Being prepared for emergencies is crucial for people living in hurricane-prone areas. Even after high winds and rain have stopped, power outages and blocked roadways can create challenging situations. That’s why hurricane preparedness is important for Texas families.
Stocking up on non-perishable food and extra water is the first step in safety preparation. In addition, it’s critical to ensure your family plans ahead to have enough medication and first-aid supplies to safeguard your health during storm recovery.
Understanding Texas Hurricane Season and Why Planning Early Matters
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. During that time, Texas’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts may experience the effects of tropical storms and hurricanes. Residents can follow local and national weather tracking to stay informed about potential storms and be ready when they make landfall.
For complete hurricane preparedness, Texas families should gather supplies and make plans for sheltering and evacuation before storm season arrives. That way, you can avoid crowded stores and long lines during the final hours before bad weather starts.
Stocking up on two weeks’ worth of essentials like food, baby formula, diapers, pet food, bottled water, batteries, and prescription medications will ensure you have all the things you need during a weather emergency.
Preparing Medications, Medical Devices, and Important Records
If any family members take prescription medications, you should work with your healthcare providers to ensure you have everything you need in the event of a hurricane. Ask about getting a sufficient supply of medication to last two weeks. Store medication securely in a waterproof container.
If you have medications that need to be refrigerated, such as insulin, make sure you have a cooler and pre-chilled ice packs before a storm. Place medication in a zip-lock bag and store it in the cooler with ice packs. Ask your doctor whether you should get refills and discard medication after your power comes back on.
If you have medical equipment that relies on power, make sure you have an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or a dedicated medical-grade battery backup. Generators may also be used to power medical equipment.
In addition, collate all your medication information so you can get refills even if you need to evacuate temporarily. Make a list of all prescription medications, the reason for taking each, dosage and frequency, medical supply needs, and allergies, as well as contact information for your doctors. Save the information to the cloud and store printed copies in plastic sleeves to protect them from moisture.
Building a Hurricane First Aid Kit for Your Household
In addition to prescription medications, stock up on essential over-the-counter medicines and a first-aid kit as part of your emergency preparedness plan. These can be useful for treating minor injuries or managing symptoms of flood-related illnesses.
Your hurricane medical kit checklist should include:
- Sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape
- Band-aids
- Elastic bandage
- Splint
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibacterial, non-scented soap
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic solution (e.g., hydrogen peroxide)
- Hydrocortisone cream (1%)
- Acetaminophen and ibuprofen
- Tweezers
- Sharp scissors
- Instant cold packs
- Thermometer
- Non-latex gloves (two–three pairs)
Place a list with emergency information in the first aid kit. This should include phone numbers for the police, fire department, ambulance services, the poison control center, your doctors, and emergency contacts.
Make sure you have extra batteries, flashlights, and a fire extinguisher in your home, along with a manual can opener and disposable plates and utensils.
Knowing When Urgent Care Can Help After a Storm
Urgent care clinics can treat people of all ages who have minor illnesses and injuries. When it’s safe to do so, urgent care locations stay open during hurricanes. You can learn the status of Next Level Urgent Care locations by checking the website or our mobile app. You can use the app to make appointments when clinics are open.
During severe weather events, urgent care providers can conduct telehealth visits so you can safely get care without going out into dangerous conditions.
If you have a life-threatening emergency during a hurricane or other natural disaster, call 911 for immediate assistance.
Keeping Children, Older Adults, and Caregivers Safe During and After a Hurricane
If power outages continue after the storm, plan ahead for care of older adults, children, or other vulnerable family members. Hot, humid conditions can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially when access to air conditioning is limited. Staying hydrated and avoiding working in the heat can reduce the risk of heat illnesses.
If cooling centers or other community facilities are open, take family members there to keep them out of the heat.
Follow safety precautions when doing post-storm clean-up. Use eye protection and work gloves when operating any power tools or clearing debris. Take frequent rest breaks and drink plenty of water. Apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat to prevent sunburn.
Finding Medical Care After a Hurricane in Texas
Don’t drive until local authorities say it’s safe to be on the roads. If you have a medical emergency, call emergency services to ask for assistance.
If you have a minor injury or illness, and it’s safe to drive, visit an urgent care facility, not the ER. Hospitals are often very busy caring for people with serious injuries, and ER wait times for minor issues can be long.
Urgent care clinics care for wounds that need stitches, sprains and strains, bone fractures, and other minor injuries. They can also help with illnesses such as ear infections, sore throats, and those caused by standing water.
Next Level Urgent Care facilities open as soon as possible after hurricanes and other weather events. Visit our website or download our mobile app for the latest information about which locations are open during hurricanes and hurricane recovery.
If you need care for non-emergency illnesses and injuries once it is safe to travel, visit Next Level Urgent Care with 45+ locations across Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.
