Austin County Emergency Management Officer, Ray Chislett released an emergency prep list to the Austin County Area in anticipation of the possible flooding coming our way from Tropical Storm Harvey. His message is as follows:
The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm watch for Austin County. A weather update for Austin County will be issued Thursday at 11AM. Tropical Storm Harvey is forecasted to make landfall mid-day Friday on the Texas Coast. Slow movement of the storm implies potential flooding from heavy rainfall. At the present time, the predicted rainfall for Austin County is between 10 to 15 inches.
Rain and strong winds are predicted for a 72-hour period, beginning Friday afternoon and continuing in our area until Monday afternoon.
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and take necessary actions to secure your home or business.
- Ensure that your Emergency Supplies Kit is stocked and ready.
- If you live in a place that is particularly vulnerable to high wind, such as a mobile home, plan to move to safe shelter. Take enough supplies for you and your family for several days.
- Don’t forget your animals and their needs. Animals should have identification tags in the event they are separated from their owner.
- If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as in a low lying or poor drainage area, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground.
- Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of others.
- When securing your property, outside preparations should be conducted as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong gusty winds and heavy rain can cause certain preparedness activities to become unsafe.
- Be sure to let friends and other family members know of your intentions and whereabouts for surviving the storm. For emergency purposes, have someone located away from the threatened area serve as your point of contact. Share vital contact information with others.
- Keep cell phones handy and well charged.
- Be a Good Samaritan and check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations.
- Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio or other local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast.
***End of Message***
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