Recent weather conditions in and around Hunt County remind us that a disaster can strike at any time. Whether flooding, severe weather, or other types of disaster, Texas AgriLife Extension provides objective, research-based
information, to help people with emergency and
disaster preparation and recovery.
Preparedness and disaster materials are available through two
agency-related websites. The Texas Extension Disaster Education Network, or Texas EDEN, http://texashelp.tamu.edu,
has information and materials on specific disasters, including drought,
hurricanes and wildfire, as well as information on disaster preparation
and recovery.
The AgriLife Bookstore website at http://agrilifebookstore.org has a variety of emergency and disaster-related materials, including
publications on general preparedness, first aid and home, property and
financial recovery. Most Extension publications can be downloaded and printed for free, and several are available in Spanish. “Preparing for the
Unexpected” is a noteworthy publication for disaster preparedness that may be downloaded for free.
When considering disaster preparedness, families should have a plan. This plan would include an evacuation plan familiar to all family members and practiced before disaster strikes. Another good practice is to have an emergency kit for their home, office and
each vehicle, and know where to go in case of an
emergency. An evacuation plan should cover escape routes,
utility shutoff and safety information, family communication and
protecting important documents.
Emergency kits should contain enough supplies to take
care of the immediate family for at least three days. Some essential
kit contents include water, non-perishable foods, a
hand-operated can opener, mouth/nose protection masks, extra clothing, a
first-aid kit, gloves, blankets, toiletries, a battery- or hand-powered
flashlight, a weather radio, spare batteries, garbage bags, medications
and anti-bacterial cleaners or wipes.
For more information on available publications, go to the AgriLife
Bookstore or Texas EDEN website. Additional information on preparedness
may be found at FEMA’s http://ready.gov website or its Spanish-language counterpart, http://listo.gov.
