An official State of Texas website.
The Office of Acquired Brain Injury encourages individuals with brain injury, family members and caregivers to be prepared for potential evacuation or for sheltering in place.
If you may need help during an evacuation, you can register for evacuation transportation assistance today. Dial 2-1-1 and select option 2. The pre-registration line is closed 70 hours before a hurricane makes land fall.
Useful phone numbers:
- Evacuation information and transportation assistance: 2-1-1, option 2
- Medical Transportation Program (HHSC): 877-633-8747
- Relay service (Hearing impaired & Visual Disabilities): 7-1-1
- TxDOT Statewide road closure info: 800-452-9292
- Roadside Assistance: 800-525-5555
- Red Cross for shelter and evacuee information: 800-733-2767
- Medical Shelters: 800-337-0373
- Office of Acquired Brain Injury: 512-706-7191
- Brain Injury Association of Texas: 800-444-6443
The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities has information and resources to help individuals prepare for or respond to disasters, with a focus on hurricanes and people with disabilities including a link to 2-1-1 Texas to register for transportation and disaster assistance information.
Preparedness for Evacuees
- Prepare a disaster supplies kit. If you are forced to leave your home or shelter in place, you may not have time to gather all things you need to keep your family safe and comfortable. Assemble a kit now with enough supplies to take care of each family member for at least three days. Be sure to check your kit regularly and replace items that expire such as batteries and food. A basic kit should include:
- Helmets: In a disaster, where there is debris that can cause injury, protect your head with anything available, including a pillow or your arms. It has been reported that individuals wearing helmets survived serious injury by protecting their head.
- Water: Pack enough bottled water to last three days. Each person requires one gallon of water a day.
- Food: Choose foods that you know your family will eat and that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking. Examples include protein or fruit bars, dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter, crackers and canned juices. Also pack a hand-operated can opener and disposable eating utensils.
- Extra clothing: Gather one complete change of clothes, a pair of sturdy shoes and a blanket for each person.
- First aid kit: Include two pairs of sterile gloves, sterile gauze, soap, antibiotic towelettes, antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, adhesive bandages, thermometer, prescription medications and prescribed medical supplies.
- Emergency items: Pack a battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, a whistle, shovel, basic tools, baby wipes, garbage bags, toilet paper and a state map.
- Special needs items:
- If there is a baby in the family, you will need to pack formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, medications, baby wipes and diaper rash ointment.
- Consult with your doctor about getting an emergency prescription (minimum 30 days) and about storing medications such as heart and high blood pressure medicines, insulin and other prescription drugs.
- Include supplies for dentures and contact lenses.
- Include emergency supplies for your pet. Have medical and current vaccination records, pet medications, a first aid kit, leash and carrier/crate, three-day supply of food and water, current photos in case you are separated, pet beds and toys, cat litter and box, paper towels, plastic bags and bleach to properly handle pet waste.
- Insurance and vital records: Make photocopies of your important documents and store them in a waterproof bag or container. Here’s a list of some documents you might want to copy:
- List of medications
- Insurance policies
- Driver's license, passport or other photo ID
- Bank account information
- Credit card information
- Financial records
- Inventory of home possessions
- Cash and travelers checks
You may want to advise emergency response personnel that you are a brain injury survivor so they can provide the best care possible. The Office of Acquired Brain Injury has created a wallet card for your use as needed and may be printed. This information should be shared with people with caution. You will be telling others about your name and medical condition and sharing the name and phone number of your emergency contact.