complete change of clothing and footwear per person• Cash, traveler’s checks and/or Credit cards, enough for food gas and lodging.• Important documents • Medications• Maps (evacuation routes and shelters)• For Baby: formula, diapers, bottles, medication and powdered milk.• For Pets: food, leash, harness, carrier, non-tippable food and water containers• It’s a good idea to have some travel games or books for the kids

Hurricane Hazards Hurricane Hazards


BRAZORIA COUNTY


BRAZORIA COUNTY

BRAZORIA COUNTY

Brazoria CountyEmergency Management

Doc AdamsEmergency Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 979-864-1064 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 979-388-1064 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 979-756-1064

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COUNTY AND CITY COMMUNICATION INFORMATION

If your city is not listed on the following pages contact Brazoria County Emergency Management.

If you can not get in touch with your local city emergency manager contact Brazoria County Emergency management.

The most up to date information available is provided by your local city and county

emergency management coordinators.

These are the lines of communication and your guide to emergency information and community planning. Call your local information providers listed if you have

questions regarding hurricane preparedness.


BRAZORIA COUNTY


BRAZORIA COUNTY

PEARLANDRoland GarciaEmergency Manager . . . . . 281-652-1950

Emergency Management . . 281-652-1960

City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..281-652-1600

Tom Reid, MayorBill Eisen, City Manager

Police Department . . . . . . . 281-652-1100

Cable Access Channel . . . . . .Channel 16

Website: www.cityofpearland.com OR cityofpearland.org

Glenn PattonEmergency Manager . . . . . 979-265-8157

City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 979-265-2082

Website: http://richwood.govoffice.com

RICHWOOD

SURFSIDE

Chief William R. Smith . . . . 979-239-1151

Mayor James Bedward . . . 979-239-1151

City Secretary’s Office . . . . 979-233-1531

Website: www.surfside.org

SWEENY

Chief Gary StroudEmergency Manager . . . . . 979-548-3111

Emergency Information . . . 979-548-3330

Website: www.sweenypolice.org

WEST COLUMBIA

Steve Alongis Emergency Manager . . . . . 979-233-0848

QUINTANA

FREEPORT

John StanfordEmergency Manager . . . . .979-233-know (5669)

City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .979-233-3526

Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 979-239-1211

James W. Phillips, MayorRon Bottoms, City Manager

Website: www.freeport.tx.us

Brazosport ISD . . . . . . . . . .979-730-7000

DANBURY

JONES CREEK

LAKE JACKSONWilliam YenneEmergency Manager . . . . . 979-415-2500

City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 979-415-2400

Emergency Operation Center. . 979-297-6753


Website: www.ci.lake-jackson.tx.us

Cable Access Channel . . . . . . Channel 16

Brazosport ISD . . . . . . . . . . 979-730-7000www.brazosportisd.net

LIVERPOOL

MANVEL

Mike Peters, MayorEmergency Manager . . . . . 281-581-2233

Judy DunbarCity Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . 281-581-2233

City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-581-2233

Myles HopkinsPolice Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-393-1381

Tomy GrupeFire Marshal . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-393-1381

Police Dispatch. . . . . . . . . . 281-331-9000

OYSTER CREEKEmergency Manager . . . . . 979-233-8481


Public Works. . . . . . . . . . . . 979-233-0243

City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 979-233-0243

Mayor’s Office . . . . . . . . . . 979-233-0243

Fire Department . . . . . . . . . 979-233-2630

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COUNTY AND CITY COMMUNICATION INFORMATIONCOUNTY AND CITY COMMUNICATION INFORMATION

Harvey DannhausEmergency Manager . . . . . 979-233-1724

Howard “Bubba” RapeMarshal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 979-233-3091


City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 979-233-2700

Richard StoneEmergency Manager

City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .979-922-1551

Danbury ISD: www.danbury.isd.esc4.net

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Chief Donald FairrelEmergency Manager . . . . . 979-345-5121

City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 979-345-3123

BROOKSIDE

CLUTE

Chief Ray TrevinoEmergency Manager . . . . .281-850-0219

City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281-485-4844Email: [email protected]

Dennis SmithEmergency Manager . . . . . 979-265-2541

Clute City Hall. . . . . . . . . . . 979-265-2541

Mark WickerChief of Police . . . . . . . . . . 979-265-6194

Calvin ShifleMayor’s Office . . . . . . . . . . 979-265-2541

Belva Bricker211 Coordinator . . . . . . . . . 979-265-2541

Website: www.ci.clute.tx.us

Brazosport ISD . . . . . . . . . 979-730-7000

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Marcus RabrenEmergency Manager . . . . . 979-482-0402

City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 979-798-2489

Teresa BordersCity Manager . . . . . . . . . . 979-798-2489

24 hr Emergency Info. line . . 979-798-4636

ALVINTerry Lucas Emergency Manager . . . . . 281-585-7107

City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-388-4200

Public Works. . . . . . . . . . . . 281-388-4283

Paul HornCity Manager’s Office . . . . . 281-388-4230

Gary Appelt Mayor’s Office . . . . . . . . . . 281-388-4275

Cable Access Channel . . . . . .Channel 16

Website: www.alvin.tx.citygovt.org

Alvin ISD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-388-1130

Mike JonesEmergency Manager . . . . . 979-849-2383

City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 979-849-4364

City Manager’s Office . . . . . 979-849-4364

Mayor’s Office . . . . . . . . . . 979-849-4364

Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 979-849-1265

Website: www.angleton.tx.us

Angleton ISD . . . . . . . . . . . 979-849-8594

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David SmithEmergency Manager . . . . . 281-814-3233

David Ferguson, EMS . . . . 281-489-6144

Steve DelbelloFire Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-692-0279

Ralph GarciaPolice Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . 281-489-1212

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BRAZORIA COUNTY

Thank you to our sponsorsBASF Corporation - Equistar, a Lyondell Company

Freeport LNG - Texas Excavation Safety System - United Way

Alvin - Angleton - Brazoria - Brazoria County - Brookside - Clute - Danbury Freeport - Jones Creek - Lake Jackson - Liverpool - Manvel - Oyster Creek

Pearland - Quintana -Richwood -Surfside - Sweeny - West Columbia

For additional copies contact United Way of Brazoria County at 1-800-971-6677

hurric ane season 200 7 are you prep ared? - gulf · pdf filea n d p rep a ra tio n a re co m...

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