SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — From high wind speeds to heavy rainfall, hurricanes are capable of wreaking havoc in communities from June through November, especially in those near the coast.
Wednesday, the City of South Padre Island issued a press release with hurricane preparedness resources for the area’s residents, visitors and property owners.
According to the press release, planning what to do in advance of a hurricane is an important part of being prepared.
“We recommend that everyone have an emergency plan in place in the event of a hurricane,” SPI Fire Chief Jim Pigg stated in the press release. “What you do today could be what keeps you safe tomorrow.”
Anyone who owns property, owns a business or lives on the Island will need a reentry sticker for their vehicle to be able to return to the Island in the event of an emergency.
A reentry sticker does not guarantee reentry until emergency officials determine conditions are safe to return, the press release states.
Reentry stickers will no longer be issued, if a storm is within 48 hours of landfall.
To view forms and items required to obtain a reentry sticker, visit the city’s website.
According to the press release, one of the challenges in preparing for a disaster is knowing how to access information on how to best prepare.
When making an emergency plan, city representatives state it’s important to think about the following items — pets, food and water, transportation, a communication plan, medication and first aid, important documents and property vulnerability.
City representatives recommend the public visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes and https://tdem.texas.gov/ to get a start on their planning.
Additionally, city representatives recommend the public download FEMA’s mobile app so they can access important safety tips on what to do before, during and after a hurricane.
“Understand the National Hurricane Center warnings and alerts and sign up for Swift911,” the press release states.
The city’s emergency notification system sends out notifications directly to people via their home phone, cell phone and/or email by visiting www.myspi.org.
City representatives recommend that residents, visitors and property owners develop an emergency plan and practice how and where they will evacuate if instructed by emergency management officials.
“Awareness and preparation can reduce the impact of hurricane disasters,” the press release states. “Families, individuals and businesses who know their vulnerability and the actions to take to prepare reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.”
LOCAL SOCIAL MEDIA RESOURCES FOR HURRICANES
• https://www.facebook.com/SouthPadreTexas
• http://www.redcross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast/local-chapters/harlingen
• http://co.cameron.tx.us/administration/emergency_management/index.php
