HOUSTON – The City of Houston is partnering with regional public safety and transportation partners, as well as the National Weather Service for a week-long flood awareness and safety information campaign.
As part of his effort, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has proclaimed April 2-8 as Flood Safety Awareness Week in Houston.
“Houston continues to see impacts from severe weather and flooding year-to-year,” said Rick Flanagan, Emergency Management Coordinator, “Everyone in Houston is at risk of being impacted by flooding. We have to stand guard, understand our risk, and make preparations now for what may come.”
As part of the seven-day initiative, the City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will engage the community through a campaign aimed at reminding residents of the hazards associated with flooding, helping them understand the various terms related to it, providing them with resources to help identify their risks, and directing them to information on flood insurance.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more deaths occur due to flooding than any other hazard related to thunderstorms. National Weather Service data shows that a majority of flood-related deaths in 2015 occurred in vehicles. This is why Houston’s key safety message during flooding continues to be “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Harris County has experienced 31 federally-declared disasters since 1953, of which 10 were flood-related, 8 were hurricanes and 1 was a coastal storm.
Because homeowners and renters insurance does not cover damage from flooding, the City also reminds residents to check their coverage, and enroll with the National Flood Insurance Program. Because a gap of 30 days is required before coverage can start, it’s important that residents sign up as soon as possible. More information can be found at floodsmart.gov.
Residents can follow this week’s safety campaign through the OEM social media outlets on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor for daily updates.
Contact:
Michael Walter
Public Information Officer
City of Houston Office of Emergency Management
[email protected]
Office: 713.884.4554
Mobile: 281.796.9117