Hurricane Preparedness

Overview

The Texas Sea Grant Extension Team, particularly its Resilient Communities and Economies (RCE) group, plays a pivotal role in bolstering hurricane preparedness and recovery efforts across the state through strategic partnerships and community-focused initiatives.

In collaboration with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), the RCE team contributes to disaster management training programs that enhance the readiness of local officials and emergency responders. These programs include full-scale hurricane exercises designed to test and improve the state’s response capabilities.

During Hurricane Harvey, the RCE team swiftly mobilized to support affected communities by establishing a recovery resources webpage, disseminating critical information via social media, and funding rapid research to address immediate needs. They also distributed over 7,500 copies of the Texas Homeowner’s Handbook to FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension county offices, providing residents with guidance on rebuilding and future preparedness. (From an article on Sea Grant)

Beyond immediate response, the RCE team engages in long-term resilience planning. They utilize tools like the Coastal Resilience Index and the Community Health and Resources Management (CHARM) model to assist communities in assessing vulnerabilities and developing strategies to mitigate future risks.

Through these comprehensive efforts, the Texas Sea Grant Extension Team exemplifies a commitment to enhancing the resilience of Texas communities against hurricanes and other coastal hazards.

• Hurricane Preparedness Week by NOAA
• State of Texas Emergency Portal – Review this for up-to-date information during a declared emergency or disaster in Texas.
• Texas Department of Transportation – Review this website for evacuation routes.
• Texas Department of State Health Services Texas Ready – Review this website for a variety of information about weather events and disasters such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and tornadoes.
• Disaster Supply Kit – Review this website for supplies and necessities to prepare in a disaster.
• View the Glossary of Frequently Used FEMA/NFIP Terms and Acronyms
• Download the Advisory Base Flood Elevations (ABFE) During Rebuilding
• Download information on When Your Home or Business Was Completely Destroyed or Substantially Damaged
• View information on the Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Program

Hurricane Recovery Resources

Texas Sea Grant has collected links to several resources that are designed to assist in hurricane recovery efforts. The websites, publications, mobile apps and videos listed below, developed by other Sea Grant programs and federal, state and regional agencies and non-profit organizations, cover multiple topics. Resources for specific topics such as safe cleanup procedures, seafood safety, and filing damage claims and other financial issues are listed.

• Ready.gov Recovering from Disaster
• Texas EDEN Disaster Recovery Information
• Hurricane-Ready Home
• First Steps to Flood Recovery
• Cleaning Up After the Storm
• Rebuilding and Restoration
• Download the South Carolina Coastal Information Network Flood Resources Guide
• Download the Storm Recovery Guide and Storm Recovery Guide Update
• FEMA mobile app