Prepare for Hurricane Season

THE WOODLANDS, TX – As summer gets underway, The Woodlands Township encourages residents to plan ahead and be prepared for hurricane season, which begins June 1 and continues through November 30. While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a near-normal to below-normal Atlantic hurricane season this year, it only takes one storm to make a huge impact on our area.

NOAA forecasts 8 to 14 named storms this season, with 3 to 6 expected to become hurricanes, including 1 to 3 major hurricanes. Even with a less active outlook, residents are encouraged to take time now to review emergency plans, build or restock disaster supply kits and stay informed throughout the season.

Preparing before a storm is in the forecast can make all the difference. Please continue reading to learn how you can be prepared before, during and after the storm.

Emergency Assistance Registry

The state of Texas offers a program known as the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR). This is a free program that provides local emergency planners and emergency responders with additional information on the needs in their community. If you or someone you know might require special assistance during an emergency, consider registering with the STEAR program. Please note, registering in the STEAR registry does not guarantee that you will receive a specific service during an emergency. Register with STEAR at www.tdem.texas.gov/response/state-of-texas-emergency-assistance-registry.

Flood Insurance

Water damage can cause significant damage to your home and property during a flood. Did you know that most homeowner's policies do not cover flooding? The National Flood Insurance Program exists to help mitigate the devastating effects of rising waters. Even if you do not live in a flood zone, flood insurance can come in handy should the need arise. It typically takes a month for flood insurance policies to go into effect, so don't delay this important step. Secure flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov/get-insured.

Make Your Emergency Plan

Having an emergency plan in place for yourself and your loved ones is fundamental. How will you stay in touch if the power is out? Where will you meet if you get separated in an emergency? Writing a plan and reviewing it with your loved ones is essential. The ReadyWoodlands Guide contains everything you need to start this important step. Print and review the guide now so your family can be prepared if a storm hits. Create your emergency plan at https://issuu.com/thewoodlandstownship/docs/ready_woodlands_booklet/5.

Prepare for Staying in Place

The Woodlands is designated as a non-evacuation zone to help keep evacuation routes clear for those in need, so residents should be prepared to shelter in place during storms. If you have medical or other concerns that could be impacted by power outages, assess your situation carefully. Before hurricane season, stock up on essential supplies – water, non-perishable food, prescriptions, flashlights, batteries, cash, pet supplies, and more – as demand rises quickly when storms approach. Secure outdoor items like patio furniture, trampolines, and garbage bins to prevent them from becoming hazards in high winds. Turn off propane tanks, unplug small appliances, fill your car with gas, and charge phones and power banks. After a storm, restock any used supplies and check in on neighbors who might need help. Build your supply kit at issuu.com/thewoodlandstownship/docs/ready_woodlands_booklet/7.

Stay Informed

Staying informed of impending severe weather allows residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves, their families and their property from potential harm. Additionally, staying informed enables communities to coordinate emergency response efforts effectively, minimizing the impact of severe weather events and potentially saving lives.

Bookmark the Township Alert Center at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ALERTS

Subscribe to Township Alerts at member.everbridge.net/76864345342134

Alerts and updates will be posted to the Township Alert Center including information about Township services and facility closures.

Storm Safety

When a storm makes landfall, it is critical to stay indoors, in a secure location in your home. Avoid rooms with large windows and ensure all members of your household and pets know their surroundings well in case of power outages and limited lighting.

• Ensure you have access to your Emergency Plan and review it with your loved ones.

• Place your supply kit in a readily accessible location.

• Stay indoors and avoid travel during a storm. If you are evacuating before or after and encounter high water: turn around, don't drown.

• Monitor the National Weather Service (NWS), Township, County and local media sources for updates.

• Prepare for power outages. If you intend to use a generator, ensure you know its capacity and only use it outdoors. Never run a generator inside your home or garage. For generator safety tips, please review the guide prepared by OSHA.

• Lower your refrigerator temperature to its coolest setting in advance of a storm and only open it when necessary in case of a power outage.

Track Power Outages

CenterPoint

Phone: 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143

Website: www.centerpointenergy.com/outagetracker

Entergy

Phone: 800-968-8243

Website: https://www.entergy.com/view-outages/

Community Cleanup and Recovery

In the days following a storm, cleanup and recovery efforts will begin. Please remember during these times that many of the individuals and organizations who assist with these efforts are also often affected by the storm and will need our patience as systems begin to come back online.

Fallen Trees

Please report fallen trees that are blocking roadways to Montgomery or Harris County.

Harris County Precinct 3 | 713-274-3100

Montgomery County Precinct 2 |281-259-6492

Montgomery County Precinct 3 | 936-522-9300

Montgomery County Precinct 4 | 936-597-4444

Residents may report fallen trees from Township property onto private property through the 311 web portal, by emailing 311@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or by calling 281-210-3800.

Power Outages

Power outages can often take time to restore. Energy companies begin restoring service to essential facilities first such as hospitals, fire stations and long-term care facilities. Once service to those facilities is restored, providers can focus on restoring service to homes and businesses.

Major hurricanes can cause prolonged outages. Ensure your family is prepared with a well-stocked supply kit of water, non-perishable food and batteries.

Post-Storm Cleanup

In the days after a storm, you will most likely want to begin cleaning up any debris or damage around your yard or home.

• Before cleaning up, document property damage with photographs. This will be essential for any insurance claims.

• Wear protective clothing and face coverings while working.

• Do not touch electrical equipment if wet or if you are standing in water. Be vigilant of downed power lines and never touch them in case they are live.

• Obtain a permit for structural repairs by contacting Township Covenant Administration.

• Do not play or walk in floodwater.

• Report property damage to county/state.

• Be aware of scammers. Verify that any contractor or vendor you hire is licensed and insured.

• Storm debris: Waste Management will collect yard debris and bulky items in accordance with their operating guidelines.

Find storm debris resources at member.everbridge.net/76864345342134

Township Facilities and Service Impacts

As soon as it is safe to do so, the Township will begin evaluating its facilities to determine timelines for reopening and resuming operations. The Township will communicate the status of those facilities and services via its social media channels, website and email communications. Please subscribe to our email newsletters to ensure that you stay informed. Subscribe at public.govdelivery.com/accounts/TXWOODLANDS/subscriber/new.

Water/Wastewater Impacts

Impacts to the local water supply and wastewater management will be communicated by the local water agencies that serve The Woodlands. The Township will share that information in its communications whenever possible.

Be Prepared

Hurricane season starts June 1 and now is the time to build your emergency preparedness kit, and it’s easier than you think!

Start with essentials like bottled water, nonperishable snacks, flashlights, batteries, medications, phone chargers and important documents stored in a waterproof container. Don’t forget comfort items like games, pet supplies or your favorite snacks to help make stressful situations a little easier.

Having a kit ready before a storm approaches can help keep your family safe, prepared and calm when severe weather strikes.