Hurricane & Flood Season Readiness
Living in the Houston region means staying prepared for hurricanes, flooding, and severe weather events. This guide brings together trusted resources and practical steps to help residents of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 142 (the “District”) plan ahead, stay safe during storms, and recover more quickly afterward.
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for instructions issued by Fort Bend County Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, or emergency responders. In an emergency, call 911. Links to third-party websites are provided as a convenience only; the District does not control, and is not responsible for, the content of those websites or the availability of the services they describe.
1. Know Your Risk & Stay Informed
Flooding and severe weather can develop quickly across the Greater Houston Area. When heavy rain or storm surge occurs, conditions can change rapidly—especially in low-lying areas.
To stay ahead of flooding conditions, residents are encouraged to monitor local alerts:
Fort Bend County Resources
- Fort Bend County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Provides emergency alerts, evacuation updates, and disaster readiness information specific to Fort Bend County residents. - FBC Alert is an opt-in system that residents can customize how they receive alerts — by phone, email, or mobile app.
Register in one of two ways:
Text FBCAlert to 888777, or
Statewide Emergency Registry
- STEAR (State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry)
Helps ensure residents who need extra assistance during disasters are identified in advance. Registration in STEAR does not guarantee that a specific service or response will be provided during an emergency.
Fort Bend County MUD 142 Emergency Alerts
In addition to county and state emergency notification systems, residents of the District are strongly encouraged to register for the District's free alert system. The District uses this service to provide important notifications regarding water outages, boil water notices, scheduled maintenance, and other time-sensitive District information. The District cannot guarantee that it will be able to provide a notice in every instance, and residents should not rely on District alerts as their only source of emergency information. District alerts supplement, and do not replace, notices the District is required to issue under Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rules, including boil water notices, or weather and flood warnings issued by Fort Bend County or the National Weather Service.
Because alerts can be targeted by neighborhood or service area, it is recommended that at least two members of each household register to receive notifications.
2. Build a Basic Disaster Supply Kit
Every household should have a “go kit” ready before a storm is announced. Supplies should last at least 3–7 days.
Essential items:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlights + extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Portable phone charger / power bank
- Medications (clearly labeled)
- Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag
Special reminder:
Each person in the household should have their own smaller “to-go kit,” especially children. Let children help choose items so they understand their own emergency supplies.
3. Pet Disaster Preparedness
Pets are part of the family—and they need their own emergency plan too.
Key guidance from the American Red Cross and CDC:
- Keep a pet go-kit with:
- Food and water (3–7 days)
- Leash, harness, or carrier
- Vaccination and medical records
- Medications
- Comfort items (blanket or toy)
- Make sure pets have ID tags and/or microchips
- Have a plan for evacuation that includes pet-friendly shelters or boarding options
Helpful resources:
- American Red Cross Pet Preparedness: Red Cross Pet Disaster Preparedness
- CDC Pet Emergency Kit Guidance: CDC Pet Disaster Kit
4. Special Medical & Personal Needs Planning
Disasters require extra preparation for residents with health conditions or specific care needs.
Be sure to plan for:
- Chronic medical conditions (diabetes, heart conditions, respiratory issues)
- Pregnancy or infant care needs
- Mobility or accessibility needs
- Backup power for medical devices
Recommendations:
- Keep medications clearly labeled and stored in waterproof containers
- Maintain a printed list of prescriptions and dosages
- Prepare backup care plans in case regular medical facilities are unavailable
5. During a Storm: Safety First
When severe weather arrives, conditions can deteriorate quickly.
Key safety rules:
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown – never drive through flooded roads
- Avoid bridges and low water crossings during heavy rain
- Stay off roads unless evacuation is ordered
- Move to higher ground or designated emergency centers if flooding occurs
Emergency response teams across Harris and Fort Bend Counties may deploy rescue operations when conditions become life-threatening.
6. Flood Safety Basics
Flooding is one of the most common hazards in the region, and risks vary by drainage system:
- Harris County flooding is often driven by bayous and rapid storm runoff
- Fort Bend County flooding is frequently influenced by the Brazos River and local drainage basins
Follow guidance from the American Red Cross:
- Move to higher ground immediately if flooding begins
- Avoid walking or driving through floodwater
- Stay tuned to weather alerts and local updates
Flood safety resource:
7. Hurricane Safety Planning
Hurricanes can bring wind damage, power outages, flooding, and debris hazards.
Preparation steps:
- Secure outdoor furniture and yard items
- Trim trees and remove dead branches before storm season
- Ensure vehicles are fueled ahead of time
- Have evacuation routes planned in advance
Official hurricane preparedness guidance: Red Cross Hurricane Safety
8. Community Response & Infrastructure
During major storm events, Harris and Fort Bend Counties coordinate separately but in parallel with regional partners.
- Typical response efforts include:
- Debris removal from roadways and neighborhoods
- Emergency transport to shelters and medical facilities
- Restoration of utilities and access routes
- Coordination with state and regional emergency management teams
Key agencies include:
- Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management
- Fort Bend County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management
- Texas Division of Emergency Management
9. Texas Emergency Resources
Residents are encouraged to review statewide preparedness guidance:
- Texas Department of State Health Services – TexasReady:
Texas Ready Disaster Preparedness
This resource provides disaster planning tools, family communication plans, and emergency supply checklists.
10. Final Preparedness Checklist
Before hurricane season begins, make sure you can answer “yes” to the following:
- Do I have a 3–7 day emergency supply kit?
- Do I have a family communication plan?
- Do pets have their own emergency supplies and ID?
- Do I know my evacuation route?
- Am I signed up for emergency alerts?
- Do I have backup plans for medical or special needs?
Preparedness is not about predicting the next storm—it’s about being ready for any of them. Taking time now to build a plan can make all the difference when severe weather arrives.