2025 Hurricane Preparedness Guide: Storm Surge, Evacuation, and Supplies

The Importance of Hurricane Preparedness

• 💡 Preparation is key to successfully navigating hurricane season, especially for major storms.
• ⚠️ Rushing to gather supplies and plan evacuation routes during a storm can lead to stress, anxiety, and dangerous situations.
• ⚡ Even minimal storms like Hurricane Nicole (Cat 1) can cause widespread power outages and significant damage, highlighting the need for preparedness.

Understanding Storm Surge Threats

• 🌊 Storm surge is a critical threat, capable of wiping out entire neighborhoods, as demonstrated by Hurricane Ike in 2008.
• 🎯 If you are on the coast or in an easily flooded area, evacuation is essential for survival against surge waters that can be 10-18 feet high or more.
• ⚠️ Areas like the west side of Galveston Bay experienced surges over 12 feet, emphasizing that even seemingly less affected areas need robust evacuation plans.

Essential Hurricane Preparedness Kit and Supplies

• 🎒 The KHOU 11 Hurricane Preparedness Guide provides lists for essential items like water, food, batteries, and a radio.
• 📱 Key advance preparations include charging devices, fueling vehicles, and ensuring generator safety.
• 🏠 For evacuation, a "to-go bag" should include necessities for shelters, with special attention to pet supplies, kenneling, food, and extra medications.

Utilizing the Hurricane Preparedness Guide

• 💻 A digital version of the guide is available at khou.com/hurricane, encouraging families to walk through it together.
• 🗺️ Physical copies include a hurricane tracking chart, offering a nostalgic and educational way to follow storm paths.
• 📲 The KHOU 11 Plus app and smart TV app provide live updates and expanded weather coverage during storm events.