Hurricane Season is Here
Bishop Police Department
BISHOP, TEXAS - (News Release) Hurricane season began this month and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above-average Atlantic season.
Here's everything you need to know to be prepared this hurricane season.
What's the forecast for hurricane season?
NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 8 to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges.
This increase of activity is largely attributed to warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds and an enhanced west African monsoon. The enhanced west African monsoon supports stronger African Easterly waves, which cause many of the strongest hurricanes.
How to prepare for hurricane season
Home preparation
The National Weather Service recommends the following home preparation tips:
Know the elevation of your home and if you're in a flood or evacuation zone.
• Check mobile home tie-downs for rust and breakage.
• Trim trees and shrubbery and replace broken fencing.
• Inspect the roof for loose shingles. Consider replacing old shingles with new ones rated for hurricane winds.
• Clear clogged rain gutters.
• Reinforce garage doors or replace with a hurricane-tested door.
• Reinforce double entry doors with heavy duty foot and head bolts. Use a security deadbolt with a one inch minimum bolt length.
• Install hurricane shutters, if possible, and inspect existing shutters.
• Use 5/8-inch or greater exterior grade plywood secured by 2 1/2-inch screws to board windows.
• Store lawn furniture and other loose and lightweight objects.
If leaving; turn off natural gas connections and propane tanks, unplug small appliances, empty refrigerator and freezer, turn off utilities, lock home and take pets with you.
If staying; close storm shutters, notify family members of plans, lower swimming pool water level by 1 foot, turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest setting and only open if necessary, stay away from boarded windows, stay in a safe room such as a closet, bathroom or hallway.
Emergency kit
The American Red Cross recommends having these items in your hurricane supply kit:
• At least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
• One gallon of water per person per day is recommended.
• Battery-powered portable television or radio with extra batteries.
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• First Aid kit.
• Sanitation and hygiene items such as instant hand sanitizing gel, moist towelettes, toilet paper and feminine hygiene products.
• Phone car charger.
• Whistle.
• Kitchen accessories, cooking utensils, and a manual can opener.
• Cash.
• Extra clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags.
• Matches in a waterproof container.
• Photocopies of identification, insurance, prescriptions, household inventory, credit / debit cards and your latest utility bill.
• Photocopies of all other important documents such as birth/marriage certificates and titles. Also, upload key documents to a cloud storage system or save on a thumb drive or other device.
• Prescription medications, eyeglasses, contact lens solution and hearing aid batteries.
• Formula, baby food, diapers and pacifiers.
• A good map showing county roads and highways.
• Tire repair kit, booster cables, air pump and flares.
• White distress flag.
• Toys and games for children.
• List of family phone numbers and addresses outside the area.
Insurance tips
Before the storm:
Make sure you understand what's covered and excluded in your policy, and that your coverage can replace your home and contents. Find out if your policy covers temporary living expenses in case your home is unlivable due to damage. Prepare a written or photographed inventory of your belongings and keep in a safe place with your policy.
After the storm:
Photograph or video damaged property and make a list of damaged or lost items.
DO NOT throw out damaged property before your adjuster inspects the debris.
Keep an accurate record of temporary repair and living expenses.
What about furry friends?
For those with pets, it's important to prepare and pack a variety of items that will ensure the health and safety of your animals during an extreme weather event.
Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are current and have proof they are current.
DO NOT assume that a public shelter or hotel will accept your pet.
Have a current photo of your pet.
Each animal should have a pet carrier large enough for the animal to stand up and turn around.
Enough food and bottled water for the duration of your evacuation.
DO NOT let your pet eat food or drink water from outside that may have become contaminated.
Any medications, a muzzle, collar, leash, paper towels and trash bags.
Make sure your pet has a proper ID collar.
What if I am elderly or have mobility issues or will need assistance diring evacuation?
If you will need assistance in case of an emergency evacuation, it is very important you register now with the State of Texas Emergency Registry Register (STEAR). Once registered the information is shared with state and local first responders to assist you in an emergency evacuation.
Please click on the STEAR link below to register yourself or a family member: