Hurricane season in Texas runs from June 1 through November 30, bringing the potential for wind, flooding, and power outages. For residents living in a Municipal Utility District (MUD), preparing helps protect not only your household, but also the water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure that keeps your community functioning during and after a storm.
Here’s how to get ahead of the storm and prepare for whatever the season brings.
🌀 Know the Risks in Our Area
Even if you're not located on the coast, your neighborhood can still experience dangerous flooding, high winds, and downed power lines during a hurricane. Start by identifying your specific vulnerabilities:
- Check if your home is in a floodplain or flood-prone area.
- Know your evacuation zone and preferred routes.
- Identify roads nearby that commonly flood.
- Monitor drainage ditches and know where water tends to accumulate in your area.
👨👩👧👦 Make a Family Emergency Plan
Creating a clear emergency plan ensures everyone in your household knows what to do if a storm strikes.
Include the following in your plan:
- A meeting place in case family members are separated.
- An out-of-town contact person for updates and check-ins.
- A plan for how and where you’ll evacuate, especially if you don’t have a car.
- Pet care arrangements (many shelters do not accept pets).
- A printed copy of your plan in your emergency supply kit.
If you or someone in your household might need assistance, consider registering for the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR).
📦 Build a 3-Day Emergency Supply Kit
You may need to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours after a storm. Assemble an emergency kit in advance and store it in a portable container. Essentials include:
- At least 1 gallon of water per person and pet per day
- Non-perishable food for at least 3 days
- Manual can opener, utensils, and basic cookware
- Bleach (to purify water, mix 1/8 teaspoon per gallon. Stir and let stand for 30 minutes.)
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
- First aid kit and essential medications
- Cash (in case ATMs are down)
- Important documents (ID, insurance, medical info) in a waterproof bag
- Phone chargers and portable power banks
- Face masks, hand sanitizer, trash bags, and hygiene items
- Extra clothing, blankets, and sturdy shoes
- Pet food and supplies
- Items for infants, seniors, or those with medical needs
🏠 Protect Your Home Ahead of Time
Securing your property helps minimize storm damage and keeps you safe. Take these steps as early as possible:
- Clear gutters, storm drains, and downspouts.
- Trim tree branches and remove loose yard debris.
- Bring in or tie down outdoor furniture, grills, and trash bins.
- Board up windows or install storm shutters.
- Move cars to higher ground or garage.
- Check and test your generator if you have one.
- Take photos of your home and valuables for insurance purposes.
- Fill bathtubs and containers with water for flushing toilets.
Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Many homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding. Note: it will likely take up to 30 days for the policy to go into effect, so act now!
📡 Stay Informed and Connected
Information can change quickly during a hurricane. Set yourself up now to receive accurate, timely updates.
- Sign up for emergency alerts from your MUD and county.
- Follow reliable sources like the National Hurricane Center and ReadyHarris.
- Keep a list of important contacts, including your MUD’s emergency line.
- Have a battery-powered radio to monitor weather updates if the power goes out.
- Monitor social media pages and websites for local service updates.
🚰 What to Expect from Your MUD During a Storm
Your MUD will continue to operate essential services as long as conditions allow. However, severe weather may cause temporary disruptions.
Here's what residents should know:
- Water and sewer services are typically supported by backup systems but may be affected by power outages or flooding.
- Trash and recycling pickup may be delayed or suspended during and after a storm.
- Lift stations and drainage systems are monitored and supported by generators, but flooding or long outages may impact function.
✅ After the Storm: Safety Comes First
Even after the skies clear, storm hazards can linger. Use caution when returning to your home or neighborhood. Key safety tips:
- Stay away from downed power lines or standing water.
- Do not enter flooded streets by foot or car.
- Follow any boil water notices from your MUD before using tap water.
- Take photos of any property damage for insurance claims.
- Separate debris into categories if your district offers storm debris collection.
- Contact your MUD to report post-storm issues or service needs.
📎 Resources to Bookmark
🌤️ Prepare Early, Stay Safe
Don’t wait for a named storm to form—take action today to protect your family, your home, and your community. A little preparation now can prevent big problems later. And remember, your MUD district is here to support you before, during, and after hurricane season.
📄 Download the Printable Hurricane Checklist
Click here to download your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist