Precinct 3 response to storm shows readiness for hurricane season

THE WOODLANDS, TX - Precinct 3 crews responded quickly and efficiently the night of June 21 when a storm ripped through South Montgomery County bringing record-high winds that left streets covered in fallen trees, power lines and other debris.

The Precinct 3 team worked overnight clearing and barricading roads in order to ensure safe commutes for drivers the following morning. The massive destruction required weeks of cleanup efforts by Precinct 3 crews, other Montgomery County commissioner crews as well as contractor CrowderGulf. More than 35,000 cubic yards of debris from trees and other vegetation was removed by crews or collected at the Recycling facility over the next few weeks.

Precinct 3 crews performed with the same level of hard work and professionalism they have exhibited during response efforts to other natural disasters, such as the winter storm in 2021, Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and the Tax Day and Memorial Day floods in 2016.

Manpower, equipment and any other resources necessary will be at the ready as Precinct 3 remains prepared during this 2023 hurricane season, which started June 1 and ends Nov. 30.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a pretty normal hurricane season:

• Estimated 12-17 named storms
• Five to nine named hurricanes
• One to four major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5, with sustained winds of 111 mph or higher)

Hurricane preparedness

Before a Hurricane

Have a Family Emergency Plan: How to communicate, where you will go, what you will do in an emergency. Keep a hard copy of the plan in your emergency supplies kit or another safe place.

Put together an Emergency Supplies Kit

• Water: One gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking/sanitation
• Food: At least a several-day supply of nonperishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio; NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and backup battery

Additional Emergency Supplies

• Masks, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes
• Prescription medications
• Nonprescription medications
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for pets
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents (Insurance polices, bank accounts, IDs)
• Sleeping bag, warm blanket
• Extra clothing, sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Review your Homeowners Insurance

Understand National Weather Service forecasts, such as meaning of watches and warnings

During a Hurricane

• Secure your Home
• Stayed tuned in
• Follow instructions issued by local officials

After a Hurricane

• Stay informed
• Stay alert
• Assess any damage

Precinct 3 recommends downloading the P3 Works mobile application to submit work orders and follow Precinct 3 Commissioner Noack's Facebook page to get updates during major storm events.