Wow, these people are really on the ball, not. Hello, today is Sept 21st and a potential Cat 5 hurricane is on the way. You would think they would update their website a little more often?
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF HURRICANE RITA
September 19, 2005 --The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management encourages local citizens to prepare for Tropical Storm Rita to reach hurricane conditions by landfall. It is forecasted that the storm could reach the Texas Gulf Coast area by Saturday, September 24.
"We have a plan and are working through it. Houston is the best prepared city in the country," said Mayor Bill White. "But there are preparations that people can make to help themselves."
Prior to a hurricane, simple precautions can help alleviate the stress that can accompany a major storm. Some examples include monitoring the local media for instructions and bringing in all outdoor furniture, tools or toys. Also, family members who have special needs for infants, elderly or people with disabilities should plan to gather supplies and make necessary arrangements.
Emergency supplies should include non-perishable canned foods, manual can opener, bottled-water, extra batteries for flashlights or radios, maps, and a first-aid kit. Be aware that medical prescriptions should be filled before a storm arrives.
In case of evacuation, a pre-filled vehicle with gas and knowledge of evacuation routes are essential. (Evacuation routes : I-45 N, TX 288, US 290, BELTWAY 8, TX 6, TX 146, HARDY TOLL ROAD (from Beltway 8N to I-45N)).
Additional emergency information can be obtained at the following websites:
* City of Houston Office of Emergency Management website: www.houstontx.gov/oem
* Department of Homeland Security:
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/index.jsp * American Red Cross:
www.redcross.org
http://www.houstontx.gov/mayor/press/20050919.html