When bad weather threatens, be ready to leave trailer

Governor Rick Perry recently declared March 4-10 Severe Weather Awareness week in Texas. In support of this public information campaign, officials with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remind travel trailer residents that when bad weather threatens, they must be ready to evacuate.

"Residents need to dodge the dangers posed by extreme weather events, such as hailstorms, windstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes," said Sandra Cooley, the senior FEMA official for the Beaumont area field office. "Personal safety trumps all other concerns."

Thousands of thunderstorms strike Texas every year, many of them severe. The National Weather Service, defines a severe thunderstorm as one that produces winds of at least 58 miles an hour, or hail three-fourths of an inch in diameter, or a tornado.

Straight-line winds (winds in excess of 100 miles an hour) can uproot trees and cause substantial damage to permanent structures, let alone travel trailers.

Travel trailers are anchored to the ground at the front and in the rear, but it is considered unsafe to try to remain in them during high winds.

"We urge residents to develop a family emergency plan now. Know your evacuation route and stay informed, " advised Cooley. "Prepare for the worst and hope for the best."

To prepare now for an evacuation:

*Keep fuel in your vehicle.

*Make sure you know your evacuation route.

*Tie down items left outside. These may become projectiles due to high winds and should be placed inside your trailer. If an item won't fit inside, secure it as best you can outside.

*Let your local emergency management officials know in advance if you will need assistance to evacuate.

*Keep tuned to weather news on television or radio.

*If you have special needs, alert officials in advance by calling 2-1-1

*Have your emergency supply kit ready. FEMA advises the following:

-Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

-Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

-Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

-Flashlight and extra batteries

-First aid kit

-Whistle to signal for help

-Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in-place

-Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

-Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

-Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

-Local maps

Additional items to include are:

-Prescription medications and glasses

-Infant formula and diapers

-Pet food and extra water for your pet

-Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

-Cash or traveler's checks and change

-Emergency reference material such as a first aid book

-Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.

-Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.

-Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper - When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or, in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

-Fire Extinguisher

-Matches in a waterproof container

-Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

-Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels

-Paper and pencil

-Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

If your local officials order an evacuation, do the following:

*Close and lock your windows.

*Close and lock the roof vent

*Turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker.

*Turn off the main water valve outside the trailer and disconnect the hose.

*turn off the two propane tanks outside by tightening the valves clockwise.

*Secure travel trailer awnings, if applicable.

*Take any items that might spoil out of your refrigerator or freezer.

*Take important personal items and your pets with you.

*Lock the door and take your keys with you.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.