Here’s a list of things to have before hurricane season begins

Here’s a checklist of what to have prepared before hurricane season begins:

• Here’s a checklist of items to have on hand during hurricane season.
• Download the KPRC Channel 2 Frank’s Forecast Weather App.
• Stock up on non-perishable foods, drinking water, batteries, diapers and formula for infants and pet food for animals.
• Know your evacuation route, where you would go & how you would get there.
• Create an emergency communication list in case you are separated from family and friends. Include home, work, school and cell numbers and exchange lists with family, friends and neighbors. Keep lists at home, at work and in your cars. Also, designate a contact person who lives outside the area for everyone to reach in case of an evacuation.
• Keep cash on hand. Banks may close and ATMs may be inoperable during a storm.
• Make sure you have enough prescription medicines to outlast a storm and its aftermath. Refill your first-aid kit.
• Decide where to take pets, boats and travel trailers if you cannot take them with you.
• Pets are not allowed in many public shelters. Keep a list of “pet-friendly” places – hotels and motels, friends, boarding facilities or veterinarians – and phone numbers.
• Check all battery-powered equipment. Emergency cooking facilities and lights will be essential if utilities are interrupted.
• Charge all mobile devices.
• Charge up or check camera batteries. You may need to take photos of storm damage.
• Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
• Take inventory of your valuables and your home. Make a video, take photos or keep a written log.
• Double-check your insurance coverage:

1. Homeowners Insurance – If you want it, you need to get it now because you cannot get it once a storm enters the Gulf.
2. National Flood Insurance Program – Get information at floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to find an agent near you. The policy will not go into effect until 30 days after you’ve paid for it.
3. Windstorm and Hail Insurance – Get info at twia.org or call 1-800-788-8247

• If you have a generator, test-run it with a load to make sure it functions properly. Continue test-runs monthly throughout hurricane season to ensure that it will be in good working order if it’s needed.
• Trim the trees and shrubs around your home. Make sure any dead branches are removed.
• Make sure gutters and downspouts are properly secured and unclogged.
• Tie down young trees to prevent uprooting in the event of strong winds.