Hurricane Preparedness

‘Dare to Prepare’ readies residents for disaster

By ANA LEY, The Monitor

McALLEN — Cris Hernandez wants her tenants to be ready if another big storm hits the Rio Grande Valley this year. The Edinburg woman is the apartment manager for Champion Gardens, 1802 W. Samano St., Edinburg. Crews there are still repairing... Full story

Officials working with contractors for debris cleanup

By Emma Perez-Trevino, The Brownsville Herald

A prime contractor in the Hurricane Katrina relief effort, Ceres Environmental Services Inc., is under contract with Cameron County to provide it and its cities with disaster recovery cleanup. Katrina was the first Category 5 hurricane in 2005,... Full story

County take steps to alert deaf and blind population

Cameron County officials didn't know they were missing out on communicating with a major part of the population during hurricane season. It's a population that the county heard about last year during the 2007 hurricane season. It's the 10 percent... Full story

Businesses prepare for storms

By Fernando Del Valle, Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN - Patricia Esquivel is ready for hurricane season all year round. In a storage room at Lack's Furniture, she keeps plywood sheets cut to fit every window of the store on Dixieland Road. "We take this very seriously," said Esquivel, the... Full story

Copy and backup important documents

By Sara Perkins, The Monitor

Paper isn't waterproof. Your house title, insurance information, Social Security card and wedding photos could be ruined in a hurricane, and so could your computer and the data stored there. So when preparing for a hurricane, it is wise to both... Full story

Learn proper use of generators

By Jared Taylor, The Monitor

Portable electric generators can make life a little more bearable after a major hurricane strikes, but improper use can be dangerous - even deadly. Gasoline-powered generators and tools give off deadly carbon monoxide. They also carry risks of... Full story

Tips on avoiding storm repair scams

By Allen Essex, Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN - After a hurricane or other major storm, homeowners need to act quickly to secure their house and prevent additional harm caused by roof damage or standing water. Property owners need to contact their insurance company, but can take... Full story

What to do with your pets during a hurricane

By Gabriel Saldana, Mid-Valley Town Crier

Fitting the family pet into preparedness plans is a vital part of being ready should a storm bear down on the Rio Grande Valley. If a pet's owners cannot bring the animal along during the evacuation, they should have a place to leave the pet until... Full story

Hurricane supplies you'll need

There are some supplies and equipment that Rio Grande Valley residents should have on hand if they remain in their homes to ride out a storm. Emergency planners and public safety officials urge residents to evacuate if a storm threatens the region.... Full story

Planning ahead essential for vulnerable populations

By Laura Tillman, The Brownsville Herald

As hurricane season arrives, Jeff Johnston has one message for Rio Grande Valley residents. "Plan ahead," Johnston said. "That's really the best advice that I can offer. Have a plan." As the director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security... Full story

Insurance first step to protecting investments from hurricane

By Kyle Arnold, The Monitor

Boarded windows may save homes and emergency rations may save lives, but when the wind stops blowing and the water has receded, the only way to protect a financial investment is to make sure it was insured in the first place. With hurricane season... Full story

Develop a family hurricane plan

By Melissa McEver, The Brownsville Herald

Now, before even a tropical depression starts, is the best time to develop a family hurricane preparation plan, experts say. "People will panic even before a storm hits, so it's good to plan now," said Barry Goldsmith, warning coordination... Full story

Suppliers prepare regardless of forecast

By AARON NELSEN, The Brownsville Herald

Many stores find it challenging to prepare for hurricane season. Stock too much and there’s no storm, you’re stuck with excess inventory. Stock too little and a storm hits, well, chaos ensues. “We try to have a little extra tape,... Full story

What to take to a shelter

Public shelters provide temporary housing for evaucees. Most shelters do not have beds or cots, so you will probably be sleeping on the floor. Pack as if you were going camping. Things to bring: - Sleeping pads or air mattresses - Blankets or a... Full story

Evacuation guidelines

ALWAYS - Keep a full tank of gas in your car if an evacuation seems likely. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and delay. - Make... Full story

What to include in your emergency kit

Here is a list of items you should include in your hurricane emergency kit: FOOD - Non-perishable food - Juice boxes - Canned or prepackaged food: soups, vegetables, fruit cups, tuna, chicken, canned pasta dishes, peanut butter, jelly, bread,... Full story

Emergency officials ready in case they�re needed

By LAURA B. MARTINEZ/The Brownsville Herald

Johnny Cavazos sleeps with a pen and note pad next to his bed. He sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night remembering that he needs to ask somebody for an emergency contact telephone number and wants to jot it down so he doesn’t forget.... Full story

'Hurricane Preparedness' Archives