DALLAS, TEXAS (May 6, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is urging residents of Gulf Coast states to start preparing for the upcoming hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1. Families are advised to take proactive steps to ensure their safety before, during, and after a storm.
The EPA recommends that families make a plan and discuss communication strategies in case of limited contact during a storm. This includes knowing what to do if separated and establishing a meeting point in case of evacuation.
It is crucial for individuals to stay informed as a storm develops. The EPA advises residents to closely monitor local news and emergency response announcements and to adhere to all shelter-in-place or evacuation directives. Additionally, families are reminded to review their emergency plans and verify the location of essential supplies.
In preparation for the hurricane season, the EPA emphasizes the importance of proper generator usage. Individuals running generators are urged to place them outside and away from windows and doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
The EPA also highlights the necessity of post-storm precautions. Residents are advised to follow instructions from local response officials regarding shelter-in-place or evacuation orders. Furthermore, individuals are cautioned to be cautious of floodwaters and to refrain from entering flooded homes or buildings.
For further information on hurricane preparedness and disaster cleanup tips, the EPA offers resources on their website in 12 languages. Individuals can access hurricane preparation tips at https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/tips-hurricane-preparedness and find more disaster preparedness information at https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters.
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