Storm Preparation: Tips for Getting Prepared and Staying Safe

Many neighbors have been experiencing anxiety after the severe Memorial Day flood. Be as prepared as possible for the upcoming storm and provide support for friends, family and neighbors.  

It’s clear: The forecast is showing that storms will be hitting Houston over the next couple of days. After the effects of the Memorial Day flood, it’s even more important that we are all prepared. A lot of our neighbors have been experiencing anxiety as a result of the impending storms, but if we can all be as prepared as possible and be there for each other, we can stay safe.  

Tips to prepare for flooding 

Here are a few helpful suggestions for getting ready from Ready.gov and The City of Houston. 

• Stay home: If you can, avoid walking or driving through flooded areas. Walking or driving can be dangerous for many reasons. 
• Gather supplies: Gather enough supplies to remain comfortably in your home for several days – bottled water, food that doesn’t need to be refrigerated, flash lights in case the power goes out, etc. – just in case. Consider purchasing – and pre-charging - a portable battery pack to charge your cell phones if need be. 
• Check on your loved ones: If you have friends or loved ones who are elderly or disabled, be sure to check in on them regularly in order to ensure their safety during any potential bad weather 
• Unplug: Make sure to unplug any electronic devices during the course of any large storm. Not only could a power surge potentially damage these devices but if they have been exposed to flood water they could be dangerous 
• Remain dry: Try your best to avoid coming into contact with flood waters. Floodwater can potentially be contaminated and could cause illness. 
• Protect your belongings: Be sure to protect important legal documents, prescriptions for medications, irreplaceable nostalgia items such as wedding albums, photos, etc. Put these items in the safest place possible. 

Counseling 

If you are experiencing any anxiety about past flooding or anxiety leading up to the upcoming storm, Jewish Family Service is offering counseling for anyone affected by the storm, whether Jewish or not. Contact JFS at 713-667-9336 and ask for the counseling department. 

Additional Resources

If you haven’t already, sign up for notifications from your neighborhood: Bellaire, West U, Memorial Villages, City of Houston.

In the face of bad weather, do your best to listen to warnings from local weather officials. Stay home and stay safe.

Please keep us posted and we’ll share resources as we hear about them.