Two-minute impact
Entergy Texas hosted a full-day simulation of a major hurricane event in The Woodlands on May 27 ahead of the June 1 start of hurricane season. During the drill, Entergy officials tested processes including:
- Storm response strategies
- Internal and external communication protocols
- Logistics and coordination
In Conroe, CenterPoint Energy donated a backup generator to the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on May 27. The backup generator is one of 20 being installed by CenterPoint across the Greater Houston region to provide additional power capacity for any long-term outages caused by natural disasters.
“We are committed to improving resiliency in our local communities and working closely with our community partners to achieve this important goal. Today, we are donating backup generation to support our partners in Montgomery County. These donated generators are each capable of powering an entire large building and will help make the communities we are proud to serve even more resilient during major storms and other emergency events,” said June Deadrick, CenterPoint Energy's vice president of community.
Also of note
Montgomery County commissioners have continued ongoing drainage improvements across the county, according to updates posted to social media by the agencies. In Precinct 4, drainage crews dug 8,665 feet of ditches in May to improve water flow during rain and severe weather events. Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley also promoted hurricane preparedness to residents in a video on May 28, highlighting continued drainage improvements in the area.
"While we continue to be ready, now is the perfect time for all residents–especially the new Texas residents who haven't experienced our hurricane season–to be prepared." Riley said. "Our top priority is ensuring public safety by keeping the county roads clear and free of debris."
Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough said the donation of a backup generator to the county will improve the county's ability to provide resources to each precinct in a hurricane.
“We are deeply grateful to the CenterPoint Energy Foundation for their generous donation of a mobile generator to Montgomery County’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management," Keough said. "This vital asset will play a critical role in our mission to protect and serve the community during disasters and large-scale incidents. Whether it’s powering essential operations in the aftermath of a storm or supporting response teams in the field, this generator will help ensure we remain ready and resilient when our community needs us most.”
Staying prepared
According to its website, NOAA recommends residents prepare for hurricane season by:
- Developing an evacuation plan
- Assembling disaster supplies, including food, water, batteries, chargers, a radio and cash
- Checking on insurance—including flood insurance—and documenting their possessions
- Creating a communication plan with a handwritten list of contacts
- Strengthening homes by trimming trees, installing storm shutters and sealing outside wall openings
