SPI provides hurricane preparedness resources

The City of South Padre Island would like to remind you to be prepared during this hurricane season. Planning what to do in advance is an important part of being prepared. As a coastal community, we all play a part in protecting our residents, visitors and Island.

“We recommend that everyone have an emergency plan in place in the event of a hurricane,” stated Doug Fowler, Fire chief. “What you do today could be what keeps you safe tomorrow.”

One of the challenges in preparing for a disaster is knowing how to access information on how to best prepare. A good place to start is one of these websites:

Download FEMA’s mobile app so you 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 City’s emergency notification system that sends out notifications directly to you via your home phone, cell phone and/or email, by going to www.myspi.org.

If you live, own a business or own property on South Padre Island, you will need a re-entry sticker for your vehicle to be able to return to the Island in the event of an emergency. A re-entry sticker does not guarantee re-entry until emergency officials determine conditions are safe for return. If a storm is within 48 hours of landfall, re-entry stickers will no longer be issued. Visit the City’s page to view forms and items required to obtain a re-entry sticker, by going to www.myspi.org.

Many use social media in the event of a disaster to let relatives and friends know they are safe. Social media provides the perfect platform to model preparedness actions for others. It is a great way to stay current with the City, state and national social media resources and warnings. Here are a few to follow:

Develop an emergency plan and practice how and where you will evacuate if instructed by emergency management officials. When making an emergency plan, keep these things in mind:

Awareness and preparation can reduce the impact of hurricane disasters. Families, individuals, and businesses who know their vulnerability and the actions to take to prepare to reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

Hurricane season is from June to November.

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