What residents need to know
Following several natural disaster events in 2024, such as the May derecho and Hurricane Beryl, The Woodlands Fire Chief Palmer Buck presented an updated emergency response packet that recapped improvements to the township's systems. However, Buck said many changes came from the Legislature, where multiple bills were passed that increased inspection and operation requirements for companies such as CenterPoint Energy.
"Just this last week or so, the Legislature finished their session and came out ... with about nine to 10 bills that are going to really enhance reliability characteristics related to the types of [power line] poles that are used, inspection requirements, vegetative requirements, maintenance requirements that are positive for our residents," Buck said.
Under the emergency preparedness plan, township staff also reviewed its emergency alert and communication systems, which also underwent an overhaul following Hurricane Beryl.
"The biggest part of our job really comes after the storm has hit," township Director of Communications LeaAnn Petersen said. "In particular with hurricanes, because we're trying to share that recovery message and it's a really complicated message, because we do have two different counties, we have several different precincts, and they all handle debris removal differently."
Petersen said the township has now contracted with emergency alert company Everbridge to provide text, email and voice emergency alerts to those who sign up through The Woodlands Township's site. Petersen said the voice messaging feature would be critical to maintaining emergency communications during times when cell towers are down due to extended power outages.
What else?
The township is also working on upgrading its cellphone service capabilities by installing a StarLink satellite center at multiple township facilities to ensure continuous communications are available throughout an emergency. Township IT Director William Pham said staff is also working through the plan to install additional cell towers and cell signal boosters throughout The Woodlands to provide better cellphone coverage.
Buck also said residents can ensure they are prepared for a natural disaster by ensuring they have 72 hours, or three days, worth of food, water and medicine in the event of a long-term power outage. Residents can also become familiar with new evacuation routes and zones, which were released by the Houston-Galveston Area Council on June 16.
