Hurricane Resources and Preparedness
The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and culminates on November 30. Texas, particularly South Texas, is susceptible to heavy rain, flooding, and hurricanes. These weather events are unavoidable, and I encourage all South Texans to avail themselves of the variety of federal and state resources to prepare for and recover from a natural disaster.
During hurricane season it is important to pay close attention to weather advisories and guidance from federal, state, and local officials. Much of this information is disseminated via the local media outlets and official government websites listed below. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my district offices in Brownsville, Kingsville, or Weslaco by phone at (956) 682-5545. You may also reach my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2531.
What should I do before a hurricane?
Planning is the most vital part of preparing for a hurricane. Knowing the hazard risks, having an evacuation plan and strengthening one's home can help minimize the impact of the storm. Read more about what you should know and how you can plan at weather.gov/safety/hurricane-plan.
What should I do when a hurricane makes landfall?
When a hurricane makes landfall, secure your residence, familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes, and follow all guidance from emergency management authorities.
Learn more about how you can improve your safety during a hurricane at weather.gov/safety/hurricane-action.
What can you do after a hurricane?
Knowing how to safely return home and stay informed about emergency information and updates is crucial if one is evacuated before or during a hurricane.
Keep in mind that even if the area where you are located is not severely affected by the storm, nearby communities or roads that are crucial for reaching your location could still be impacted.
What factors should be taken into account following a hurricane? Find out more at weather.gov/safety/hurricane-after
How does the federal government get involved in the aftermath of a hurricane?
Should the President declare a major disaster, resources may become available to communities through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Visit FEMA's website to learn more about the process by which a disaster is declared and the types of assistance that may be available if so.
Additional Resources
Some Tips to Be Prepared
Protect any personal documents and special items
Build a Disaster Evacuation Kit
Buy flood insurance
Flood proof your home – Take steps to minimize flood damage
Develop a Family Evacuation Plan
For more information on these topics visit the Texas General Land Office’s Hurricane Preparedness page.
Texas Information and Resources
Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) | Preparedness Tips and Disaster Information.
Texas Hurricane Center | Before, During, and After a Hurricane
County Resources
Federal Department and Agency Information and Resources
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rural Development (RD) | Rural Development Disaster Assistance
RD | Disaster Assistance Resource Guide (a PDF booklet)
Farm Service Agency (FSA) | Disaster Assistance Programs
FSA | Disaster Assistance Programs at a Glance (a PDF booklet)
FSA | Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool (an interactive tool)
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) | National Hurricane Preparedness
NOAA | National Hurricane Center
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) | How to prepare for hurricane season 2022 and avoid storm-related scams
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response | The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) | Hurricane Planning and Response
FEMA | Flood Resilience for Homeowners, Renters, and Business Owners
FEMA | Mobile Products (to download the FEMA App which allows you to see real-time weather alerts, send notifications to loved ones, locate emergency shelters in your area, and more)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD | Disaster Resources
U.S. Department of the Interior
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | Preparing for and Recovering from Hurricanes
U.S. Department of Labor
Employment and Training Administration (ETA) | Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) | Hurricane Preparedness and Response
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief for Individuals and Businesses