13 Hurricane Preparedness Hacks Texans Swear By

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

August 26, 2020

By Jennifer Miko

As Hurricane Laura gains strength in the Gulf of Mexico, Katy residents keep a watchful eye for any possible shifts in the storm’s track. Areas outside of the hurricane’s projected path could still experience high, damaging winds, and extensive power outages. Residents should prepare now, using these helpful tips.

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has already proved to be quite active, with 12 named storms so far. Here are some suggestions from the Katy Magazine editors, and Facebook contributors, for preparing for Hurricane Laura and any severe weather targeting the area.

1. Stock up on trash bags, ice, water bottles, lanterns, batteries, flashlights, and wipes.

2. Back cars into the driveway. If the streets flood, the tail pipes won’t be in the water.

3. Invest in a generator and have gas on hand to power it.

4. Stock up on propane and charcoal for the grill.

5. Put water bottles in the freezer.

6. Fill bathtubs with water to use for flushing the toilet.

7. Place frozen foods in garbage bags. If the power goes out for a long period of time,

cleaning out the freezer will be much easier.

8. Put ice in the washing machine and use it as a cooler.

9. Bring outdoor solar lights inside to use instead of candles if the power goes out.

10. Freeze a cup of water, put a penny on top, and place it in the freezer. If the power goes out and the penny sinks to the bottom, throw everything away.

11. Prepare a safe place at the interior of the home, with no windows (closet or bathroom) with blankets and pillows, snacks and a small cooler for waters.

12. Fill containers with water and put them in the freezer.

13. Put wet towels in the freezer now, if the power goes out, they provide cooling comfort.

At the time of this publication, the National Hurricane Center anticipates Hurricane Laura will increase to a Category 4. The system is projected to make landfall overnight near the Texas/Louisiana border and veer off to the north and east. A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the Houston area as the Category 3 nears the Texas coast.

For more information about Hurricane Laura, visit the National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration website.