Hurricane preparedness for The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Hurricane season began on June 1st and lasts through November 30th. During that time we need to prepare ourselves in order to be out of harm's way during a hurricane. Here are a few things to expect this hurricane season in The Woodlands and how to prepare your hurricane “kit”.

Last year’s hurricane season was an active season and we saw above average storms and hurricanes. According to KHOU’s meteorologist, Chita Johnson, we should be preparing ourselves for that again this season. “The official forecast from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) has above average storms and hurricanes again,” said Johnson.

So what should you do to prepare for this active hurricane season? One of the most important things is to stay alert and current with the weather forecast so you have time to take action and be safe. Make sure you are watching the weather in your area. Johnson tells us to have a plan and be ready to evacuate if needed, prepare your family to live without power and to know where to go.

When is the right time to pack up for an incoming hurricane? "I think once a Tropical Storm or especially a hurricane is expected to make landfall at Galveston - time to pack up," said Johnson. If you don't want to leave your home, make sure you take precautions and board up your windows, make sure you have decided on the safest room in your house and be ready and prepared. "Remember with hurricane's there can also be tornadoes that are spawned and strong winds," Johnson reminds us.

There are also other measures to take when preparing for hurricane season. Do you have dead trees or limbs near your home? Trees can make this hurricane season even more disastrous. It may be time to call Rothco Tree Service in The Woodlands to help make your endeavor a little easier. “The first step to preparing your home for hurricane season is to make sure and take care of the obvious hazards,” said Justin Roth.

Rothco Tree Service is providing several specials for this hurricane season. “We offer a 4-man tree crew plus a chipper and a chip truck for a day for around $1400 which saves clients around 30-40%,” Roth said. ?“Also through Angie’s list we offer a coupon for 500 dollars worth of tree service for around $279”. Along with those specials, the company also offers a 10% discount for veterans and senior citizens year round.

There is a lot to consider when it comes to protecting your home. You need to eliminate dead limbs, remove large limbs hanging over the roof, inspect trees leaning towards your residence, and examine trees with weakened or cracked trunks.

“Oak trees pose the greatest risk to homeowners in the area because they have a shallow root system and with the high winds associated with hurricanes they can become uprooted,” Roth warns us here in The Woodlands area.

“Also, when hiring any contractor make sure they are properly insured and can provide a copy of their insurance also known as certificate of insurance,” Roth said. You should also obtain several estimates and take into account reputation, responsiveness, knowledge, presentation, and price before making any decisions.

There are several essential items you need to prepare you and your family in order to make sure you are ready for bad weather. First, remember to make plans and be ready for anything that may come your way so you are not caught off guard.

"Be on the safe side if we are expecting a direct impact - it's time to leave," Johnson says. Be aware of the best route for you to leave town if needed. Think about your animals, vital contact information, other relatives in the area, and road conditions. All of these are important when gathering your hurricane “kit” this season. Don’t wait for the hurricane to hit before your gather your supplies; you need to be ready now. There is a lot to worry about, and being prepared should not be a last minute idea.

You can find a complete list of disaster supplies and other important hurricane information at Hurricane Central.