Disaster Preparedness

In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused unprecedented damage to our Gulf Coast communities. That storm serves  as a reminder that we must take all necessary steps  to prepare for the next hurricane season ahead. Taking common sense steps to protect our communities is critical to saving lives and minimizing the impact of damage from natural disasters.

Important Tips to Know Before A Disaster Strikes

• Make an emergency communication plan: where to go, what to do, and how to reconnect.
• Make sure you know your community’s evacuation plan and evacuation routes.
• Make sure you have flood insurance.
• Collect and safeguard critical financial, medical, educational, and legal documents and records.
• Pack an emergency kit, including items such as water, food, flashlight, medications, and cellphone charger.
• Know where your gas shutoff valve and electrical shutoff is located.
• Protect your pets by making an emergency plan and kit for them.
• Avoid driving on flooded roads and never attempt to drive across flooded roadways.
• Heed to weather warnings of federal, state and local officials to ensure utmost safety.

Disaster Preparedness Resources

• For tips and resources on disaster preparedness, visit Ready.gov.
• To learn how to prepare for a hurricane in Texas, visit the Texas Hurricane Center and TexasReady.gov.
• For more information on hurricane awareness through the Texas Department of Public Safety, click here. 
• To learn about upcoming storms through the National Hurricane Center, click here. 
• To learn about the National Flood Insurance Program, click here or call 800-427-4661.
• To learn about flood insurance through the Texas Department of Insurance, click here. 
• To learn about the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR), a registry that assists constituents with needs in the community, visit here.
• To download the FEMA app to receive weather alerts and preparedness tips, click here.
• To learn how to prepare for hurricanes through the American Red Cross, visit here.
• For information on road closures through the Texas Department of Transportation, visit here.
• For more flood safety tips and resources through the National Weather Service, click here. 
• To learn about severe weather (tornado, thunderstorm, and flash flood) safety tips through the Texas Department of Public Safety, click here.