Prepare Now: Threat of Tropical Depression Development

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service have briefed us on the possibility for a tropical depression to develop in the Gulf of Mexico by the end of the week. It is important to note that regardless of track or intensity this system has the potential to produce heavy rainfall for the Gulf Coast including Montgomery County. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will continue monitoring and updating on the development and possible location of landfall.

If you already have emergency supplies or an emergency kit prepared, check for expiration dates on water, food and batteries. It is suggested to have enough food and water (1 gallon of water per person per day including pets) for up to 7 days. It’s also a good idea to have cash on hand. Make sure your supplies include everything you would need in the event of prolonged power outages, flooding, and/or evacuations. Be Sure to plan and supply food and water for your large and small animals as well. Always keep your vehicle’s fuel tank filled to at least half a tank.

If you have not begun preparing for this hurricane season, NOW is the time to start the process of collecting non-perishable food items, batteries, and water in the event we have a hurricane hit the Texas coastline.

Reminder: Montgomery County is a pass-through county and will not evacuate residents due to a threat of a hurricane. We ask our residents to shelter-in-place. This allows coastal residents, under mandatory evacuation, to pass through safely and quickly to those counties that are prepared to receive evacuees.

It is recommended to be prepared with a family plan on where you will be staying, how you will get there (know your route), and how you will be paying for necessities. We have learned that hotels, motels and filling stations will be in high demand and there will be a lot of vehicles on roadways.

For help and information on preparing for disasters, download our new preparedness app ReadyMCTX to your mobile device. Now is the time to prepare. You can also go to our website www.mctxoem.org for preparedness checklists, family planning and other information.

To receive emergency alerts to your phone or email from Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management, register at http://www.mc911.org/page/ecd.AlertMCTX. When you are creating your profile, you must check the box next to Share my Smart911 Profile with TX-Montgomery-County-911 to support emergency preparedness.

Stay informed and monitor conditions for Montgomery County and the surrounding area on the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website www.mctxoem.org, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, NOAA Weather Radio, K-Star 99.7FM.