East Texas

Now is the time for East Texans to prepare for possible damage that Hurricane Gustav could bring.

Although it will not carry the punch it will have as Category 3 hurricane when it hits the Gulf Coast, Gustav could still bring high winds and flooding that could cause power outages and blocked roadways.

Pat Shannon of the local American Red Cross office advises people to assemble emergency kits, put together a plan of action and pay attention to emergency instructions.

An emergency kit should be stocked with fresh water, nonperishable food, First Aid supplies, medications, important documents whatever is necessary to meet the needs of elderly or infants, he said.

Family members should know how to contact one another and where to go for safety if they should become separated, he said.

Shannon also advised to keep a radio with batteries and a charged cell phone on hand to monitor news and weather reports in case of power outages.

“We advise people to do these steps all year around it just happens that September is Emergency Preparedness Month and we are dealing with this.”

Tyler Public Information Officer Don Martin said if severe weather hits people should stay home if possible.

Those on roadways should slow down, be alert and to not ever drive through water passing over roadways.

Dr. Jonathan MacClements, Smith County Health Authority, said now is the time for people to make trips to the store to stock food and water, flashlights and batteries.
He advises people to stock up enough supplies to last about three days.

“Don’t become a (storm) victim yourself,” he said Sunday. “Stabilize your home environment.”