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Hurricane season is officially here and continues through Nov. 30. As many Houstonians know, this region is no stranger to hurricanes or major storms.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season.

The Climate Prediction Center forecasters predict an 85 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 10 percent of a near-normal season and a 5 percent chance of a below-normal season. Predictions from the center include four to seven major hurricanes for the Atlantic, and eight to 13 hurricanes overall. It also predicts 17 to 25 named storms.

It’s never too early to prepare for natural disasters, especially a hurricane, and some experts suggest approaching preparations as if you were headed camping.

Here are some general tips and advice to consider for this hurricane season:

1. Make a plan now

It’s important for you and your family to make a plan for what to do if a hurricane strikes before one is even named.

Hurricane plans can look different for each person or family, but generally they include evacuation plans, alternative shelter places, items to include in your emergency kit, how to store documents, and more.

Some proactive measures you can take include:

  • Place copies of important papers in waterproof bags.
  • Purchase extra chargers and portable chargers.
  • Have enough non-perishable foods for each person in your household to last three days.
  • Have bottled water stored away.
  • Stock up on first aid supplies.
  • Have a whistle on hand in case you need to signal for help.
  • Have rain ponchos.
  • Have garbage bags for trash.
  • Have cash on hand.

Additionally, consider ways you can entertain children and teenagers during a shelter in place or even an evacuation. If you are on medication, be sure to receive a physical prescription with your information and your doctor’s information listed in case you need a refill during that time.

Be sure to inspect your property for trees that could potentially fall over during a storm and trim them.

You can also check your city and county websites to see if they have a hurricane or natural disaster guide that is more tailored to your area.

2. Communicate your plan to family members

Determine a meeting place for your family and communicate that to your household.

Ready.gov provides a form to create an emergency communication plan in English or Spanish. The form can be saved to your computer for you to share with family members. You can find the form online here.

Be sure to practice any emergency drills before a hurricane strikes, and review emergency evacuation route maps.

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3. Prepare for power outages

Houstonians have already faced major power outages this year, but it’s never a bad idea to go over your plan.

A hurricane can knock out power lines for days or even weeks. Review your power supplies and see what you need. Be sure to buy candles and matches now. Don’t wait until a storm hits to buy flashlights or lanterns — chances are, stores will be sold out. Instead, grab some flashlights while you’re shopping. Experts recommend a flashlight per person in your household.

Other options include portable generators, but be sure you learn how to operate one before a hurricane strikes. If it’s your first time using one, take your time reading the instructions.

If you plan to use or already purchased a portable generator, it would be worth investing in carbon monoxide detectors for your home since many operate on fuel.

Some precautions you can take if you plan to operate a portable generator include:

  • Keep the generator dry, away from rain or flooding.
  • Be sure to let it cool down before refueling.
  • Never use one indoors.

For more tips, check out the Landing’s guide to power outages.

4. In case it floods

Several resources can help you determine if you’re in a flood zone or when to leave your home.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has flood maps available here, where you can see if your home is in a flood zone by your ZIP code. Be sure to check it out before a storm occurs.

The Houston-Galveston Area Council has four designated evacuation zones, organized by ZIP codes, for the city of Houston. You can look at the map here in English o haga clic aquí para español.

You can also look at H-GAC’s evacuation route maps in English and in Spanish.

The Harris County Flood Warning System also has a map where you can see the latest rainfall and its impact on certain parts of the county. Check it out here.

For more information on how to prepare for an evacuation, check out the city of Galveston’s guide here.

If a hurricane or a storm is predicted, be sure to take photos of your home beforehand for insurance purposes. You should also take photos after storms hit.

People with disabilities, medical issues or who have communication barriers can receive evacuation help through the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry. But be aware that available services vary by community and registering doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive help during emergencies.

If you plan to evacuate, be sure to take your pets with you. Check out Houston SPCA’s tips for pet owners during hurricanes.

5. More resources

  • Call 311 for debris pick up, transportation, infrastructure, and other services
  • Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies only
  • Call 1-800-452-9292 to learn about traffic and road conditions
  • Text GULF2024 to 888-777 receive hurricane updates from ReadyHarris
  • Text R-E-A-D-Y to 281-609-9093 to receive ReadyHarris Accessible Alerts
  • Call 211 to register for State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry
  • Call 979-864-1064 for Brazoria County’s 24 hour Emergency Management Call Center
  • Call 713-880-HELP (4357) to reach SPCA if you see a stray animal
  • Check this list from the Public Utility Commission of Texas to find your provider’s outage reporting number
  • Call 713-957-4357 to reach United Way of Greater Houston to connect with resources in your area

Here are places you can receive updates from Houston city council members and Harris County commissioners, who frequently put out information during storms:

6. How to help others

If you are safe and able to help, check in on your neighbors, especially if they’re older or have children.

If you’re able to, opening your doors to others or even placing a table outside your home with charging cables goes a long way.

Additionally, most places accept volunteers.

Places to look at if you’d like to volunteer include:

7. Where to sign up for alerts

8. Where to find shelter

During and shortly after storms, most shelters open their doors to people who have been affected by natural disasters. The city of Houston typically also opens centers during disasters to cool off during operating hours. 

The American Red Cross is another organization that offers shelter during natural disasters. You can view their open shelters here.

9. Where to find food assistance

To find food near you, the Houston Food Bank has an interactive map available with the latest pantries opened to those in need. If you need to find a location, you can also call 832-369-9390.

The Food Bank suggests you call each location and check road conditions before heading out to any particular pantry. It currently has two locations opened on June 5 where you can pick up a disaster box.

10. How to apply for financial assistance in the aftermath

The Small Business Administration and FEMA are two agencies that have resources available if a natural disaster strikes.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses and homeowners recovering from declared disasters.

Additionally, FEMA provides commercial flood insurance through its National Flood Insurance Program.

Recently, the two agencies made disaster relief available to Houston-area residents impacted by the derecho that tore through the region May 16. These applications are still open.

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Angelica Perez is a civic engagement reporter for the Abdelraoufsinno. A Houston native, she is excited to return to the city after interning at The Dallas Morning News as a breaking news intern in the...