Preparedness
Natural disasters can occur randomly. Man-made disasters can be just as unpredictable. No matter where you live in Texas, it’s important to learn about the potential hazards near you to get ahead of what’s ahead.
The best time to prepare for hurricanes is before hurricane season begins on June 1. It is vital to understand your home's vulnerability to storm surges, flooding, and wind.
Click here to download our Emergency Preparedness Booklet & Checklist
Basic Preparedenss Tips
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Put together a disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate.
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Plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for 7-10 days and/or you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
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Make a family emergency communication plan. Signup for text or email alerts for emergency notifications at Smart911.com. Sign up for other emergency alerts here.
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You will need to decide if you should leave, where you will go, where you will stay, and the best route to take. Ensure that you give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, as there will be many mandated evacuees trying to reach shelter cities.
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If you will need extra assistance during times of emergencies due to a disability, a medical issue, or communication barriers, sign up for STEAR. The STEAR program is a free registry that provides local emergency planners and emergency responders with additional information on the needs in their community. Texas communities use the registry information in different ways. Registering yourself in the STEAR registry DOES NOT guarantee that you will receive a specific service during an emergency. Available services will vary by community.
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Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so before hurricane season, trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
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Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
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Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows, and doors, including the garage doors.
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Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors, and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet. Service your generator throughout the year to make sure it will work when you need it. Plan to have fuel to run your generator.
Preparing Your Home
More Disaster Resources
​Hurricanes
Prepare for hurricanes now. Know where to go if asked to evacuate quickly and how you and your family will get there.
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Flooding
If you approach a flooded road or walkway, follow this rule: turn around, don't drown!
Prepare for Flooding Now
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Wildfires
If there is a wildfire in the area, be ready to evacuate on short notice.
Get Wildfire Tips
Freezes
In many parts of Texas, severe winter weather can threaten your safety and the safety of your property. Blizzards, heavy snow, freezing rain, ice, and freezing temperatures occasionally cause havoc in parts of Texas.
Learn to Prepare for a Winter Storm​
Pandemics
Know the facts about a pandemic. Public Health is everyone’s responsibility.
Learn How to Stay Safe
Petrochemical Emergencies
The whole community (e.g., individuals, families, communities, businesses, and jurisdictions) needs to plan for disasters and emergencies, and the disruptions that often result.
Get More Information on Petrochemical Emergencies