Prepare for Hurricane Dean

Nueces County and Port Aransas officials are encouraging residents and property owners to get ready for the possible landfall of Hurricane Dean. Current forecasts call for Dean to enter the Gulf of Mexico as a possible Category 2 hurricane as early as Tuesday.

In anticipation of the threat, everyone is encouraged to fuel up their vehicles early, make preparations for securing personal and real property, consider evacuation routes, check the need for medication refills, make preparations for food and water, and consider pets and their necessities.

Residents should have a two-week supply of medications on hand. If they do not, they need to have their prescriptions refilled by their local pharmacy. If they lack about one week before they can refill their prescription, arrangements have been made by the local health authority to have local pharmacies refill prescriptions early due to the current emergency situation.

If you have special needs and require evacuation assistance, register by dialing 211, a 24-hour line. This must be done no later than 6 p.m. Sunday, August 19.

Port Aransas City Manager Michael Kovacs said city officials are looking at potential lead times in case an evacuation of Mustang Island is needed. He encouraged residents to pay attention to local media for updates on the storm.

The South Jetty will publish updates of notices from emergency management officials as they are received.