Disaster Preparedness

Disaster Web Links

Advice for Property Managers

  • Identify local Emergency Management Contacts (for example, police and fire departments).
  • Identify families that may need special assistance in an evacuation. Have them register through the Emergency 211 number immediately. Also, forward their names to the local Emergency Management Contact.
  • Establish an emergency phone number and point of contact for your residents to get in touch with if they are forced to evacuate. You’ll want them to be able to report to you on their location and current condition.
  • If your property is assisted, or insured, by HUD know how to contact the HUD Property Manager assigned to your apartment complex. Call this person to report damage, or dislocated tenants. Make sure your HUD Property Manager has an emergency contact number for you.
  • Make a plan for securing/transporting important management files.
  • To help protect your property from the force of hurricane winds, board up doors and windows with plywood or install storm shutters. Keep in mind that winds are stronger at higher elevations, such as high-rise apartments or condos.

Advice for Residents

  • Most importantly, know how to reach your local Emergency Management Contacts (for example, police and fire departments).
  • If you would have difficulty evacuating by yourself, call 2-1-1 ahead of time. Also contact your local Emergency Management agency.
  • If you have your own mode of transportation, fill up your fuel tank now, rather than after an evacuation begins.
  • Get information from your local Emergency Management contact on evacuation routes. The State has predetermined routes for different parts of the State.
  • Bring in outdoor objects that could become deadly missiles, such as patio furniture, hanging plants, trash cans, gardening tools and barbecues.
  • If your home is vulnerable to rising water, move furniture and valuables to a higher level.
  • If you have pets, purchase carrying containers for their transport.
  • Before evacuating, cut off your electricity and turn off the gas. Downed electrical wires and broken gas pipes can be deadly and cause serious property damage. Make a final walk-through inspection of your home before leaving.
  • Assemble a family emergency supply kit and have it ready to go at a moment’s notice. It should contain the following items: radio and flashlight with extra batteries, extra eye glasses, medications and prescriptions, special products for babies and the elderly, bottled water, non-perishable food, clothes, bedding and important documents sealed in waterproof containers.
  • When officials recommend evacuation, leave. Do not try to ride out a hurricane in a high-risk area. Seek shelter inland with family or friends, at a hotel or designated shelter. Notify relatives and friends of your plans, and confirm hotel reservations.
  • Find out where shelters are located along your route in case clogged roads prevent you from reaching your destination.
  • The State and Red Cross has recommended certain items in a “survival kit” to take if you are being evacuated by the State. Go to: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/index.htm for those recommendations.
  • The State and local government will start making Public Address Announcements regarding the Storm. Keep your families informed of any announcements that are being made.