PREPARE FOR THE STORM
Make a plan. Protect people, property and pets.
Protect People
- Put together an emergency supply kit.
- Watch a video on how to build a Go-Kit.
- Create a communication plan with your family.
- Review evacuation routes.
- Find a local shelter, e.g. Red Cross Shelters.
- Visit Drivetexas.org for flooded roads and conditions.
- Sign up for your community or county warning system. Follow local weather alerts.
- Register for STEAR if you or anyone you know will need some assistance in an emergency event.
- Important Phone Numbers:
Protect Property
- Know flood risks in your area.
- Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowners policies do not cover flooding. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect, so the time to buy is well before a disaster.
- Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Protect Pets
- Make preparations for your pets and livestock, too.
DURING THE STORM
Pay attention to emergency alerts. Heed all local orders.
Stay Safe
- If local officials tell you to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
- Take refuge in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds.
- Go to the highest level of the building if you are trapped by flooding. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
- Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Remember: Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
AFTER THE STORM
Find shelter and stay safe. Heed all local orders.
Shelter & Safety
- Red Cross – find an open shelter
- Red Cross Safe & Well – to register yourself as “Safe and Well” or search for loved ones online
Returning Home
- Drivetexas.org – flooded roads and conditions. Remember: Turn Around Don’t Drown!
- TCEQ – information for public water systems, household debris management, safe drinking water
- Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs – disaster relief resources
- Texas Department of Insurance – help after the storm
- Office of Public Insurance Counsel – about residential property insurance claims
- TDLR – recovery resources for licensees
- Long-Term Disaster Recovery Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities
- Ready.gov – returning home after a hurricane
Article source and photo credit: Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Hurricane Center
