Hurricane Kit? (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio: power lines, insurance, credit card)

[UHJDMBALLM]

I am a moving to Houston in a month for law school and to become a Texas lawyer. I recently realized that I am moving into the heart of hurricane country and people keep talking about hurricane kits so I thought I would ask the experts what I would need for a hurricane kit? Thanks in advance.

[rb4browns]

Originally Posted by UHJDMBALLM

I am a moving to Houston in a month for law school and to become a Texas lawyer. I recently realized that I am moving into the heart of hurricane country and people keep talking about hurricane kits so I thought I would ask the experts what I would need for a hurricane kit? Thanks in advance.

Ready.gov: Get A Kit (http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html - broken link)

[tstone]

Add Pepto tablets to that list; living off of canned food can rip you up.

[DanielWayne]

Invest in a good gps or a smart phone with internet connection to help you navigate Dallas or San Antonio when you flee. Leave a roll of toilet paper in your car, too.

[Houston_2010]

Houston itself is not exactly right on the coast (East Houston may have more issues b/c is near lake water). We spent hurricane Ike and stayed home. Yes, there were issues, but it was mostly fallen trees and fences down. Yes the trees sometimes caused power lines and people not having electricity for 5-10 days. Galveston had a different story.

Besides the things listed on the readiness link posted above. I would add that if a storm is coming, put a few gallons of water in the freezer. These can be used for cold water/ice if the power goes out. Fill your car's gas tank and if you can get a extra gas container and keep extra (long lines at the pump). If you live in a property that has lots of trees/plants..go around the property and inspect for dry/dead branches that can be easily knocked down by high winds.
Check of any lose items that may become projectile against people or homes.
Have a landline cord phone.
Canned/dry food, can opener.
If you have kids keep a bag of their "essentials" toys/snacks etc
Keep important papers in a zip lock bag (home insurance/flood, etc)
Back up your computers and keep backup in a water proof safe (or take with you if you leave town)

[UHJDMBALLM]

Thanks for the quick and informative answers. I'm looking forward to becoming a Texan.

[crone]

Photograph all you own. Keep in a safe place. Or copies two places.

[Malvie]

Cash. No electricity = No ATM, no credit card processing.

A trip to Spec's is in order (Spec's is a big liquor store).

I have several Coleman Lanterns and fuel. Better than candles, better than flashlights.

Stock up on reading materials. Once you get done with all you have to do (cleaning up, helping neighbors clean up), there's not much to do until the power comes back. You get more bored than you think you will. You can't really roam around in the car, either, because the streets are either blocked or needed for police/fire/emergency vehicles. So you're stuck at home in the heat with nothing to do...

A grill is a good accessory to have. That way you can cook all the stuff in the freezer/fridge. Also, if you're a coffee addict like me, you can get one of those old coffee pots that sits on top of the grill (or like a camp coffeepot) so you don't have to go without.

Don't forget toilet paper.

Don't forget (as the guide said) pet food if you have pets.

Oh, and don't put the insurance policies in the bank vault. People always do this. If the bank is closed and the vault sealed (which it will be), how will you have a copy of your policy? Remember, even though the insurance company has a copy of your policy, you want your OWN copy IN HAND. Put it in a baggie sealed in a baggie and keep it with you.

[behtypa]

Things that will help you prepare for hurricane season

[TimBomb]

Power inverter + old TV on the driveway = I'm king of my hill. hmm maybe I need to buy a digital antenna thinger now