< PreviousThere’s nothing natural about a disaster. 16183383 © 2019 Allstate Insurance Co. As your local Allstate Agent, I understand how a disaster can turn your world upside down. I am here to help you through the recovery process and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible. Contact me today to learn more. THE O'DONOHOE AGENCY 409-356-0065 seanodonohoe@allstate.com allstate.com/seanodonohoe 5928 STEWART RD 30 | The Daily News | Hurricane Preparedness | 20222022 | Hurricane Preparedness | The Daily News | 31 From staff reports F or many residents, memories of the destruction during Hurricane Ike in 2008 remain. But sociologists estimate people only remember the worst effects of a hurricane for about seven years, according to the National Weather Service. Here’s a list of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes in U.S. history. 3. Lake Okeechobee Hurricane — 2,500 to 3,000 deaths About 6:15 p.m. on Sept. 16, 1928, the Category 4 storm made landfall in Palm Beach County on the eastern side of Florida. The greatest loss of life was around Lake Okeechobee, where waves topped the levee and drowned thousands of migrant farm workers. 4. Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi — 1,200 deaths In the early morning hours of Aug. 29, 2005, the Category 3 hurricane hit the Gulf Coast, displacing thousands of people from their homes in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The levee system around New Orleans failed, and the federal gov- ernment was accused of a slow response to the disaster. 5. Cheniere Caminada Hurricane — 1,100-1,400 deaths The Category 4 hurricane advanced suddenly over south- eastern Louisiana in early October 1893. The greatest de- struction occurred between New Orleans and Port Eads, where storm surge swept away everything in its path. Most of the deaths were caused by drowning. The total deaths including offshore losses were close to 2,000. 6. Sea Islands Hurricane in South Carolina and Georgia — 1,000-2,000 deaths On Aug. 27, 1893, the Category 3 made landfall near Savannah, Ga., bringing a storm surge of about 16 feet. Nearly all buildings on the barrier islands were destroyed. Most of the deaths were caused by the storm surge. 7. Georgia and South Carolina hurricane — 700 deaths In historical reports, the hurricane is referred to as “Storm 5” of the season. The Category 2 hurricane made landfall during the night of Aug. 27, 1881, where the eye of the storm crossed an area about 25 miles southwest of Savannah, Ga. 8. Hurricane Audrey in Louisiana and Texas — at least 416 deaths The Category 4 hurricane made landfall near the Tex- as-Louisiana border in late June 1957. Its storm surge of 12 feet inundated the flat coast of southwestern Louisiana as far as 25 miles inland. Entire communities were demol- ished and almost all deaths were attributed to storm surge. Worst of the worst The deadliest storms 1. 1900 Storm in Galveston — 8,000 to 12,000 deaths The deadliest natural disaster to strike North America made land- fall in Galveston on Sept. 8, 1900. At least 8,000 people died in the Category 4 storm, but the number could be as high as 12,000. 2. Hurricane Maria — 2,975 deaths Regarded as the worst natural disaster to affect the Caribbean islands, the Category 5 storm caused catastrophic damage to Dominica, Saint Croix and Puerto Rico on Sept. 18, 2017 — just two weeks prior to Hurricane Irma. The storm caused the worst electrical blackout in U.S. history, which lasted for months, and caused a humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico due to flooding and lack of resources. Rosenberg Library/Courtesy Sacred Heart Church in Galveston after the 1900 Storm. David J. Phillip/AP file Floodwaters from Hurricane Katrina fill the streets near Interstate 10 in downtown New Orleans in 2005.Report power outages: 888-866-7456 Be prepared for Power Outages • Be prepared to be without power for days (not hours). • Confirm backup plans for users of powered medical equipment. • Stock up on batteries, flashlights, bottled water and non-perishable food. • Stay far away from any downed power lines and equipment. • Confirm appliances are in “off” position if power goes out. • Turn off breaker box main switch if flooding is probable. • Adhere completely to portable generator manufacturers’ safety warnings. • Portable generators should power individual appliances, not entire homes. LIVE UNITED CALL 2-1-1 REGISTER TODAY, BEFORE A STORM IS ON ITS WAY! If you live in a hurricane evacuation zone and you will need assistance to evacuate before a storm, call 2-1-1 to register in advance for a ride. Call 2-1-1 •If you have a disability or special health care need and you require assistance to evacuate GIVE ADVOCATE VOLUNTEER •If you do not have a vehicle and you have no one else to help you evacuate •If you want to register and you need to check if you live in an evacuation zone 32 | The Daily News | Hurricane Preparedness | 20222022 | Hurricane Preparedness | The Daily News | 33 9. Labor Day Hurricane in Florida — 409 deaths On Sept. 3, 1935, the Category 5 hurricane brought a storm surge of about 20 feet. The compact hurricane destroyed near- ly everything in its path as it hit the Florida Keys. 10. Last Island Hurricane in Louisiana — 400 deaths The Category 4 storm struck Last Island, a barrier island and resort, on Aug. 10, 1856. The hotel and gambling establishments were destroyed, and only one terrified cow remained on the island after the catastrophe, according to the weather service. 4. Hurricane Sandy — $80 billion In October 2012, the storm, which led to 159 deaths, caused damage across the highly populated northeastern United States. It also caused the New York Stock Exchange to close for two consecutive business days — which last happened in 1888 because of a major winter storm. 5. Hurricane Ida — $76.5 billion With maximum sustained winds at 150 mph, this Cat- egory 4 hurricane made landfall near Port Fourchon, Louisiana, on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Aug. 29, 2021. 6. Hurricane Irma — $57.5 billion Just two weeks before Hurricane Maria, the big, slow and long-lived Hurricane Irma made landfall Sept. 6, 2017, in the Leeward Islands and tracked upward toward the Flor- ida Keys. After causing catastrophic damage in Florida, the storm eventually dissipated Sept. 13 over Missouri. 7. Hurricane Andrew — $54.3 billion In August 1992, the Category 4 hurricane hit Florida and Louisiana with high winds. It killed 61 people and destroyed more than 125,000 homes. 8. Hurricane Ike — $39 billion When the storm made landfall in Texas, it was the largest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded. It killed 112 people. While storm surge caused major damage in the county and across the coast, the hurricane also led to wind and flooding damage as far away as Pennsylvania. 9. Hurricane Ivan — $30.5 billion In September 2004, the Category 3 hurricane made landfall in Alabama. It caused damage from storm surge and flooding in Alabama and the Florida panhandle. It killed 57 people. 10. Hurricane Michael — $28 billion The first Category 5 Hurricane to impact the Florida Panhan- dle, Michael made landfall near Mexico Beach on Oct. 10, 2018. The strongest storm of the season, the storm caused 74 deaths. The Florida Panhandle suffered from power outages, as well as damage from storm surge and winds. Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Costliest storms since 1980, adjusted for inflation 1. Hurricane Katrina — $180 billion The 30-foot storm surge, winds and failure of the levee sys- tem in New Orleans caused widespread damage in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama in 2005. Other states further inland experienced damage from high winds and flooding. 2. Hurricane Harvey — $143.8 billion Harvey was the first major hurricane to hit the middle of the Texas coast in 47 years. The storm struck Rockport and Fulton on Aug. 25, 2017. The storm’s center stalled over south Texas for two days, flooding many streets and homes, until moving to Louisiana on Aug. 26. 3. Hurricane Maria — $103.5 billion Growing from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane in just 18 hours, Hurricane Maria devastated the northeastern Ca- ribbean, including Sominica, Saint Croix and Puerto Rico on Sept. 18, 2017. STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News file photo Former U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan carries debris from a flood-damaged house during a tour of Hurricane Harvey damage in Friendswood on Sept. 21, 2017. Mike Groll/AP file photo Homes in the Breezy Point section of the Queens borough of New York burned down Oct. 30, 2012, as it was inundated by Hurricane Sandy flood- waters, transforming a quaint corner of the Rockaways into a smoke-filled debris field.34 | The Daily News | Hurricane Preparedness | 2022 By Staff Reports The Daily News When the temperatures dropped in February 2020 and millions of Texans lost power for days, many resi- dents in Galveston County had a unique advantage — hurricane preparedness. Items that got Galveston County residents through Winter Storm Uri in 2021 were many of the items saved up from the 2020 hurricane season, such as portable batteries, a supply of bottled water and food and other such items for coping when the electricity goes out. As hurricane season again approaches, it’s well worth noting what items proved useful during the storm as residents prepare to with- stand inclement weather, according to officials with the National Weather Service in League City. “People in this area are more familiar with hurricane prep, but a lot of the same lessons do apply to extreme cold,” said Dan Reilly, a me- teorologist with the National Weather Service in League City. “You need to be pre- pared for a period without power and water perhaps.” The headline advice about getting ready for the hur- ricane season remains the same as it ever was, officials said. Everyone should make a plan, build an emergency kit and stay informed. The Federal Emergency Man- agement Administration has published some guidance about what to store up on during inclement weather, including medication, disinfectant, pet supplies and other food. The Red Cross recommends buying food and water for three days, a flashlight, a bat- It’s time to restock, get ready for hurricane season JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News file photo Jose Contreras stocks up on bottled water Aug. 24, 2017, at the Kroger in Galveston as Hurricane Harvey heads toward the Texas coast.2022 | Hurricane Preparedness | The Daily News | 35 tery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a first aid kid, a multi-purpose tool, cell phone chargers and cop- ies of personal documents. Grocery stores may have shortages of some essential supplies in the hours before and days after a hurricane comes ashore. Many county residents also have taken to installing generators since plunging temperatures led to a near total collapse of the power grid in 2021, leaving millions of Texans freezing in the dark for days. The faith of some power consumers in the state grid’s ability to meet demand any time, especially in deep summer, has been shaken to the point that a Plan B seems prudent, even at a cost of more than $10,000. For many county residents, the winter freeze was the last straw when looking ahead at hurricane season. Larry Summer, of Friends- wood, actually beat the rush for generators when he installed his in June 2015, shortly after losing power during a bad storm, he said. “We had this lake house up near Crockett, and every time a hurricane was coming, we’d go up there,” Summer said. “One time, we got crossways and didn’t make it. One night we lost power, it got hot, and I told my wife we wouldn’t do this again.” At the time Summer in- stalled his generator, he was about the only home in the neighborhood with one, he said. But now, anytime the area loses power, you can walk outside and hear gen- erators churning across the neighborhood, he said. Generators can be a useful tool during bad weather, but residents should read safety manuals, Reilly said. Officials have seen too many instances of carbon monoxide poisoning. So, residents shouldn’t run generators in poorly ventilat- ed areas, Reilly said. STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News file photos ABOVE: Scott Farmer looks into a generator he is having installed outside of his house in League City on April 22, 2021. Farmer decided to install the generator after losing power at his house during the February 2021 winter storm. He believes the generator also will be important during the approach- ing hurricane season. RIGHT: An external generator stands next to an air-conditioning unit at Farmer’s League City house April 22, 2021. Check out our Google and Facebook reviews online then call us! 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Dogs should wear leather or nylon collars with tags. Cats should wear break- away or safety collars, and, yes, they can wear tags, too. Remember, if your pets be- come frightened, they could get away from you. 2. Consider microchip- ping your pet as a means of permanent identification. If your pet is already chipped, is your information current? Check with your provider today. 3. Be certain all animals are up-to-date on their vac- cinations. Are they wearing their tags? 4. Research safe, welcom- ing places to take your pet if an evacuation is called. Identify an evacuation route before the storm hits. 5. Make arrangements for family members or friends to evacuate your pet in case you are out of town when an evacuation is ordered. 6. Don’t forget your birds, reptiles or pocket pets (ham- sters, gerbils, etc.). They need your protection, too. 7. Don’t forget the impor- tance of planning for horses and other farm animals. Their size, shelter require- ments, vaccination needs and transportation needs make planning crucial. 8. Prepare a portable pet disaster kit. Keep your im- portant papers safe by using a sealed, waterproof bag. Prepping pets for hurricanes EVACUATION CHECKLIST Medical and vaccination records; specific care instructions, if needed Medication and dosage instructions (two-week supply) Flea, tick and heartworm preventive Photos of you and your pets together Carrier or cage (labeled) Pet bed and blanket Water and food bowls Two-week supply of water and food Nonelectric (manual) can opener if feeding canned food Leash, collar and harness Favorite toys and treats Paper towels and bags for cleanup Flashlight and batteries 2022 | Hurricane Preparedness | The Daily News | 37 JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News file photos ABOVE: Allison Lankford and her dog, J.J., peer out at the floodwaters on 23rd Street at Star Drug Store in Galveston on Aug. 29, 2017. Lankford said she waded a mile in waist-deep water Aug. 27, 2017 to evacuate her flooded house in Dickinson. BELOW: Alicia Barron, from left, Jose Reyes and Vuleria Lerma keep an eye on Barron’s dogs, Kloe and Boo Boo, on Aug. 28, 2017, at a temporary shelter at First Baptist Church in Galveston. jcroofinggalveston.com • 409-750-8043 101 Tiki Dr. #200C, Tiki Island, TX 77554 BENEFITS OF ROOFING PANELS: •Outstanding Durability / Extended Roof Life •Commercial Grade Steel and Aluminum •12’ to 20” Coverage Per Panel •TDI Approved • Hail Resistant – UL2218 Class 4 Rated •Zero Exposed Fasteners • • EnergyEfficient •Wide Range of Designer Colors •Environment Friendly •Virtually Maintenance Free JC R oofing Galveston’s #1 Roofer est. 1996 METAL AND COMPOSITE SHINGLE SPECIALIST Free Estimate call today! GCHD.ORG|409.938.7221 Mark Spurgeon Insurance Agency, Inc. 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In addition to being unpleasant, the conditions were unsanitary, and officials feared an outbreak of disease. But with some careful planning, a few crucial hygiene items and taking into consideration COVID-19 precautions, island residents who choose to ride out the next storm can be more comfortable. HAND SANITIZER This antibacterial gel will kill almost all germs that linger on your hands. It’s the next best thing to hot water, soap and a good scrub brush. Depending on how long the water’s out, you might go through a lot of it, so don’t be afraid to buy the jumbo bottle. WET WIPES They’re great for wiping down your hands, and unlike hand sanitizer, they remove dirt. As with the hand sanitizer, don’t scrimp. You will go through them quickly. SOLAR SHOWER This camping staple is cheap, easy to find and could provide the single biggest morale boost after a storm. Fill up the 5-gallon plastic bag before the storm and hang it somewhere in the sun after the storm passes by. They take a while to heat Stay safe and sanitary when systems are out The Daily News file photo First-aid kits in the home and car are useful items to have in the aftermath of a hurricane. JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News file photo Hunter Cummings, a senior at Texas A&M University at Galveston, takes a travel-size hand sanitizer before boarding a bus to College Station on Aug. 25, 2020. University officials evacuated close to 40 students by bus ahead of Hurricane Laura. up, and the “shower” is really more like washing with a very low pressure garden hose, but if you’re hot and dirty, you won’t care. COMPOSTING TOILET This is another camping trick that can make your post- hurricane stay more pleasant while relieving pressure on the city’s sewer system. Your options range in price and complexity of construction. The most basic models are nothing more than folding stools with disposable bags where the toilet bowl would normally be. Fancier models have flushing mechanisms and a holding tank, but it eventually has to be emptied. 2022 | Hurricane Preparedness | The Daily News | 39Next >