HOUSTON, Texas — Anytime there’s a disaster of any kind, this is information you should know. We have no idea what this weekend has in store, but we’re preparing you for anything.
First, phone numbers: write them down now and keep them safe.
The first number is easy: call 9-1-1, but only if you are in a life-threatening situation. If you’re not but still need help, the city says you can call 3-1-1.
These are other non-emergency numbers that are good to know:
- Houston Fire Department: 713-247-5000
- Houston Police Department 713-884-3131
- Harris County Sheriff's Office: 713-221-6000
- Chambers County Sheriff's Office: 409-267-2500
- Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office: 281-341-4665
- Galveston County Sheriff's Office: 409-766-2300
- Brazoria County Sheriff's Office: 979-849-2441
- Montgomery County Sheriff's Office: 936-760-5871
- Matagorda County Sheriff's Office: 936-760-5871
- Walker County Sheriff's Office: 936-435-2400
- National Weather Service: 281-337-5074
- Houston Office of Emergency Management: 713-884-4500
- Harris County Office of Emergency Management: 713-881-3100
CONTACTING EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
- Harris County Emergency management: 713-881-3100
- Galveston County Emergency Management: 281-309-5002
- Matagorda County Emergency Management; 936-538-3456
- Brazoria County Emergency Management: 979-864-1201
- Fort Bend County Emergency Management: 281-342-6185
- Chambers County Emergency Management: 409-267-2445
- Montgomery County Emergency Management: 936-523-3900
- Walker County Emergency Management: 936-435-8740
- Grimes County Emergency Management: 936-873-4404
TRACK POWER OUTAGES
You can track power outages on the CenterPoint map. Report outages to 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143
ALERT HOUSTON
Another thing you should do now is register for alerts with AlertHouston. They will send out warnings of current conditions or ways to protect yourself. Register here.
REPORT PRICE GOUGING
Are some businesses taking advantage of people affected by the storm? Here is how to recognize and report price gouging.
WHERE IS THE FLOODING?
Want to know where Houston is flooding? Well, there’s an app for that.
When Houston takes on a lot of rain, we know certain streets seem to flood faster than others. Houston TranStar is making it easy for you know where to avoid.
Here’s how it works:
TranStar is using the Harris Co. Flood Control District’s existing flood gauges, and anytime there’s heavy rainfall in a certain area, a three mile warning zone will pop up around that area on the map in your app. That way you know to stay away.
It’s a real-time warning that helps you make sure you’re safe.
You can download the Houston TranStar app on your smartphone. It’s free in the Apple store or on GooglePlay.
If you don't want to download the app, TranStar also has it online here.
The county also has a map that points out what streets and intersections seems to flood first, so take a look here to see if any are in your area.
IF YOU NEED TO EVACUATE
When it comes to evacuations, would you know where to go?
The city has a saying: "Hide from the wind, run from the storm."
When it comes to the potential for a storm surge, the coastal counties will be the first to pack up. There’s a map online that breaks it down by zip code.
Zip codes in purple will evacuate first, and if the forecast calls for it, then yellow, green and orange.
Evacuation routes are highlighted in red here. This helps you figure out what road to take when making your plan.
If you think you’ll need help leaving town, the state has a program you need to sign up for today. It’s called the STEAR program. It’s a statewide program that offers evacuation assistance to anyone who needs help for elderly, disabled or maybe those who can’t speak English. When an evacuation is ordered, they will contact you to see if you need help.
Call 2-1-1 for help signing up or register here online.
It's good information to have during hurricane season.
SUPPLY LIST
Life on the Gulf coast means getting ready for tropical weather. These are the items you need to have in a hurricane supply kit.