Emergency Preparedness

Severe Weather

• Remain indoors during severe weather.
• Stay tuned to local television stations for up-to-date information.
• If you are outdoors, listen for the outdoor warning sirens.

Tornadoes

If you see a tornado or hear that one is approaching, seek shelter immediately.

If you are indoors:

• Go to a room at the center of the building/house.
• Stay away from windows (breaking glass can cut you).
• Do not open the windows to your building / house. It is a myth that tornadoes increase the pressure inside your house. A tornado usually destroys a building / house by tearing off the roof when the wind catches the lip of the roof.
• If you have time, cover yourself with cushions, pillows or a mattress

If you are outside:

• Try to get indoors as quickly as possible.
• If you cannot get indoors, find a flat area, away from trees and poles, lie flat on the ground and cover your head.
• Do not lay in a ditch because fast, rising water could trap you.

Reduce Your Risk

While it is important for you to protect yourself and your families from emergencies, it is also important to protect your property. Here are some of the steps you can take:

• Get insurance. Review your renters or homeowner's insurance policy to understand what is covered from hazards. For example, protection against loss due to floods is typically not covered under a homeowner's policy.
• Hire a professional. Hire a Texas State-licensed Registered Architect or Professional Engineer to check the condition of your property. These professionals also can determine the best option for retrofitting to your home, which means altering the existing structure to reduce or eliminate the possibility of damage.
• Clean your property, including your roof, crawlspaces, vents, decks/patios, and gutters, and dispose of any debris that could become projectiles during a storm. If severe weather is expected in your area, tie down any loose items, such as outdoor furniture, that may become projectiles.