As hurricane season officially begins, Houston residents are urged to revisit their storm preparedness plans. While many long-time Houstonians are familiar with the protocols, each year presents unique challenges, especially for new residents. Preparation is the key to staying safe when tropical storms or hurricanes hit the Gulf Coast. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help residents stay informed and protected.
Essential Storm Safety Tips
Preparation starts with staying alert. Keep an eye on local weather reports and alerts from the National Hurricane Center, NOAA, and the Houston/Galveston National Weather Service. Sign up for emergency notifications through trusted platforms like Harris County Emergency Management or Ready Houston. Assemble an emergency kit with basic supplies such as bottled water, shelf-stable food, flashlights, extra batteries, essential medications, personal hygiene items, and backup chargers.
Make sure your home is ready for high winds and flooding. Secure or store outdoor items, trim overgrown trees, and use sandbags if you're in a flood-prone area. Additionally, prepare a family emergency plan decide where to meet, how to communicate if phone lines are down, and who will handle what responsibilities during a crisis.
Evacuation Resources and Planning
In the event of a mandatory evacuation, having a pre-planned route is crucial. Residents should review the official Houston Region Evacuation Map and the broader Statewide Evacuation Map to identify the safest exit routes from their neighborhoods. These maps are also available online through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Texas Emergency Portal.
Those in low-lying areas or mobile homes should be ready to evacuate early. Flood-prone zones can be tracked using area flood sensors, which help gauge water levels and risk levels in real-time. Emergency shelters will be announced through city channels and local news. It’s advised to keep a printed copy of evacuation maps and a hard copy of your emergency contact list in case digital devices lose power.
To learn more, visit official resources like the City of Houston Emergency Management, Houston-Galveston Area Council, and FEMA’s hurricane guide. Preparing now can make a life-saving difference later.
