General

The first thing you need to do is find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you’re in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane. If you are, figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles. Identify someone, perhaps a friend or relative who doesn’t live in a zone or unsafe home, and work it out with them to use their home as your evacuation destination. Be sure to account for your pets, as most local shelters do not permit them. Put the plan in writing for you and those you care about.

• Maps of evacuation zones courtesy of Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

From Ready.gov

• Know what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.
• Prepare before hurricane season starts. Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1.
• Create an emergency communication plan with your family before a hurricane.
• Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, and in the car.
• We encourage you to get flood insurance, damages caused by flooding are not covered under normal homeowner’s insurance policies.
• Know your local community’s evacuation plan and evacuation routes and how to receive alerts.
• Listen to local officials.
• Sign up for alerts from the Harris County Office of Emergency Management.
• Harris County Office of Emergency Management Twitter

Find out today what types of wind and water hazards could happen where you live, and then start preparing now for how to handle them. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Their impacts can be felt hundreds of miles inland, and significant impacts can occur without it being a major hurricane. Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 5-11, 2019) is your time to prepare for a potential land-falling tropical storm or hurricane.

• NOAA Coastal Services historical hurricane tracks tool
• Hurricane Return Periods

This weekend is the 2019 Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday in the State of Texas. You can purchase certain emergency preparation supplies tax free beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, and ending at midnight on Monday, April 29. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase, and you do not need to issue an exemption certificate to claim the exemption. Please visit the Texas Comptroller’s Website for more information, including a list of qualifying and excluded supplies. Hurricane Season is just around the corner. Don’t wait until the next storm is in the Gulf before preparing yourself and your family.