DPS Hurricane preparation checklist

Information from the Texas Department of Public Safety Governor's Division of Emergency Management:

When there's a hurricane or tropical storm in the Gulf, it's a good idea to check your emergency supply kit and review your family plans for emergencies. Monitor broadcasts and listen to instructions from local officials. Having emergency supplies in easy-to-carry containers will serve you well, no matter what kind of natural or man made emergency you may face.

Use this checklist:

>> First-aid kit

>> Extra prescription medications, written copies of prescriptions, other special medical items

>> Important documents and records, photo IDs, proof of residence, information you may need to process insurance claims

>> Cash (power outages mean banks and ATMs may be unavailable)

>> Battery-operated radio and NOAA Weather Radio

>> Flashlight with extra batteries

>> Phone numbers of family and friends

>> Road maps, a travel plan, hotel reservations, list of places between your town and your destination you can stop if the highways are clogged

>> 3-day supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of bottled water per person per day,

>> Coolers for food and ice storage, paper plates, plastic utensils

>> Manual can opener, knife, tools, booster cables, fire extinguisher, duct tape, tarp, rope

>> Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags and extra clothing

>> Toilet paper, cleanup supplies, personal hygiene products

>> Eyeglasses, sunglasses, hearing aids

>> Special supplies needed for babies, older adults and pets

>> Extra keys

Other disaster preparedness information can be found at www.Ready.gov and www.redcross.org.