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Year-End Report
Hurricane Rita
Posted by on September 26, 2005 | comments
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UPDATE: As of today, the Dallas Convention Center is open to process Rita evacuees as disaster victims. There are long lines, but as of this morning they are not issuing appointments for future dates so evacuees can complete their processing the day they check in. Please encourage Rita evacuees still in the area, especially those who expect to stay for an extended period of time, to visit the Dallas Convention Center this week and register with the appropriate agencies. Hurricane Rita continues to oscillate between a category four and a category five hurricane. It is anticipated to bring heavy rain, possible flooding, high winds, possible downed trees and even tornadoes to the North Texas area this weekend. People living in mobile homes or lightweight structures, vulnerable to high winds, should locate an alternative place to ride out the storm. People in low lying and flood prone areas should locate a place on higher ground to move to should the heavy rain and flooding happen. Evacuees from the Texas, and some parts of the Louisiana Coast, are heading to the metroplex to escape Rita. Emergency personnel are preparing to help those evacuees and fellow North Texans. Click here for the Texas Prepared. Click here for the Hurricane Rita - Texas Department of Emergency Management site. Storm Preparation Tips BEFORE THE STORM Stay informed Listen for radio and TV storm reports. Prepare for outages Back up files on your computer regularly. Find a phone that does not require power. Keep your car fuel tank at least half full. Limit electricity use, which can help prevent rolling blackouts. Prepare a disaster supply kit First-aid kit and essential medications Canned food and can opener At least three gallons of water per person Protective clothing, rainwear and bedding or sleeping bags Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries Special items for pets, infants, elderly or disabled family members Short-term supply of cash Identify where you could go if told to evacuate PREPARE FOR A TORNADO Pick a safe spot in your home. A basement is ideal. You can also use a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor. Prepare for strong winds Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools; anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but could be tossed by the wind. If possible, remove outdoor antennas. Pick up items that winds could toss and cause damage, such as tree branches or pieces of wood. Make trees more wind-resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs. DURING A TORNADO WARNING Go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. If you are outside, rush to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area. If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety. DURING FLASH FLOODS If the roads you normally travel are prone to flooding, take other routes during storms. Never drive on a flooded road. If your car stalls, move to higher ground. DURING POWER OUTAGE Turn off or disconnect appliances and equipment to prevent damage. Leave one light on so you'll know when your power returns. Use the phone for emergencies only. AFTER A MAJOR STORM Beware of downed or loose power lines; report them immediately to the utility company, police or fire department. Do not use candles in case of gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Take pictures of the damage for insurance claims.
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