Hurricane season is officially underway and states including Florida and Texas are bracing for a predicted active season. The 2024 Hurricane Season runs June 1 through November 30 and state and local officials in Texas are urging residents that now is the time to have emergency plans in place.
Earlier in the month, Texas Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed May 26-June 1, 2024 as Hurricane Preparedness Week and warned residents to take hurricane season seriously as it kicks into gear.
“With hurricane season approaching, it is crucial for all Texans to be prepared for the potential of devastating and powerful storms that may reach our shores,” said Governor Abbott in a press release. “This Hurricane Preparedness Week, Texans are encouraged to learn more about safety measures and make an emergency plan to protect themselves and their loved ones from the destructive power of hurricanes. By implementing proactive measures, we can stave off the worst eventualities, protect the lives and well-being of all Texans, and keep our great state safe.”
The National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center (NHC) already have their eyes on a tropical disturbance forming in the Gulf of Mexico that could develop into a tropical depression later this week. While forecasters predict the storm will remain to the south of the U.S., state officials fear that tropical moisture being pulled north could cause flash flooding along the coasts of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Teams Remain Vigilant
According to the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS), teams in Texas are preparing for a very active hurricane season. In Texas alone, the Salvation Army Southern Territory has already responded to historic wildfires, catastrophic floods, powerful thunderstorms, and multiple tornadoes.
“This year has already proven to be particularly challenging with multiple disaster events happening seemingly one after another. The Salvation Army stands ready and prepared to respond whenever and wherever these events occur. Not only is this physically taxing and exhausting for staff and volunteers, but funding has increasingly become much more of a challenge,” said Alvin Migues, EDS Director for The Salvation Army in Texas.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging residents and communities to prepare now and have emergency plans in place.
“These storms can pose a serious threat to communities, and it’s crucial that Texans are prepared for whatever may come our way,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “The time to take action to keep your families, loved ones, and property safe should a tropical storm or hurricane hit our state this year – is now.”
The DPS has provided several hurricane preparedness safety tips:
- Assemble an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, battery-powered radio, personal hygiene items, and important documents. Store the kit in an easily accessible location, such as your vehicle.
- Review hurricane evacuation maps and identify local evacuation zones. Choose at least two routes in case evacuation becomes necessary.
- Keep your vehicle fueled and ready to go.
- Consider special needs for individuals with disabilities or the elderly, including transportation and support. Ensure they have access to needed medications, medical equipment, and mobility aids.
- Sign up for emergency alerts to receive real-time information and always follow evacuation orders from authorities.
Texans can visit the Texas Hurricane Center for information on proactive steps to take before, during, and after a hurricane. The site provides helpful hurricane safety preparedness tips, details on building an emergency kit and finding nearby evacuation routes. Residents can also go to TexasReady.gov and tdem.texas.gov/prepare for preparedness information.
Residents requiring assistance during a disaster are encouraged to register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) by dialing 2-1-1.
