Hurricane Laura is in the Gulf of Mexico, are you ready? |
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This week the City of Houston has the potential to be impacted by Hurricane Laura that is currently in the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Laura is gaining strength as it approaches the coastline. Hurricane Laura is expected to be a wind event, making securing of outdoor property essential, with a possible storm surge of 2 to 4 feet at this time.
Rainfall amounts in the Lake Houston Watershed over the next six days are expected to be 2 - 4 inches with isolated accumulation of 6 inches possible. Currently, the Lake Houston Watershed is dry and the projected impact to our area will be to our east with the largest possible impact expected along the East Fork of the San Jacinto River. Lake Houston is already down one foot from normal pool with the possibility of being lowered additionally, if necessary. Please make sure all property along the shoreline is secured in the event additional lowering is ordered.
Regardless of where this storm lands, it is important all residents prepare themselves and have a plan. Hurricane Laura will likely be similar to Ike with severe wind impacts and power outages. The City of Houston has prepared resources to help you get ready for upcoming disasters and make sure you are prepared for this one. Please visit www.readyhoustontx.gov to learn more. |
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Monitor Official Sources for Current Information:
Rumors and misinformation can be common before and during major storms. It is important to seek out official information from trusted sources.
Official sources include:
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Storm Preparedeness + COVID |
Things to include in your Disaster Kit for COVID are: personal identification, insurance cards, prescription medications, masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and water.
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How much food and water should you have on hand? |
It is recommended that all residents make preparations to have five days of food on hand in the event of a natural disaster. Please also make sure to account for medications as well and make arrangments to pick up any prescriptions that may be needed. |
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Do you receive emergency alerts? |
An important thing to remember is to turn on your weather alert notifications during times of inclement weather. Additionally, it is important to make sure you are signed up to receive alerts from Alert Houston. These alerts are specifically tailored for Houston residents.
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Prepare your home and review your plans before a storm impacts the area.
Steps to Take Now:
- Ensure your family has 5-7 days of food, water, and necessary supplies.
- This includes enough prescription medication for at least this duration, in case pharmacies and doctor's offices are closed.
- Consider the unique needs of small children, seniors, special needs family members, and pets.
- Decide what you and your family will do if the storm impacts your area. Most City of Houston residents are not vulnerable to storm surge and do not need to evacuate before a hurricane or tropical storm.
- Vulnerable residents like those in Clear Lake and Southeast Houston who require electricity may also consider evacuation in advance of a major storm.
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For a map of hurricane evacuation zones and mandatory evacuation areas, visit: www.houstonoem.org/hurricanes
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Develop a family communication plan, so that you know who to check in with after a storm. Visit ready.gov for more information on developing a plan.
- Know how to turn off your utilities. This includes electricity, water, and gas. Only turn off gas if instructed by local officials or by CenterPoint Energy.
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Have you checked your gas tank?
Make sure you have a full tank of gas and familiarize yourself with evacuation zones to minimize confusion when trying safely to make it out of town. Keep in mind business hours at gas stations may be affected during and after inclement weather. |
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Make Sure to Have Cash on Hand |
How much cash should you have on hand as a storm approaches? A few hundred dollars should provide a decent cushion. If the weather event is severe and you think you may need to evacuate, more cash is better. You should also make an effort to get cash in smaller denominations like $5s, $10s, $20s. |
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Make Sure to Have Cash on Hand |
How much cash should you have on hand as a storm approaches? A few hundred dollars should provide a decent cushion. If the weather event is severe and you think you may need to evacuate, more cash is better. You should also make an effort to get cash in smaller denominations like $5s, $10s, $20s. |
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Don't Forget About Your Pets |
Pets need disaster plans too and often times we spend so much time worrying about our two-legged family members we forget about our four-legged ones.
Here is a great list from the ASPCA on things to make sure you have on hand during a serious storm or while evacuating with a pet.
At the very least make sure you have their id tags, leashes, collars, food, water, and any medications they may need on hand.
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Great resource for electricty and natural gas safety can be found online here.
- Stay away from downed power lines. Be especially mindful of downed lines that could be hidden in flood waters and treat all downed lines as if they are energized.
- If you experience flooding and water has risen above the electrical outlets in your home, contact a licensed electrician before turning on the main circuit breaker or trying to restore power.
- All electrical appliances and electronic equipment that have been submerged in water need to dry thoroughly for at least one week.

- Then, have them checked by a qualified repair person before turning them on. Attempting to repair a flood-damaged appliance could result in electrical shock or death. Attempting to restart it could result in further damage and costly repairs.
- If the outside unit of an air conditioning system has been under water, mud and water may have accumulated in the controls. Have the unit checked by a qualified air conditioning technician.
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Southeast Houston/Clear Lake Resources |
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Lake Houston Area Resources |
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Storm Surge Inundation:
Storm Surge Watch/Warning:
Peak Surge:
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Coastal Water Authority
San Jacinto River Authority
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