Hurricane Readiness

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Hurricane Preparation Kit - Suggested Items

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children
  • Cash or traveler's checks
  • Cell phone with chargers and backup batteries
  • Complete change of clothing appropriate for climate and sturdy shoes
  • Extra Batteries
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First Aid Kit
  • Flashlight
  • Glasses and contact lens solution
  • Important family documents (ie insurance policies, identification, and bank account records) saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
  • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
  • Moist towlettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Non-perishable food - enough for 7 days
  • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxitives
  • Paper and pen/pencil
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet(s)
  • Prescription medications - suggested 30 day supply
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  • Water - 1 gallon per person for 7 days
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
hurricane tips
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Preparedness Recommendations from CenterPoint Energy 

CenterPoint Energy urges customers to be prepared for potential impact as disturbances develop in the gulf. Customers are encouraged to have a plan in place, particularly if they depend on electricity for life-sustaining equipment requiring continuous power.

Tropical storms and hurricanes pose multiple threats including strong winds, areas of heavy rainfall, and storm surge potential. CenterPoint Energy crews are prepared to respond as soon as it is safe to do so and will work to restore power safely and efficiently.

Check out essential tips that can help you stay safe before, during, and after a storm at CenterPoint Energy - Storm Center. This link includes an outage tracker and tips for both electrical and natural gas safety.

Stay up to date with notifications on outages with CenterPoint Energy Power Alert Service. Registration is free and you can receive notifications by email, text, or phone call. 

Electrical and Gas Safety Tips from CenterPoint

The company also urges customers to follow important pre-and post-storm electric and natural gas safety tips.

Electric:

  • Stay away from downed power lines and electrical equipment. Be especially mindful of downed lines that could be hidden in floodwaters and treat all downed lines as if they are energized.
  • If you experience flooding and water has risen above the electrical outlets in your home, contact a licensed electrician before turning on the main circuit breaker or trying to restore power.
  • All electrical appliances and electronic equipment that have been submerged in water need to dry thoroughly for at least one week. Then, have them checked by a q2023 Hurrican flyer Opens in new windowualified repair person before turning them on. Attempting to repair a flood-damaged appliance could result in electrical shock or death. Attempting to restart it could result in further damage and costly repairs.
  • If the outside unit of an air conditioning system has been under water, mud and water may have accumulated in the controls. Have the unit checked by a qualified air conditioning technician.

Natural Gas:

  • Do not turn off your natural gas service at the meter; doing so could allow water to enter the natural gas lines.
  • Be alert for the smell of natural gas. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and tell others to leave, too.
  • If you smell gas, do not turn the lights on or off, smoke, strike a match, use a cell phone or operate anything that might cause a spark, including a flashlight or a generator.
  • Do not attempt to turn natural gas valves on or off. Once safely away from the area, call 888-876-5786, and CenterPoint Energy will send a trained service technician immediately.
  • If your home was flooded, call a licensed plumber or gas appliance technician to inspect your appliances and gas piping to make sure they are in good operating condition before calling CenterPoint Energy to reconnect service. This includes outdoor gas appliances including pool heaters, gas grills, and gas lights.
  • Before conducting debris cleanup or digging on the property, or to locate underground natural gas lines and other underground utility lines, call 811 - the nationwide Call Before You Dig number.
  • Be aware of where your natural gas meter is located. As debris is put out for heavy trash pickup, make sure it is placed away from the meter. In many areas, the meter may be located near the curb. If debris is near a gas meter, damaging it and causing a potentially hazardous situation. If this happens, leave the area immediately and call CenterPoint Energy at 888-876-5786.

August is811 811 awareness month and a great reminder to always contact 811 at least 2 business days before you dig to have buried utility lines marked. It's safe. It's free. It's the law.

CenterPoint Energy - Gas Safety

Before the Storm: General Preparedness through the Season

  • Keep your vehicle gas tank above half of a tank full through the season
  • Test run generators monthly with a load to insure it is in proper working order
  • Consider the purchase of flood insurance, even if outside of a floodplain
  • Have cash on hand in small denominations for year-round preparedness
  • Maintain a portable battery-powered AM radio
  • Contact 2-1-1 in the county or 3-1-1 in the city to register if you need transportation assistance to evacuate
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Home Preparedness

  • Board up your windows or close storm shutters
  • Trim the trees and shrubs around your home
  • Clear loose and clogged downspouts and rain gutters
  • Perform an inventory of home contents (electronics, jewelry, appliances, clothing, etc) and store in a safe place
  • Take detailed photos/videos of home property and contents (internal and external) and store in a safe place
  • Secure or remove all items outside your home (grill, hanging plants, potted plants, etc)
  • Tie down young or small trees to prevent uprooting
  • Store all important documents (insurance papers, etc) in a waterproof container and in a secure location
  • Prepare your evacuation kit (see the list provided above)
  • Turn off propane tanks
  • Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water for sanitary purposes (cleaning, flushing toilets, etc)

If you Plan to Stay

  • Listen to the radio or TV for information
  • If you have gas items you need to operate after the storm (generator, chainsaw, etc) fill gas storage container(s)
  • Prepare your hurricane kit (see the list provided above)
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If you Plan to Evacuate

  • What is your zip code?
  • Are you located in an evacuation area on the evacuation map?
  • Where are you evacuating to?
  • Who is your contact at your destination?
  • What is their contact information?
  • What is your backup evacuation location?
  • Take a copy of all important documents and store in a waterproof container and in a secure location
  • Top off your vehicle gas tank before hitting the road

Hurricane Evacuation Route

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During the Storm

  • Listen to the radio or TV for information
  • Turn the refrigerator and freezer to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed
  • Avoid using the phone except for emergencies
  • Stay indoors during the storm and away from windows and glass doors
  • Close all interior doors
  • Keep curtain and blinds closed
  • Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level of your home

After the Storm - If you are Returning from Evacuation

  • Return only after the all clear is given for your area
  • Do not venture on the roads until you have been advised they are passable and safe
  • Carefully inspect your home and perform an exterior assessment for safety issues
  • Be on the lookout for downed power lines and avoid if identified
  • If any safety issues are present, do not enter your home (gas small, flood waters, fire damage, etc)
  • If any safety issues are present, have your home inspected by a qualified building inspector or engineer
  • Watch for and avoid loose animals and venomous snakes
  • Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning hazards, DO NOT run generators, grills, or other gas-operated appliances indoors. 

Damage Assessment

  • Have a fire extinguisher readily available in the case of a fire
  • Watch for safety hazards (loose boards, slippery floors, broken glass, etc)
  • Carefully check for damage to the roof, foundation, and chimney. If the building looks unstable do not enter.
  • Use a stick or other tool to sift through debris
  • Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves
  • If you smell natural gas, leave the structure and contact your local gas utility company
  • Use battery-powered flashlights to inspect the structure. Do not use oil or gas lanterns or candles inside the structure.
  • If structural damage is present, turn off utilities
  • Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet/damaged until checked by a professional
  • Check with local authorities or have well water tested before using any water (could be contaminated)
  • Until cleared with authorities, all water should be boiled for 1 minute at a rolling boil to disinfect before drinking
  • Avoid using any toilets until you have checked for sewage or water line damage. If you suspect damage call a plumber
  • Service damaged sewage systems as soon as possible as they present serious health hazards (septic tanks, pits, etc)
  • Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly
  • If any damage is identified to your home, contact your insurance company to start a claim
  • Photograph and document any damage
  • Throw away any spoiled food items or those that have come in contact with flood waters
  • When in doubt throw it out!
  1. Greater Harris County 9-1-1
  2. TDEM
  3. Texas 2-1-1
  4. HCOEM

Greater Harris County 9-1-1

For 30 years GHC 9-1-1 has made it its mission to ensure that anyone, at anytime, in any place, using any device shall be able to reach emergency services. This year they are rolling out the new Emergency Notification System (ENS.) This is a voluntary alert system that will notify residents of events that could threaten lives, property, or could be dangerous. Previously, only landlines were eligible to receive notifications, but with the new ENS cell and Internet phones can now be contacted. For more information or to register, click on the link below to visit the GHC 9-1-1 home page.

Texas OEM
Texas OEM Spanish

Sign Up with HCFCD to Receive Customizable Water Level and Rainfall Alerts

Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) has announced enhancements to their website to provide residents the option to receive automated alerts regarding water levels and rainfall via text message, email, or both.

Harris County Flood Warning System Alert Sign Up

Harris County Flood Warning System Map

FEMA