As Hurricane Harvey looms on the coastline, with the U.S. National Weather Service expecting it to intensify and become a Category 3 hurricane by the time it makes landfall, Texas residents are baring down for the storm.
Here are some local resources and emergency preparedness tips for Montgomery County residents to have in their back pocket this weekend and throughout the storm’s duration. To receive up-to-date storm information on a national level, follow the NWS on Twitter or Facebook.
In Conroe:
1. Conroe residents can call 9-1-1 for emergencies, 936-522-3205 for non-emergencies, 936-522-3828 for Conroe Public Works, and 936-522-3600 for Conroe Community Development for Damaged Structures, according to the city's website.
2. The city of Conroe recommends tuning in to FM Radio 104.5 and 106.1, or visiting www.cityofconroe.org, for up-to-date information on severe weather in your area.
3. The San Jacinto River Authority is preparing for the anticipated heavy rainfall, according to an SJRA news release. Those interested in monitoring Lake Conroe water levels, releases, rainfall totals or stream flows can visit www.sjra.net and click “Lake and River Conditions” at the upper right corner of the home page.
In Montgomery County:
1. The Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has recommended residents to download the county’s new emergency preparedness app, ReadyMCTX. The free app offers precaution tips, and allows users to keep track of road closures in their area and report high-water areas to county officials.
2. Those who want to receive emergency alerts from the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management can register at www.smart911.com and share their profile with TX-Montgomery-County-911.
3. To report non-emergency issues or concerns in Montgomery County, call the non-emergency line for the Sheriff’s Office at 936-539-7840.
4. Register for the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry for free at STEAR.dps.texas.gov or by dialing 2-1-1 to receive evacuation assistance, temporary shelters and basic needs such as food, clothing or transportation. Individuals with disabilities or limited mobility, as well as those who require medical or transportation assistance are recommended to register for STEAR.
5. To keep track of Harvey and its effects on Montgomery County, visit mctx.org or www.mctxoem.org. Each entity will also be updating its respective social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram throughout the duration of the storm.
