The Harris County Flood Control District is urging people to be ready for and aware of Harvey-related downpours in the coming days – and it’s taking preparation steps of its own as the system moves across the southern Gulf of Mexico.
People should “monitor weather conditions and … pay close attention to road conditions on their travel routes,” the district said in a statement Wednesday. “Now is the time to review your family preparedness plan and be ready to put it into action.”
The Flood Control District urges all residents to monitor rainfall and bayou water levels on its Harris County Flood Warning System website at www.harriscountyfws.org and on Twitter at @HCFCD.
STEPS YOU CAN TAKE
When flooding is imminent, people can take the following steps to prepare:
--Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is cut off.
--Confirm your family emergency kit is complete and ready.
--Contact your family members and confirm plan of action and alternatives.
--Move emergency supplies and valuables to a high, dry place in your residence.
--Locate and put pets in a safe place.
--If you must evacuate to a safe location or a shelter, take your emergency supply kit and tell your family check-in contact you’re leaving.
--Don’t drive through flooded streets. Make sure their storm drains and culverts are clear from debris. Clogged drains and culverts can prevent water from traveling to the bayous and tributaries, causing street flooding, and possible house flooding, depending on the amount of rain the area receives.
--Debris should not be discarded in areas bayous, streams and ditches. Debris should be put in trash bins and then brought inside into garages or backyards away from drainage ditches and storm sewers.
--Winds can cause trees and branches to fall -- so trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
--Move vehicles to driveways or in parking garages.
--Secure patio furniture and any loose items that may be picked up by heavy winds.
--Take video of all your belongings and important documents in case they become damaged and needed for insurance claims.
--Less than two feet of water can float and wash away a vehicle. Be especially cautious at underpasses and at night when water across roadways can be difficult to see.
STEPS THE FLOOD DISTRICT IS TAKING
The district's Flood Operations team says is taking the following steps in advance of the storm:
--Confirming proper operation of its 153 gauges.
--Confirming appropriate levels of staff are available to respond and monitor the event.
--Preparing phone bank operations and will open, if needed.
--Inspecting trash racks to ensure they are clear of debris.
--Ensuring contractors working on Flood Control District projects are on-call to secure our construction sites prior to the onset of rainfall.