Disaster Preparedness
As Texans, we are not strangers to hurricanes and tropical storms and their aftermath. Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. Do you have a disaster preparedness plan in place? Check out the information below to make sure you and your family are prepared for any storm that hits our community.
I have compiled a list of resources below to help you reduce the impact of a hurricane on your family and home.
For immediate and life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
For non-emergencies, dial 211.
Prepare by Protecting Yourself BEFORE the Storm:
- Determine your risk and know your local hazards. Find out if you live in an evacuation zone so you are ready to follow evacuation orders.
- Develop an evacuation plan. Don’t forget to plan an alternate evacuation route and remember that you might not need to travel too far to be safe.
- Assemble disaster supplies. Be sure to have at least three days of essentials and supplies on hand. Food and water, medicine, extra cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlight, and a cell phone charger can all go a long way.
- Get an insurance checkup before hurricane season. It’s important to know what damages can be covered.
- Ensure the safety of pets. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow animals. Make sure your pet is microchipped and contact local resources for information on how to care for your pet in case of emergency.
- Get to know your neighbors and learn how you can help them, especially seniors.
- Write down your plan. It’s easy to forget plans made far in advance, so it’s important to record your plan.
Prepare to Protect Yourself DURING the Storm:
- Shelter in an interior part of your home. Be sure to stay as far away as possible from windows and doors.
- Do NOT go outside during the calm period as the eye of the storm passes. This is the most dangerous part of the hurricane.
- Stay out of flooded areas. Flood waters are dangerous and can carry disease.
- Keep a battery-powered radio and a flashlight or camping lantern nearby. Keep in mind that LED flashlights use less power.
Prepare to Protect Yourself AFTER the Storm:
- Do not overexert yourself. Overexertion after a hurricane can lead to dangerous medical emergencies, such as heart attacks and heat stroke.
- Practice proper generator safety. Generator accidents can be common after hurricanes, so familiarize yourself with generator safety. Keep your generator dry and in a well-ventilated area.
- Be careful around power tools commonly used for cleanup. If you aren’t trained to use these tools, leave it to the experts.
- NEVER drive through flooded roads. Just one foot of water is enough to float a car. Turn around, don’t drown.
Important Phone Numbers:
- 2-1-1 for shelter, food and disaster services
- 7-1-1 for Relay Texas Service
- 1-800-452-9292 for TxDOT statewide road closures
- 1-800-525-5555 for roadside assistance
- 512-424-2208 for Texas Department of Emergency Management
- 1-800-621-3362 for FEMA Disaster Assistance
Helpful Resources:
Brazoria County:
Brazoria County Emergency Management 24 Hour Hotline: 979-864-1064
- 2024 Brazoria County Disaster Guide
- Angleton Emergency Manager: 979-849-4364 x 2137
- Alvin Emergency Manager: 281-388-4363
- Clute Emergency Manager: 979-265-9653
- Danbury Emergency Manager: 979-480-7091
- Lake Jackson Emergency Manager: 979-415-2500
- Freeport Emergency Manager: 979-233-2111
- Liverpool Emergency Manager: 281-581-2342
- Iowa Colony Emergency Manager: 281-3696-3444
- Surfside Emergency Coordinator: 979-239-1151
- Sweeny Emergency Manager: 979-482-4617
- West Columbia Emergency Operations Manager: 979-345-5121
- Hillcrest Emergency Manager: 281-756-0577
- Jones Creek Emergency Manager: 979-292-6393
- Brazoria Emergency Manager: 979-798-2489
- Bonney Emergency Manager: 281-595-2269
- United Way of Brazoria County: 979-849-9402
- Salvation Army: 979-233-5420
Galveston County:
Galveston County Emergency Management: 281-309-5002
After Hours: 888-384-2000
- 2024 Galveston County Disaster Guide
- Bayou Vista Emergency Manager: 409-935-8348
- Dickinson Emergency Manager: 281-337-2489
- Friendswood Emergency Manager: 281-996-3200
- Galveston Emergency Manager: 409-797-3500
- Hitchcock Emergency Manager: 409-986-5591
- Jamaica Beach Emergency Manager: 409-737-1142
- La Marque Emergency Manager: 409-928-9200
- League City Emergency Manager: 281-554-1000
- Texas City Emergency Manager: 409-948-3111
- Santa Fe Emergency Manager: 409-925-6412
- Clear Lake Shores Emergency Manager: 281-334-2799
- Tiki Island Emergency Manager: 409-935-1427
- United Way of Galveston County: 409-948-4211
- Salvation Army: 409-763-1691
Jefferson County:
Jefferson County Emergency Management: 409-835-8751
- Jefferson County Disaster Guide
- Beaumont Emergency Manager: 409-980-7280
- Groves Emergency Manager: 409-962-4460
- Nederland Emergency Manager: 409-723-1531
- Port Arthur Emergency Manager: 409-983-8632
- Port Neches Emergency Manager: 409-722-5885
- United Way of Beaumont and North Jefferson County: 409-835-4575
- Salvation Army: 409-896-2361
Orange County:
Orange County Emergency Management: 409-882-7895
- Southeast Texas Emergency Preparedness Manual
- Orange County Emergency Preparedness Site
- Bridge City Emergency Manager: 409-735-5028 Police Department
- Orange Emergency Manager: 409-883-1050
- Mauriceville Volunteer Fire Department: 409-745-1636
- Little Cypress Volunteer Fire Department: 409-882-9200
- Pine Forest Emergency Manager: 409-786-4100
- Pinehurst Emergency Manager: 409-886-3873
- Rose City Emergency Manager: 409-769-6809
- Vidor Emergency Manager: 409-769-4561
- West Orange Emergency Manager: 409-883-3468
- United Way of Orange County Texas: 409-883-3591
- Salvation Army: 409-291-8400
