Hurricane Preparedness and You

08.25.2020 . Blogs
As Hurricane Laura continues to develop, please follow recommendations made by the City of Houston. At this time, the city does not anticipate issuing evacuation orders. However, it is important to stay vigilant as conditions can change rapidly. In addition to the local news, the Regional Joint Information Center (JIC) is your best source for timely and accurate information when emergency conditions exist in the greater Harris County area.
Steps to Take Now
  • Ensure your family has five to seven days worth of food, water, and supplies. This includes enough prescription medication to get you through this period in case pharmacies and doctors’ offices are closed.
  • If you have seniors, children, pets, or others with special circumstances in your home, make sure their individual needs are met.
  • Be sure you have a way to stay informed even when the power goes out, such as a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
  • Develop a family communication plan so that you know who to check in with after a storm. Visit ready.gov for more information.
  • Monitor current conditions with the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center.
  • Know how to turn off your utilities, including electricity, water, and gas. Only turn off gas if instructed by local officials, or by CenterPoint energy. For safety tips from CenterPoint, click here.
  • Move vehicles away from low-lying areas, such as neighborhood streets that are prone to flooding.
  • Ensure that street drains are clear of debris. Also, secure items that might float away in heavy rain and become lodged in drains. This can cause additional flooding.
Helpful Tips During a Flood 
  • When flooding occurs, go to higher ground and avoid areas subject to flooding.
  • Do not attempt to walk across flowing streams or drive through flooded roadways.
  • When water rises in your home before you evacuate, go to the top floor or roof.
  • Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest storm information.
  • Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if advised to do so.
  • If you’ve come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water.
Public Safety Contact Information 
  • HPD and HFD: 911
  • HPD (non-emergency): 713.884.3131
  • Harris County Constable Precinct 7 Dispatch: 713.643.6602
  • METRO (report incidents on the rail or bus shelters): 713.635.4000
  • Central Division Patrol (west of Louisiana): 713.247.4400
  • South Central Patrol (east of Louisiana): 832.394.0200
  • S.E.A.L. Security Solutions, LLC Dispatch: 832.900.7700
Additional Resources
 
If you experience flooding on your street, please report it on our Midtown Houston app. By sending reports, you’re sharing with us helpful information for future planning. Please note: this service is to report non-emergency issues only. 
The City of Houston’s Office Emergency Management provides programs and activities to help prepare for, cope with, and recover from the effects of natural and man-made disasters.
Please stay prepared and safe.