These guidelines are intended to assist the residents of Holly Lake Ranch in making the proper decisions and reactions to impending hazards or a disaster. The amount of time you will have depends on the event. You may have days to react or no time. This document will help you to determine how best to prepare and respond.
Emergency Information Systems:
Holly Lake Ranch (HLR) is affiliated with the Wood County RAVE or Code Red Emergency Notification (ECU) system. This system telephones, emails, and sends text messages with information about local emergencies to all county residents who have signed up for their services. Applications for this service are available in the HLR administration office or mywoodcounty.com.
Holly Lake Ranch also has a similar Emergency Notification system. All dues-paying residents are on the system and will be notified by phone as soon as possible of an impending emergency and the action to take.
Individual Responsibility:
It is imperative that each resident in HLR assume the responsibility to understand these procedures and the following emergency evacuation routes and personal safety tips. Locate your section in HLR and the nearest emergency exit on the map; they are marked with large red circles. Take the time to physically locate the exit nearest to your residence; these are marked with large red signs. (Obtain a map from the Administration Office if necessary.)
Your reaction to any situation can affect the ultimate outcome. Disasters that can be forecast in advance could include advancing fire, chemical spill or gas cloud, or a tornado/windstorm. Stay alert to emergency advisories via telephone, television, and radio. The most likely emergency is dangerous weather (tornado, windstorm), with the most frequent occurrences in the spring and early summer. If a disaster strikes, you will likely be isolated, without power or communication. Your first response should be to assess your own situation. If you need help, start the process of communicating that need by whatever means are available to you.
If your situation is OK, check on your neighbors. Emergency responders will be trying to reach you and your neighbors. You can help to communicate needs and guiding responders to the situation. The following provides guidelines for storm preparedness and reaction.
Storm Season Planning/Preparation:
Learn tornado danger signs, including dark, often greenish clouds, a wall cloud (an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm), and/or the sound of a roaring train.
Select where you will shelter. A reinforced space below ground level is best. A small interior space with substantial walls is good. Avoid windows. Manufactured homes and RV's are not good shelters. If your selected shelter is away from your home, start the second phase of this checklist early to reach the location safely.
- Collect emergency/shelter equipment. Obtain and store your key items in a readily accessible place. Include flashlight and batteries; battery-powered radio (capable of receiving NOAA Weather broadcasts); telephone (landline and cell); clothing appropriate for functioning in damaged areas, blankets, first aid supplies, bottled water, snack bars, pet supplies.
- Stay aware of weather forecasts. Pay attention to long-range and daily forecasts. If severe weather threatens your area, review your plan.
- Review your plan periodically. Mark a monthly calendar with a reminder to review your plan. If you have to execute it quickly, you will know it and can follow through as planned.
Storm Eminent:
- Stay current on local weather. A storm "watch" means conditions are right for storm creation. A storm "warning" means a damaging storm has been sighted on the ground, so take shelter. Stay current by using local TV or radio, internet weather radar, NOAA Weather broadcasts, etc.
- During the storm, "watch," move your emergency equipment/supplies into your shelter (or into your vehicle if you must drive to your planned refuge).
- During the storm "warning," move all residence occupants into the shelter. Sheltering too early is far better than sheltering too late.
Post-Storm:
- If a damaging storm strikes, you will likely be isolated without power and communication.
Your first response should be to assess your situation.
- If you need help, start the process of communicating that need by whatever means available to you.
- If your situation is OK, check on your neighbors.
- Emergency responders will be trying to reach you and your neighbors. You can help to communicate needs and guiding responders to the situation.
Preparing for Evacuation or Disaster:
The need to evacuate (neighborhood, section, or the entire Ranch area) could arise due to a wildland fire, chemical release, and post-storm effects of a major windstorm. The likelihood of evacuation before a forecast or major threatening storm is low but possible. Planning and preparation before any need for evacuation are essential. The need to know possible evacuation exits and routes have been noted in the Individual Responsibility paragraph.
Take time to consider what you and your family's needs would be if an evacuation of your home is required. Plan now for the possibility of an evacuation; consider the following guidelines recommended by priority:
A Disaster Supply Kit should include the following:
- Three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Three-day supply of water - one gallon per person per day
- First aid kit and manual
- Vinylgloves
- Surgical pads to stop bleeding
- Antibiotictowelettes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Burn ointment
- Adhesive bandages (variety of sizes)
- Gauze pads
- Microsporetape
- Tweezers and scissors
- Eyewash
- Thermometer
- Pain medication (Tylenol/Ibuprofen, etc.)
- Sanitation and hygiene items (toilet paper and moist towelettes)
- Battery-powered or crank radio
- Flashlight and extra batteries or glow sticks
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter, or solar charger
- Matches and waterproof containers
- Whistle
- Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils to include a can opener
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Local maps
- Fire extinguisher
- Books, games, puzzles, cards, or other activities for children
- Nose and mouth protecting mask (N-95 rating)
- a full tank of gas and a car battery charger in your if an evacuation seems likely
- Laptop computer and charger
- Follow recommended evacuation routes only (see map)
- Be alert for washed-out roads and bridges
- Stay away from downed power lines
- Secure your home:
- Close and lock doors and windows
- Unplug electrical equipment
- Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding
- Clothing for your family for several days
- Sleeping bags or bedding, pillows, and towels for each family member
- Prescription medications and spare eyeglasses; list of current medications
- Soap and toiletries
- Baby food and diapers
- Document bag:
- Apartment and condo lease
- Home or other property deeds (mortgages, etc.)
- Estatedocuments
- Homeowner's or renter's insurance documents
- Wills
- Lifeinsurancepolicies
- Inventory of possessions and their value
- List of important phone numbers (family, friends, etc.)
- Flood insurance documents
- Vehicle titles, leases, loan documents, etc.
- Financial statements (accounts, checks, tax returns, etc.)
- Stocks and bonds
- Copies of recent bills (power, water, etc.)
- Government financial assistance award letters
- Birth certificates or proof of citizenship
- Social security cards
- Employment contacts or other legal documents
- Medical records, x-rays, benefits documents, etc.
- Education reports (report cards, acceptance letters
- Passports
- Duplicate prescriptions from Doctor
- Back-up computer files (thumb drives, etc.)
- Copiesofimportantkeys
- Paperwork for your pets (medical records, registration, etc.) Pets require special attention, too. If you are to take your pet with you, make sure to bring a leash, crate or cage, pet food, and toys. However, if you must go to an emergency shelter, pets may not be allowed to accompany you due to health reasons. In this case, pet owners will be informed about nearby kennels, animal shelters, and veterinary clinics.
- Checkbook, credit cards, and cash
- Driver's license and identification card (photo ID)
- Walkie-talkies may be useful in a grid-down situation. To talk with or relay information to others nearby, use Channel 1 for general information.
Additional Consideration for Evacuations & Disasters
Special needs individuals, including the elderly, medically fragile, mentally and/or physically challenged, or handicapped, must be given special considerations. All individuals at HLR who fall into these categories should register with the Security Office (903-769-2164) to ensure their name, phone number, and address are listed so that proper authorities can follow up on their evacuation. Neighbors of handicapped residents should take the time to talk to and encourage these handicapped residents to participate and register to ensure their safety, if necessary.
Wildland Fire Prevention: Fuel Source Relief
A major concern for wildland fire disaster prevention at HLR is the accumulation of fuel sources near structures that can increase fire intensity. To best prepare, your property against fire threat, create defensible spacing around structures. That means removing fuel sources (leaves, dead wood, pine needles, etc.) away from your house up to 30' or more. Consider grade-A roofing, fire-resistant landscape timbers, and cut tree branches away from roofs. Also, consider planting only carefully spaced low flammability species (list available for Texas). (Pamphlets are at HLVFD & HLR Administration office.)
General Information:
- To obtain further written information on our Emergency Evacuation and Disaster Plan or additional related informational brochure, go to the HLR Administration Office - 903-769-3646
- Keep alert to new information on the program through our monthly newsletter in your dues bill, email advisories, marquees at the gates, or the bulletin boards.
Chlorine alert:
- Liberty Water Company uses liquid chlorine in pressurized cylinders to inject chlorine into HLR's drinking water to maintain a state-required minimum level in the water. There are seven well sites located in Holly Lake Ranch. (See HLR map for locations.)
- If you're walking and smell chlorine (smells like bleach), immediately reverse course until you are out of harm's way. Immediately call 911 to report it, describe the situation, and give a precise location. Contact Security (903-769-4371). Stay at a safe distance to warn other folks and guide responders.
- If in your yard and chlorine is smelled, immediately get indoors, close windows and doors ("seal" the House). Do the same reporting as above. Do not go out until responders give the OK.
How To React After a Disaster
Proper advanced emergency preparation can reduce a disaster's effect on personal life and property. After an emergency, many things could be happening. The emergency type will determine what will happen at HLR (fire tornado, chemical, etc.). Wood County Emergency Management will be directing the proper emergency organizations/services to handle the specific needs. This could include fire services, security/county Sheriff, Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.), & medical Reserve Corp (M.R.C.) volunteers, American Red Cross, and more. Your first responsibility is to assess your and your family's status and the status of your dwelling. If all is well, determine the status of your neighbors. If not, call 911, but understand they are probably receiving many calls so that you may be on your own for a while. Understand that emergency volunteers and services are being directed to the areas most affected. Take medical steps necessary for anyone injured and be prepared for evacuation. If evacuation is needed, secure family, pets, and emergency kits and leave the Ranch calmly by the nearest exit. Remember, communication systems (phone/cell phones) may be inoperative, so patience and common sense are in order. Please use cell phones sparingly so as not to overload the system. As you leave the Ranch, you may be directed (by map) to the safest route to avoid affected areas. If the disaster has damaged your home to the point of being uninhabitable, Security will direct you to the nearest available shelter. Our HLR phone system, as well as Security and volunteers, will be directing residents to the open shelters.
The present certified shelters include:
- HL Volunteer Fire Station
- Summit Heights Fellowship Church
- Holly Brook Baptist Church
- Holly Spirit Catholic Church
- Mineola ISD Primary School
- Mineola ISD Middle School
Action Post-Storm:
- Assess your situation. If the storm directly affects you and your shelter, assess for injury, damage. Exit your shelter with caution. Be aware of any leaking gas, such as propane and downed power lines. Keep clear of downed power lines. If your area is damaged, the likelihood of downed power lines will be high. Look for and avoid them. Assume that they will still be powered. Do not touch them and warn others about the danger.
- Start the process of getting aid, if needed. If you need help, try all available means of communication, knowing that some will likely be out of service. If possible, physically move clear of any danger.
- Check on your neighbors. If you are not directly affected by the storm, check on the homes close by. Start the process of banding together to share emergency equipment/supplies and to broaden checks on residents beyond your immediate area.
- Guide emergency responders. Emergency responders will be attempting to reach areas hit by the storm. If able, help direct them around your area to points where help is needed.
Revised 02/21