Montgomery County

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN…. I decide to walk through flood waters so see what is going on in my neighborhood? Countless call were made to Montgomery County first responders to rescue people out walking in flood waters. To date, one death has been attributed from this storm. FACT: You are putting yourself at risk of drowning, or being carried away by a current, or being sucked into a culvert. FACT: The force on a person’s legs in water moving at 3mph is the equivalent to the mass of 16.5 lbs.- water flowing at 7.2 mph can wash people off their feet in a depth of 9 to 10 inches- water flowing at 4 mph can wash people off their feet in a depth of 3 feet- water flowing at 2.2 mph can cause difficulty for people trying to retain their balance in 3 feet of water- 15cm of fast flowing water can knock you off your feet and be enough for you to be unable to regain your footing. FACT: Flood water can be contaminated by chemicals or raw sewage, contain diseases, debris, ants, snakes and other wildlife. If powerlines are down the water may also be electrically charged.    

TROPICAL DISTURBANCE UPDATE For Immediate Release- May 24, 2018 The National Weather Service believes that there is a 70% chance of the tropical disturbance in the Yucatan will develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours. This disturbance is still predicted to impact east of the Houston/Galveston/southeast Texas region. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, elected officials and our partners will continue to monitor the conditions and update when necessary. Prepare now for what the 2018 hurricane season could have in store for us. For more information on disaster preparedness, and emergency supply lists, visit our website www.mctxoem.org. For help and information on preparing for disasters, download our preparedness app ReadyMCTX to your mobile device. Now is the time to prepare. To receive emergency alerts to your phone or email from Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management, register at http://www.mc911.org/page/ecd.AlertMCTX. When you are creating your profile, you must check the box next to Share my Smart911 Profile with TX-Montgomery-County-911 to support emergency preparedness. Stay informed and monitor conditions for Montgomery County and the surrounding area on the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website www.mctxoem.org, Facebook, or twitter, NOAA Weather Radio, KStar 99.7FM. ###

HURRICANE SEASON IS UPON US- ARE YOU PREPARED? For Immediate Release- May 23, 2018 The start of hurricane season is in 9 days, but we are already seeing active weather patterns move into the Gulf of Mexico. Now is the time to make sure hurricane preparations are complete. For a list of emergency preparedness supplies visit our website www.mctxoem.org. The National Weather Service is predicting a 60% chance of the tropical disturbance to develop into a tropical cyclone sometime between Friday and Sunday. They believe the impacts from this disturbance will be to the east of the Houston/Galveston/southeast Texas region. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, elected officials and our partners will continue to monitor the conditions and update when necessary. For help and information on preparing for disasters, download our preparedness app ReadyMCTX to your mobile device. Now is the time to prepare. To receive emergency alerts to your phone or email from Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management, register at http://www.mc911.org/page/ecd.AlertMCTX. When you are creating your profile, you must check the box next to Share my Smart911 Profile with TX-Montgomery-County-911 to support emergency preparedness. Stay informed and monitor conditions for Montgomery County and the surrounding area on the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website www.mctxoem.org, Facebook, or twitter, NOAA Weather Radio, KStar 99.7FM. ###

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN… I drive around a barricade that has been placed because of water on the road? Countless calls were made to Montgomery County first responders to search vehicles in fast moving flood waters, after roads were barricaded and closed. FACT: It places your life and first responders’ lives in jeopardy, as they attempt to rescue you. FACT: One foot of flowing water could be enough to move the average family car, and 2 feet of standing water will float your car. FACT: 32% of flood related deaths are by drowning in a vehicle after being driven into flood water. FACT: A citation could be issued for failure to obey warning signs and barricades. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN… I decide to explore in a kayak/canoe in the fast rising/moving streams and rivers? Countless calls were made to Montgomery County first responders to rescue missing boaters who decided it was a good idea to kayak/canoe in the fast rising/moving streams and rivers in Montgomery County. Including the rescue of a 4 year old when her parent decided to take her out. FACT: It puts your life at risk and first responders in jeopardy as they attempt to rescue you. Unforeseen obstacles beneath the water can overturn your vessel and entrap you. Massive rainfall can force water to rush around obstacles, changing the currents and creating eddies and whirlpools. FACT: 2/3 of those who die in flood- related accidents are considered to be good swimmers. FACT: You could face possible criminal charges. Bottom Line:  TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!

As we now know, some places that have never flooded; flooded during Hurricane Harvey. If you don’t already have flood insurance now get it now! From the Texas Department of Insurance Flood insurance: 4 things to know Homeowner’s policies don’t cover flood damage. Here are four things to know when deciding if you need flood insurance. 1) Know your flood risk Flood maps show areas of high, moderate, and low flood risk as a series of zones. You can search for the flood map that includes your property at FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center. 2) There’s a wait Most flood policies have a 30-day waiting period before kicking in so don’t wait for an approaching storm before deciding to buy coverage. 3) What it costs The average flood policy costs about $700 a year. The cost will vary depending on your flood risk, the value of your home, and other factors. 4) Where to get it Visit FloodSmart.gov to find an agent in your area and more information.  

Texas Flood Awareness Week May 21st – May 25th, 2018 What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service? ◾Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain. ◾Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring. ◾Flood Watch: Be Prepared: A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible. ◾Flood Advisory: Be Aware: An Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.    

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER IN CONROE TO CLOSE PERMANENTLY ON SATURDAY March 29, 2018 This evening until 7:00 PM and Saturday, March 31, 2018 marks your last chance to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Conroe. The DRC will be closed tomorrow, Friday, March 30th in observance of Good Friday.  They will open on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. FEMA representatives will be there to answer any remaining questions you may have in regards to FEMA assistance. Once they close their doors on Saturday they will be leaving Montgomery County. Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Montgomery County: Old Conroe Police Department Building 700 Old Montgomery Rd. Conroe, TX 77301 Thursday March 29, 2018 open until 7:00 PM Friday closed in observance of Good Friday Saturday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM If you have continued need for housing, clothing, food, cleanup, other assistance as needed, please contact the United Way Disaster Case Management – Baker Ripley at 281-210-0975. You will need to sit down with a case manager and they will determine the level of need and what you qualify for. Don’t miss out on receiving any and all assistance available to Montgomery County residents speak to a case manager today! Additionally, Congress passed Safe Harbor Legislation for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, allowing for casualty loss deductions. You may find the IRS guidance for determining the amounts of loss in Revenue Procedures 2018-8 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-18-08.pdf and 2018-9 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-18-09.pdf. Revenue Procedure 2018-9 provides the Cost Indexes Safe Harbor Method that which individuals may use to determine the amount of loss to their personal-use residential real property as a result of Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria (2017 Hurricanes).  The main loss indexes include: Total Loss Near Total Loss Interior Flooding Over 1 Foot Structural Damage from Wind, Rain, or Debris Roof Covering Damage from Wind,Rain, or Debris Damage to Detached Structure Damage to Decking For help and information on preparing for disasters, download our new preparedness app ReadyMCTX to your mobile device. Now is the time to prepare. To receive emergency alerts to your phone or email from Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management, register at http://www.mc911.org/page/ecd.AlertMCTX. When you are creating your profile, you must check the box next to Share my Smart911 Profile with TX-Montgomery-County-911 to support emergency preparedness. Stay informed and monitor conditions for Montgomery County and the surrounding area on the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website www.mctxoem.org, Facebook, or twitter, NOAA Weather Radio, KStar 99.7FM. ###

Could you be missing out on Hurricane Harvey related assistance? March 19, 2018 There is still assistance available in Montgomery County, but it’s up to you to register and apply. If you have continued need for housing, clothing, food, cleanup, other assistance as needed, please contact the United Way Disaster Case Management – Baker Ripley at 281-210-0975. You will need to talk with a case manager, and they will determine what you qualify for. Don’t miss out on receiving any and all assistance available to Montgomery County residents; speak to a case manager today! Additionally, Congress passed Safe Harbor Legislation for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, allowing for casualty loss tax deductions. You may find the IRS guidance for determining the amounts of loss in Revenue Procedures 2018-8 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-18-08.pdf and 2018-9 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-18-09.pdf. Revenue Procedure 2018-9 provides the Cost Indexes Safe Harbor Method which individuals may use to determine the amount of loss to their personal-use residential real property as a result of Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria (2017 Hurricanes). The main loss indexes include: Total Loss Near Total Loss Interior Flooding Over 1 Foot Structural Damage from Wind, Rain, or Debris Roof Covering Damage from Wind, Rain, or Debris Damage to Detached Structure Damage to Decking For FEMA assistance Montgomery County Disaster Recovery Center located in Conroe is still open. They will remain open until March 29, 2018. Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Montgomery County: Old Conroe Police Department Building 700 Old Montgomery Rd. Conroe, TX 77301 Monday – Saturday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM   For help and information on preparing for disasters, download our new preparedness app ReadyMCTX to your mobile device. Now is the time to prepare. To receive emergency alerts to your phone or email from Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management, register at http://www.mc911.org/page/ecd.AlertMCTX. When you are creating your profile, you must check the box next to Share my Smart911 Profile with TX-Montgomery-County-911 to support emergency preparedness. Stay informed and monitor conditions for Montgomery County and the surrounding area on the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website www.mctxoem.org, Facebook, or twitter, NOAA Weather Radio, KStar 99.7FM. ###