ISLA DEL SOL - HURRICANE INFORMATION

City of Galveston Re-entry plan updated 5-06
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Click here for details of plan

The peak of hurricane season is the last two weeks of August and first two weeks of September. While we are told to expect a hurricane every 7-10 years, the last serious hurricanes to strike our coast were Carla (1961) and Alicia (1983) and the numerous hurricanes that came into the Gulf of Mexico in 2005.  Hurricanes are large, dangerous, unpredictable and sometimes fast moving storms usually accompanied on the coast by storm surges and tornados.  The purpose of this information is to supplement, not substitute for, the information you should obtain from other sources. Hopefully it will give you a better idea how to obtain and react to such other information.

Texas is not a mandatory evacuation state. People cannot be ordered to evacuate, but authority exists to control ingress and egress to and from a disaster area, the movement of persons within such area and the occupancy of structures in the affected area after a disaster occurs. The Galveston causeway should remain open for two way traffic; however, as weather deteriorates, expect the causeway, IH45 and coastal roads to become difficult to impossible because of traffic congestion, high wind, torrential rain, flooding, storm debris, stalled cars and wrecks.

CITY OF GALVESTON STICKER OR PROOF OF RESIDENCY OR OWNERSHIP

If you attempt to go to the island immediately before or after a hurricane, you will probably have to pass a check point. If you have a CITY OF GALVESTON STICKER on your car, you may or may not be waived through the checkpoint; if stopped you will be required to furnish proof of residency or property ownership on the island. Stickers can be obtained at the City of Galveston Water Department on the 1st floor of the Galveston City Hall at Ave H (Ball) and 25th (Rosenberg). Be prepared to pay $1.00 and furnish evidence of residency or property ownership on the island.  Be sure to care with you, identification that proves you are a property owner, such as your Texas Drivers License, a utility bill, voters registration card, etc.

EMERGENCY PLANNING AND INFORMATION

Several years ago the responsible governmental agencies, including Galveston County and the City of Galveston, developed an emergency plan in anticipation of hurricanes. In substance designated decision makers of these agencies will get together approximately 60 hours before the onset of 58 mph wind, consider the threat and issue a public statement, which will probably be followed by others. Since no one will then know where the hurricane will strike, the 60 hour determination assumes that the hurricane will strike us regardless of its course at the time. The public statement should precede the announcement of a Hurricane Watch (36 hours before onset of hurricane force wind with strike probability along 150 miles of coast) and Hurricane Warning (24 hours before onset of hurricane force wind with a strike probability along 100 miles of coast), the theory being that the Hurricane Watch and Hurricane Warning may not allow sufficient time for many to react. If the hurricane forms in the Gulf, particularly near our coast, expect less advance warning. While each agency will have its own plan and make its own decision, each will attempt to act in cooperation with the others. West Galveston island is classified G1a, meaning that it is a priority evacuation zone because high wind and storm surge from hurricanes 130 mph or less (Category 1 or 2) will make it dangerous, and will be evacuated first.  For comparison, Alicia had sustained winds of 115 mph with gusts of 125mph.

BE ALERT FOR THE ABOVE PUBLIC STATEMENT(S).  DEPENDING ON THE PARTICULARS OF THE PUBLIC STATEMENT(S), BEGIN TAKING ACTION AT THAT TIME.

Galveston County expects to complete its evacuation before winds reach 58 mph, the speed at which wind can tip over an emergency vehicle.  The County uses four storm categories: Condition 4 (more than 72 hours before 58 mph wind with >10% probability), Condition 3 (72 hours before 58 mph wind with >10% probability), Condition 2 (48 hours before 58 mph wind with >15% probability), and Condition 1 (24-12 hours before 58 mph wind with >24% probability). When listening to reports, note that the storm categories for the County, City and MUD#1 differ.

City of Galveston uses four storm categories, Green (essentially normal), Blue (hurricane is a possible threat ), Amber (severe weather warning such as Hurricane Warning or hurricane conditions expected within 24 hours),  and Red (hurricane expected within 12 hours or less). Galveston expects to call for an evacuation 40 to 45 hours (almost 2 days) prior to an expected hurricane, if the hurricane is more than Category 1 or 2 and the strike probability is 75% or more. Galveston emergency services will give emergency reports over KTRH (740AM). For safety reasons, Galveston will consider stopping the evacuation (of elderly and handicapped) when the wind reaches 40 knots (46 mph) and will stop the evacuation when wind reaches 50 knots (58 mph).

Galveston County MUD#1 will begin preparation at Condition I (storm is 48-24 hours away with a high probability  of land fall) and at Condition II (storm is 24-12 hours from land fall) will begin additional action (boxing and evacuating records, etc.).  The water and sewer systems will remain on.  As soon as soon as possible after Condition III (storm has made landfall and there is no danger of loss of life), the District will restart normal operation. If electric power is off, the District will start an emergency generator in order to supply water and sewer service, subject to availability of water from Galveston.

Relative to our subdivisions, Sergeant Durand Fooks intends to be the last to leave and the first to return, and to remain at the Sheriff Department during the storm is given. He says that access to the west will be denied (at the seawall) when the evacuation order for the West Galveston Island is given. As between FM 3005 and Stewart Road, FM 3005 will probably flood first at the water ski pond between 7 and 8 Mile Roads. When possible before and after the storm, he expects to have two units working the subdivisions 24 hours per day. If you return to the subdivisions immediately after the storm, he recommends that you bring evidence of residency or property ownership, as our the check points may be manned by sheriff deputies, Galveston police or National Guardsmen who will not know you.

During a hurricane threat listen to your radio or TV constantly. Key emergency broadcasting stations for the Houston-Galveston area are: KTRH (740AM), KPRC (950 AM), KLOL (101.1 FM), and KGBC (1540AM).  For 24 hour per day weather broadcasts from the National Weather Service, listen to high-band FM frequency 162.550 MHZ or 162.400 MHZ from Houston.  Consider buying a weather radio if you do not have one. National Weather Service forecasts are usually issued at 4:00 am, 10:00 am, 4:00 pm, and 10:00 pm. When considering strike probability announcements, an increase or decrease in probability percentage is as important as the percentage itself. Be aware that if you listen to the 10:00 pm forecast, go to sleep and awaken at 7:00 am in the morning, when you awaken your impression of the hurricane will be based on information more than 9 hours old (15 hours if you miss the 10:00 pm forecast).  More than one has awakened to a nasty surprise when a hurricane has dramatically changed course, size, intensity and speed during the evening and night. 

Evacuation routes are IH45, FM146 and FM6.  Evacuation routes are passable before winds exceed 58 mph and before tropical rains begin. Galveston causeway will be unsafe to all traffic when sustained winds reach 58 mph.  When possible two way traffic will be maintained on all evacuation routes to allow continued access for emergency vehicles. Be aware that when the hurricane is in a higher category, it will take longer to evacuate, because more people will be evacuating from more areas. The estimated time to evacuate Galveston island, assuming all vehicles evacuate, is Category I (5 hours), Category II (10 hours), Category III (22 hours), Category IV (26 hours) and Category V (29 hours). Evacuation assistance and rescue will cease when wind reaches 58 mph.

                                                                            SUGGESTIONS

DEVELOP A PLAN OF ACTION consisting of tasks that are NECESSARY (empty refrigerator and freezer, close or install storm blinds, shut off electricity (at the main switch to the house) and gas, put outside furniture inside, put chlorine in pool etc.) and OPTIONAL (move valuable items upstairs or take them away, take boat and motor to the mainland, etc.). 

CONSIDER PRECAUTIONARY ACTION you might take before a storm threatens. For example, make sure your storm shutters work or fit and that you have needed supplies and tools; if you are not going to use your boat during the high risk period, why not put it on the trailer and take it and some other things to the mainland; and if you store empty boat trailers elsewhere, why not move them to the new trailer storage area at the marina for quick access.    

IF YOU DRIVE TO THE ISLAND prior to or immediately after a storm, fill your fuel tank and take sufficient water, food, supplies and foul weather gear to survive if you are stranded.  Before the storm, remain focused on the rising level of wind and water that may block your exit. Expect early onset of abnormally high water and delay at the boat ramp. After the storm, beware of washed out roads and broken power lines and expect utility services to be inoperative for up to 72 hours.

Do not expect to make last minute arrangements with third parties to take care of your property. If you are going to be out of town, designate someone to look out for your property while you are gone.

Remember that in a given case wind may reach or exceed 60 mph when the center of the hurricane is 10 to 12 hours or more away.  Hurricanes have been known to travel at surprising speeds, sometimes more than 25 mph. Hurricane coordinates are given for the estimated center of the hurricane. Gale (40 mph plus) winds can reach 100 to 200 miles or more from the center, usually in the NE quadrant. Many outdoor tasks, particularly those relating to boats and storm blinds, become difficult to impossible in torrential rain and wind in excess of  25 mph. A hurricane that strikes dead on or to the west of us will have far greater impact than one that strikes to the east.

WHEN YOU FIRST ASK YOURSELF WHETHER YOU SHOULD BEGIN DOING SOMETHING, IT IS PROBABLY TIME TO ACT.  

We wish to express our appreciation to Donald Weisman, Emergency Management Coordinator of Galveston County, William Zagorski, Emergency Management Coordinator of the City of Galveston, Lawanda Medley, Office Manager of Galveston County MUD#1, and Sergeant Durand Fooks, Galveston County Sheriff's Department, for contributions to this report.

ISLA DEL SOL HOME OWNER’S ASSOCIATION HOPES THAT THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL BE HELPFUL, BUT DOES NOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT THE COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY OF THIS INFORMATION, OR THAT THE PLANS DESCRIBED HEREIN WILL BE ADHERED TO IN THE EVENT OF A HURRICANE. 

STATE OF TEXAS, DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, HURRICANE TIPS

Secure your home:

• Turn off gas, water and electricity

• Board up windows and draw drapes across windows

• Brace Garage doors

• Bring in outdoor furniture and other loose objects, anchor items you cannot bring inside

• Place boats on trailers, tie them down close to home and fill with water

• Lock all windows and doors

• Make arrangements for animals (most shelters will not allow pets)

Evacuation Tips:

• Keep your vehicle in good repair with a full tank of gas

• Check on friends and neighbors who may have special needs

• Prepare your disaster supplies kit now. Take it with you when you evacuate

• Secure your home quickly - evacuate when asked to do so

• Have an out-of-area point of contact whom family and friends can call to learn your evacuation plans

• If possible, take a cell phone or CB radio with you. Use it only in emergencies.

• Monitor Emergency Alert Stations (EAS) for the latest news or information

Your Disaster Supplies Kit:

• Can opener

• 3-day supply of non-perishable food

• Bedding or sleeping bags

• Fire extinguisher

• Bleach (no lemon or other additives)

• Mosquito repellent

• Extra prescription medicine (or refill information)

• Baby food, diapers and formula

• First aid kit

• Water (gallon per person per day)

• Eating utensils

• Tarp, rope and duct tape

• Toiletries

• Toilet paper

• Battery operated radio

• Flashlights

• Extra batteries

• Extra keys

• Sunglasses

• Eyeglasses (or prescription)

• Hearing aid or other special items

• Important papers, including insurance, money, checks, or credit cards

• Name, address and telephone number of out of area contact persons

After a severe hurricane: