Montgomery County Commissioner James Noack Offers 2020 Hurricane Season Preparedness Guide

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX - The 2020 hurricane season is upon us and Montgomery County Commissioner James Noack is urging residents to prepare.

Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing these questions:

How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?

• Montgomery County residents can receive emergency alerts and notifications by signing up for ALERT MCTX.
• Residents also are strongly encouraged to download the READYMCTX for Android or Iphone.
• App for downed trees, etc. P3 Works.

What is my family/household communication plan?

• Download the Family Plan fillable PDF here.
• Make sure everyone in your family/household carries a copy of the completed form in his or her backpack, purse or wallet.

Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.

As you prepare, tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets and specific needs such as the operation of durable medical equipment.

Keep in mind these factors when developing your plan:

• Different ages of members within your household
• Responsibilities for assisting others
• Locations frequented
• Dietary needs
• Medical needs, including prescriptions and equipment
• Disabilities or access and functional needs, including devices and equipment
• Languages spoken
• Cultural and religious considerations
• Pets or service animals
• Households with school-aged children

Step 3: Stock up on emergency supplies.

You might be without power and drinkable water for an undetermined amount of time during and after the storm. It is important to at least have these items:

• Seven-day supply of water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Seven-day supply of non-perishable food (for each family member)
• Manual can opener
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Personal ID
• Camp stove with fuel or other nonelectric cooking device
• Cell phones & portable chargers
• Map of your area and list of emergency shelters
• First-Aid Kit with manual
• Cash

Download the Montgomery County full Emergency Supply Kit check list here.

Home Preparation Tips:

• Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of diseased and dead wood,
• Cover all large windows and patio doors with securely fastened storm shutters made from 5/8' thick plywood or greater.
• Secure doors using a security deadbolt lock with 1-inch minimum bolt length.
• Fill available gasoline containers, keep them full until the end of the hurricane season.
• Bring outdoor furniture, toys, garbage cans, potted plants, garden tools, etc. inside.

Sign up for text or email alerting via Alert MCTX for emergency notifications at Smart911.com.

Rain Gauge and Creek Level Monitors

• Harris County Flood Warning System: Select the left menu under gauges by agency and select all to see Montgomery County.
• NWS Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service: Through this monitor you can see rainfall totals and creek and river levels at certain locations in Montgomery County. The NWS issues forecasts for creek and river levels as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.