Hurricane Harvey: Harris County Preps For Flooding

CYPRESS, TX — As Hurricane Harvey moves closer to the Texas coastline, first responders are deploying several 5-ton military trucks that could be needed to evacuate stranded residents from flood waters. Harvey is expected to make landfall on the Texas Coast as early as late Friday, as either a tropical storm or a category 1 hurricane.

As as the storm churns and strengthens in the Gulf of Mexico, residents along the Texas Coast are scambling to ensure they are ready for any emergency. (Want to get daily updates about Hurricane Harvey and other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free Houston Patch morning newsletter.)

At the local HEB store on Grant Road and Spring-Cypress Road, supplies of batteries, flash lights, candles and snacks were set up for shoppers at the front of the store, making a quick stop for those last-minute items easier. However the bays that normally hold pallets of bottled water were wiped clean.

Carol Jamison and her husband had just moved to the Houston area from Las Cruces, New Mexico, when Hurricane Ike hit the Texas coast in 2008, and forced them to evacuate their new home.

They returned several days after the storm to a fridge full of rotting food, and a mess in the front yard.

Jamison remembered being without electricity for two weeks, but she and her husband are more prepared this time.

"We installed a generator two years ago, and we always have extra water," she said. "If the electricity goes out, we won't know unless the rest of the neighborhood goes dark."

On Wednesday, Constable Mark Herman announced that all Precinct 4 first responders have been placed on standby for possible 12-hour shifts, should the situation require emergency schedule deployment. Herman also advised residents to continue preparing as the storm moves closer inland.

"The Harris County Constable's Office and ReadyHarris are urging residents to review their family emergency plans, restock their disaster supply kits and stay informed," Herman said.

Supply kit should include:

• NOAA weather radio and batteries
• Flashlight and batteries
• Extra eye glasses
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• Clothing and bedding
• First aid kit, medications and prescriptions
• Special products for babies, elderly and medically fragile family members
• Cash and credit cards
• Photo ID, important documents and records
• Food, medication and water for pets

Many in the Houston area have already taken heed of the warnings and have taken precautions as the storm moves closer inland, and stores in the Houston are seeing the effects.

While some shoppers searched for last minute items, others were undaunted by the empty shelves, with some loading up on beer, soda's and Gatorade instead along with other provisions.

"We're used to this sort of thing in Houston," said Greg Minn, who'd load a buggy with sunflower seeds, canned soup, beer, wine and dog food. "It's all common sense. Stay in your home, or leave now if you are afraid, or aren't prepared."

Minn said he and his family plan to spend the storm playing board games by candle light, if they lose power.

Image: US Army via Flickr Commons

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