Hurricane Season Begins June 1
As summer gets underway, the Township wants to encourage residents to plan and prepare for the potential of an active hurricane season. The season begins on Saturday, June 1, 2024, and concludes on Saturday, November 30, 2024. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an 85% chance of an above-normal season. NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). With that in mind, 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 yourself in the STEAR registry does not guarantee that you will receive a specific service during an emergency.
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.
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.
Prepare for Staying in Place
The Woodlands is considered a non-evacuation zone to allow those who need to evacuate to do so safely. If you have medical needs or other concerns that might be challenging to manage in a power outage, you will need to exercise personal discretion when determining what is best for your individual situation.
Before each storm, take time to prepare for staying in place. Remember that as storms approach, inventory for high-demand items tends to run low. Plan ahead and purchase supplies before the season gets underway. After weathering a storm, restock any depleted supplies to ensure you're always ready.
-
Build or restock your supply kit with water, non-perishable food, prescriptions, flashlights, batteries, cash, first aid, pet supplies, toilet paper, etc.
- Secure items around your home that might become projectiles with high winds. This includes common items such as trash and recycling carts, BBQ pits, trampolines and patio furniture.
- Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
- Fill your vehicle with gas.
- Charge your cell phone and any additional power banks you have on hand.
-
Check on your neighbors to see if they need assistance.
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.
Additional Resources
*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 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
 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.
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.
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.
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.
|
