These playbooks outline specific actions to take before, during, and after a hazard event. They are tailored to your Houston, TX location and household, focusing on the most likely threats. Remember, local authorities provide the most current guidance during an actual event, and your family's safety is always the top priority.

Hurricane

Before

Monitor official weather forecasts from NOAA and local news; understand if your home is in an evacuation zone.
Prepare your home: secure outdoor items, bring in trash cans, consider boarding windows or closing hurricane shutters.
Fuel vehicles, generators, and propane tanks. Withdraw cash as ATMs may be inoperable.
Ensure all necessary prescription medications, especially refrigerated ones, have a cooling strategy (cooler with ice/ice packs) and at least a 7-day supply.
Review your family communication plan, meeting points, and evacuation routes, notifying your in-laws in Dallas if you plan to evacuate there.
Charge all mobile phones, laptops, and power banks. Have a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio ready.
Take photos or video of your home and possessions for insurance purposes.

During

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately following official routes. 'Turn Around Don't Drown' - never drive or walk through floodwaters.
If sheltering in place, stay indoors in an interior room, away from windows and glass doors.
Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for official instructions and updates. Do not rely solely on cell service.
Keep pets indoors and secure. Have their leashes, carriers, and food readily accessible.
Be prepared for extended power outages. Limit opening the refrigerator/freezer to preserve food and medication.

After

Do not return home until authorities declare the area safe. Be aware of downed power lines, standing water, and weakened structures.
Avoid floodwater, as it may be contaminated and hide dangerous debris. If you must enter, wear sturdy shoes and use a stick to test the ground.
Do not use electrical appliances or equipment that has been wet.
Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially those who may need assistance. Offer help if you can safely do so.
Document any damage to your home and property for insurance claims. Photograph or video everything before cleanup.
Stay tuned to local news and official channels for recovery information, shelter locations, and aid distribution.

Flooding

Before

Know your home's flood risk by checking the FEMA Flood Map Service Center for your address. Understand if you are in a high-risk area.
Sign up for your county's emergency alert system (e.g., ReadyNotifyHouston) to receive timely warnings.
Move important documents, valuables, and essential medications to higher floors or secure, waterproof containers.
Consider elevating critical utilities like electrical panels, furnaces, water heaters, and washers/dryers if they are in flood-prone areas of your home.
Prepare a 'Go-Bag' with essentials for each family member and pet in case of rapid evacuation.

During

If flooding occurs, move immediately to higher ground. If you are in your house, go to the highest floor.
Never drive or walk through floodwaters. 'Turn Around Don't Drown' — even shallow water can hide hazards or sweep you away.
If your home is flooding, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if you can safely reach them and are not standing in water.
Stay informed by listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local emergency broadcasts for instructions.
If trapped, signal for help from your highest location, such as a window, and await rescue.

After

Do not return to your home until authorities declare it safe. Flooding may have compromised structural integrity or left unseen hazards.
Avoid contact with floodwater, which can contain sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants. Wear protective gear (gloves, boots).
Be alert for gas leaks, electrical shorts, and carbon monoxide poisoning from generators. Do not use wet electrical appliances.
Inspect your home for damage. Document everything with photos and videos for insurance claims before you start cleaning.
Begin cleanup as soon as safely possible to prevent mold growth. Discard any food that came into contact with floodwater.

Extended Power Outages

Before

Build a comprehensive emergency kit with enough food, water, and supplies for at least 3-5 days. Include a manual can opener.
Have multiple light sources such as flashlights, headlamps, and battery-powered lanterns. Keep fresh batteries stored separately.
Ensure mobile phones and other essential devices (like those for refrigerated medications) are fully charged. Have power banks or a charged portable power station.
Discuss with your doctor how to manage refrigerated medications during a prolonged outage, including potential for temporary storage in a cooler with ice.
Fill your car's gas tank; it can be a source for charging small devices and staying warm/cool for short periods (with proper ventilation).
Withdraw enough cash to cover basic expenses, as electronic transactions may not be possible.

During

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to preserve food and medication. Food can remain safe for up to 4 hours in a fridge and 48 hours in a full freezer.
Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for light; avoid candles due to fire risk.
Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from power surges when electricity is restored.
If it's hot, stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and seek shelter in air-conditioned public spaces if available and safe to travel. If cold, layer clothing and seal off rooms.
Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially those who may be vulnerable or have medical conditions requiring power.
Manage refrigerated medications carefully, rotating ice packs or replacing ice as needed to maintain proper temperature.

After

Do not open your refrigerator or freezer until power is fully restored. If in doubt, throw it out – discard any food that has been at room temperature for too long.
Follow instructions from your utility company for updates on power restoration. Do not touch downed power lines.
Reconnect appliances gradually to avoid overwhelming the electrical system.
Restock your emergency kit with fresh batteries, non-perishable food, and clean water supplies.
Assess any damage to your home and contact your insurance company if necessary.

Severe Thunderstorms & Tornadoes

Before

Stay informed about local weather conditions and forecasts from NOAA and local news outlets.
Know the difference between a 'Tornado Watch' (conditions are favorable) and a 'Tornado Warning' (a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar).
Identify a safe place in your house: an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows, such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway.
Practice drills with your family so everyone knows where to go and what to do during a warning, including where to put pets.
Secure outdoor items like patio furniture, trampolines, and trash cans that could become airborne during high winds.

During

If a Tornado Warning is issued, seek immediate shelter in your designated safe place. Get down low, cover your head and neck, and hold on.
Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Do not try to watch the storm.
If you live in a mobile home, evacuate immediately to a sturdy building or designated storm shelter. Mobile homes offer no protection from tornadoes.
If outdoors, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area and cover your head with your arms.
Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for updates. Have your emergency kit accessible.
Avoid driving during severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. If caught in your car, get out and lie in a ditch or sturdy building if possible.

After

Remain in your shelter until the immediate danger has passed and authorities give the all-clear.
Be aware of downed power lines, broken gas lines, and unstable structures. Report any hazards to emergency services.
Check for injured family members, neighbors, or pets. Provide first aid if you are trained.
Photograph or video any damage to your property for insurance purposes.
Stay away from damaged areas unless you are part of the response or cleanup efforts.
Continue to monitor official weather alerts as additional storms or hazards may follow.

Your Hazards, Ranked