Editorial: The Perry Post (Be Ready Before the Storm – Lessons from Local Experts on Disaster Preparedness in Rockport and Aransas County)
In coastal communities like ours, hurricanes and other emergencies are not a matter of “if” but “when.” This morning's Disaster preparedness panel hosted by the Chamber brought together local experts to share practical, actionable advice drawn from real events like Hurricane Harvey and Barrel. Their message was clear: preparation saves lives, reduces stress, and builds a stronger community. Here’s what every resident and business owner needs to know and do now, before the next threat.
1. Prepare Your Pets – They’re Family Too
Animal Control’s Caitlin Frazier emphasized that pets are often overlooked until chaos hits.
Essential Documents: Keep vaccination records, rabies tags, and especially updated microchip information in a waterproof binder or “black book.” Outdated contact info renders microchips useless.
Crates and Carriers: Have a sturdy, familiar crate or pop-up carrier for each animal. Practice loading pets into vehicles regularly so they’re not terrified during evacuation.
Supplies: Stock extra food, water, medications (including anxiety meds if needed), and medical necessities. Create a dedicated “pet go-kit.”
Post-Storm: Shelters and rescue teams like DART (Disaster Animal Response Team) will activate, but quick ID (photos, microchips) speeds reunions.
Action Step: Download or pick up a pet disaster checklist from Animal Control. Practice your evacuation drill with pets this weekend.
2. Medical and Vulnerable Populations – Plan for Those Who Need the Most Help
Patricia Arnold, Executive Director of Aransas County Medical Services, Inc. (ACMSI), stressed the need to protect our elderly, disabled, and medically dependent neighbors.
Register with STEAR: Call 211 or the county to join the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry. This helps emergency managers know how many buses, oxygen, cots, or medical shelters are needed. It’s secure and critical for power-dependent individuals (oxygen, vents, refrigerated meds).
First Aid & Supplies: Build a real first-aid kit with tourniquets, hemostatic gauze, wound-cleaning supplies, and personal medications. Keep copies of insurance and medical records.
Power Backup: Battery backups, generators, and extra equipment batteries are vital. Have laminated instructions for medical devices.
Community Role: Check on isolated neighbors. Help them register and create plans.
Action Step: If you or a loved one relies on electricity or special equipment, register today. Know your evacuation route and support network.
3. Insurance – Know What You Actually Have
Melanie Head (T W F G Insurance) and attorney Kevin Baker delivered hard truths:
Flood Insurance is Separate: Standard homeowners policies rarely cover it. National Flood Insurance Program policies have a 30-day waiting period; some private options have shorter ones. Buy it before a storm is named.
Read the Full Policy: Don’t rely on the declarations page. Get the complete document with all endorsements and exclusions from your agent. Understand wind/hail, water damage, and mitigation requirements.
Key Coverages: Ask about water damage endorsements (e.g., 321), windstorm, and replacement cost (RCV) vs. actual cash value (ACV).
Action Step: This week, request your full policy. Walk it across the street to a trusted professional if needed. Review it before renewal.
4. Claims and Recovery – Document Everything
After a storm:
Take before-and-after photos of your entire property – including undamaged areas, ceilings, walls, and personal belongings.
Document damage but mitigate further harm (tarps, boarding) while preserving evidence for adjusters.
You can spend initial claim payments while disputing for more. Don’t accept the first offer without review.
Keep all receipts and records.
Action Step: Maintain a digital “memory” album of your home’s interior and valuables now.
5. Family, Business, and Immediate Action Plans
Panelists agreed: conversations today prevent panic tomorrow.
Go-Kits & Grab-and-Go: Water, radio, batteries, medications, important documents, cash, and comfort items. Plan for 3–7+ days.
Family Discussions: Decide evacuation triggers, meeting points, and who grabs what in a 5–10 minute “house on fire” scenario. Include pets and vulnerable members.
Business Continuity: Have employee contact lists (paper backups), designated roles, pet plans, generators, and redundancies (backup internet, mobile office options). Trim trees and secure loose items now.
Financial Buffer: Build savings for deductibles and gaps. Consider higher deductibles only if you can afford them.
All Disasters: These plans apply to floods, fires, power outages, gas leaks – not just hurricanes.
Immediate Actions You Can Take This Week:
Update microchips and create pet go-kits.
Register vulnerable household members with STEAR (211).
Request and review your full insurance policy.
Trim trees, clear yard projectiles, and test generators.
Hold a family/business preparedness meeting.
Stock supplies and build/maintain your go-bag.
Our community has proven resilient, but preparation turns survivors into thrivers. Local agencies, insurers, medical suppliers, and animal control stand ready to help – reach out now while skies are clear.
Talk to your neighbors, share this information, and act. Preparedness isn’t fear – it’s love for your family, pets, and community. Let’s make Rockport and Aransas County stronger together.
Stay safe, stay informed, and stay ready.
