HOUSTON — Officials are warning people to have hurricane supplies ready before Beryl arrives along the Texas Gulf Coast.
On Saturday, some hardware and grocery stores saw some people stocking up on their supplies. Water and generators are some of the top items that shoppers are looking for, but there are several other items to keep in mind.
Many people said they are closely monitoring the forecast.
“I just hope everything doesn’t get as aggressive as it was before,” Karen Morrow told KHOU 11 News.
Marquis Page with Lowe’s said generators and water are the top items customers ask about. Having batteries for small electronics and flashlights is also critical.
Securing your home and doing a home inspection before the storm’s arrival can help assess current needs.
“I’d say walk around your house and make sure your doors and locks, make sure those things are ready…make sure your smoke alarms are prepared,” Page said.
If using a generator to power your home or appliances, Page said it’s important to run the generators outside in a well-ventilated area to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
In grocery stores, a seven-day supply of water and non-perishable food items is recommended.
“We’re just here to buy water and pasta,” Amy Sablatura said.
Sablatura is curious about what the local impacts could be. She’s experienced some of Houston’s worst named storms in the past.
“Just wondering how much street flooding and maybe flooding we may have and how high will the water come since we live real close to the bayou,” Sablatura said.
A looming storm is a reminder to check items off the supply list and check on vulnerable family or friends.
“We’ve been through it before, you’re just a little skeptical…I’d say get with someone that wouldn’t mind you being with them because we’ve been through it so many times,” Morrow said.
Other tips to prepare your home include filling your bathtub with water to flush your toilets in case water service is disconnected.
The City of Houston is encouraging people to pack supply kits and have a five to seven-day supply of food and water, if necessary.