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Preparing for hurricane season post-COVID

Written By: Laura Frnka-Davis | Updated: June 1, 2021
Hurricane season

Stay safe from hurricane season and COVID-19 by following this expert advice.

Hurricane season has officially arrived, and even though the COVID-19 pandemic has turned a corner, it’s still important to be vigilant in mitigating any additional spread.

Luis Z. Ostrosky, MD
Luis Z. Ostrosky, MD

“Whenever there is a storm, the medical community becomes acutely concerned with communicable diseases, such as diarrhea, tuberculosis, meningitis, and now COVID-19, because many people may lose their homes and gather in large shelters,” said Luis Ostrosky, MD, an infectious disease specialist with UT Physicians and professor of internal medicine and vice chair for Healthcare Quality at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. “While the risk of transmitting COVID-19 is lower than it was this time last year, it’s still a significant threat for individuals who have not been vaccinated. If you haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccination yet, you should take that step now before we get deeper into hurricane season, because it will take five to six weeks to be fully immune.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts another active hurricane season in 2021 with 13 to 20 named storms, including three to five becoming major weather events.

“In addition to getting vaccinated, there are some other baseline precautions people need to take as we enter hurricane season,” said Robert Emery, DrPH, vice president for Safety, Health, Environment, and Risk Management at UTHealth. “We have put together some helpful tips, so you and your family are fully prepared.”

Gather the essentials at home

  • Make sure you have plenty of water (at least five gallons), a three- to five-day supply of food, including baby food or formula if needed, and prescription medications.
  • Gather safety items like a battery-powered radio, first-aid kit, flashlights, and supplies to make drinking water safe (iodine tablets or chlorine bleach).
  • Set aside personal care products like hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, tampons/pads, and diapers.

These supplies should be stored together in a place that’s easily accessible. It’s also a good idea to check your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to see what it does and doesn’t cover.

Put together an emergency kit for your car

In case you need to evacuate during a hurricane, it’s a good idea to have an emergency kit for your vehicle as well. Here are some suggestions on what to include:

  • Canned and non-perishable food
  • Jumper cables
  • Maps
  • A fire extinguisher
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • A first-aid kit
  • Car charger for your smartphone

Protect and collect your important papers

  • Put important papers (estate planning, insurance documents, passports, etc.) in a safe deposit box.
  • Make copies of your important papers, store them in freezer bags, and then put them in the actual freezer, ensuring they are safe from fire, flood, and wind.
  • Obtain copies of your prescriptions or place empty medication bottles in the freezer as well.
  • When it comes to paper, it’s important to have cash on hand in case there is a severe power outage and ATMs go offline.

Have an evacuation plan ready

You may live in a part of town that is required to evacuate during a hurricane. If that’s the case for you and your family, plan in advance where you’re going and only take what you really need, such as:

  • Cell phones and chargers
  • Medications
  • Identification (driver’s license or passport)
  • Cash
  • Pet food, water bowl, and leash
  • Emergency kit for your car

If you’re headed out of town, consult the Houston Transtar website for information on road closures due to high water or storm damage.

For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit Ready.gov. To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine, visit our website.

As the clinical practice of McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, UT Physicians has locations across the Greater Houston area to serve the community. To schedule an appointment, call 888-4UT-DOCS.