These playbooks outline specific actions for your family to take before, during, and after the most likely hazards in your Houston area. Remember, local authorities provide the most current instructions during an actual event.

Flooding

Before

Review the FEMA Flood Map Service Center for your property's flood risk and know your elevation. Understand if you are in a flood zone.
Sign up for Houston TranStar and ReadyWarn alerts to receive real-time traffic and weather updates.
Prepare an evacuation kit (go-bag) with essentials for each family member and pet, ready to grab at a moment's notice.
Move important documents, medications, and valuable items to higher floors or secure, waterproof containers.
If advised, secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, and anything that could float away or become a hazard.

During

"Turn Around Don't Drown": Never drive or walk through floodwaters. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock an adult down and two feet to sweep a vehicle away.
If your home is flooding, move to the highest ground or highest floor available. Do not go into attics unless you have a way to escape to the roof.
Stay informed by monitoring local news, NOAA Weather Radio, or your smartphone for emergency alerts.
If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately following designated routes. Do not wait for conditions to worsen.
Avoid contact with floodwater, which can contain sewage, chemicals, and hidden dangers like downed power lines.

After

Do not return home until authorities say it is safe. Roads may be damaged or still impassable.
Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to your utility company.
Document any damage to your home and belongings with photos and videos for insurance purposes.
When re-entering your home, wear protective clothing, including sturdy shoes and gloves. Be alert for snakes, insects, and other pests that may have entered.
Discard any food that may have come into contact with floodwaters, and ensure your drinking water supply is safe if advised by local officials.

Hurricane

Before

Know your hurricane evacuation zone (A, B, C, etc.) and identify multiple evacuation routes. Discuss with your in-laws in Dallas as a potential destination.
Secure your home by installing hurricane shutters or boarding up windows with plywood. Bring in all outdoor furniture, trash cans, and decorations.
Trim trees and shrubs around your home to reduce the risk of falling branches and flying debris.
Fill your vehicle's fuel tank, withdraw cash, and charge all electronic devices. Have an emergency kit with at least 3-7 days of supplies.
Review your family communication plan, including an out-of-area contact, and ensure everyone knows meeting points.

During

If ordered to evacuate, leave immediately. Do not delay, as roads can become congested or impassable.
If sheltering at home, stay indoors, in an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows and glass doors.
Monitor official updates from the National Hurricane Center, NWS Houston/Galveston, and local emergency management.
Be aware of the 'eye' of the storm. A temporary lull in wind means the storm is not over; dangerous conditions will resume.
Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for light; never use candles, open flames, or generators indoors due to fire and carbon monoxide risks.

After

Do not venture outside until authorities announce the 'all clear'. Be aware of weakened structures, downed power lines, and hidden hazards.
Avoid driving on flooded roads or attempting to drive around barricades.
Check on neighbors, especially those who may need assistance, but do not enter damaged homes.
Report downed power lines to your utility company immediately. Assume all lines are live and dangerous.
Begin documenting damage with photos and videos for insurance claims. Prevent further damage if safe to do so.

Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes

Before

Understand the difference: a Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes; a Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar.
Identify the safest place in your house: an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway, away from windows.
Sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and your county's emergency alert system (e.g., ReadyWarn for Harris County).
Secure outdoor items like trash cans, patio furniture, and toys that could become projectiles in high winds.
Keep a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone alert function, and fresh batteries, to receive warnings even if power is out.

During

During a Tornado Warning, immediately go to your designated safe place. Get under something sturdy like a table, cover your head and neck with your arms.
If you are in a mobile home, immediately leave for 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.
Stay away from windows and doors. Do not open windows, as this does not equalize pressure and may draw in flying debris.
Monitor local radio, TV, or weather apps for updates, but prioritize seeking shelter over information during a warning.

After

Check for injuries to yourself and your family members. Provide first aid as needed.
Stay clear of damaged areas and downed power lines. Report gas leaks or downed lines to authorities.
Listen to local authorities for instructions and road closures. Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
If your home is damaged, carefully inspect for structural instability before entering. Document damage for insurance.
Text messages are often more reliable than phone calls immediately after an event, to communicate with loved ones.

Extended Power Outages

Before

Keep your cell phones and other electronic devices fully charged, and have portable power banks ready.
Have a supply of flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, and extra batteries. Avoid using candles due to fire risk.
Stock non-perishable food and at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3-7 days. Consider extra for pets.
Keep your vehicle's fuel tank at least half full, as gas pumps may not operate during an outage.
Consider having an alternative cooking method, such as a camping stove, and ensure proper ventilation if used indoors (never use a charcoal grill or gas oven).

During

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to preserve food. Food can remain safe for about 4 hours in a refrigerator and 48 hours in a full freezer.
Use generators safely: always operate them outdoors, away from windows, and at least 20 feet from your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
In Houston's heat, stay cool. Close blinds and curtains, wear light clothing, and consider taking cool showers or going to a designated cooling center if safe.
Conserve water, as water services might be affected or restricted. Use stored water for drinking and basic hygiene.
Check on elderly neighbors or those with medical needs. Offer assistance if you can safely provide it.

After

Do not open your refrigerator or freezer until you are sure power has been restored and is stable. Discard perishable food that has been at unsafe temperatures for too long.
Unplug sensitive electronics and appliances before power is restored to prevent damage from power surges.
Gradually return to normal electricity use once power is back to help prevent secondary outages due to high demand.
Report any lingering outages or issues to your utility provider. Avoid touching any downed power lines.
Refill water storage and restock emergency supplies that were used during the outage.

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