Texas Hurricane Center

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:
  • 2-1-1 for shelter, food and disaster services
  • 7-1-1 for Relay Texas Service
  • 1-800-452-9292 for TxDOT statewide road closures
  • 1-800-525-5555 for roadside assistance

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