Hurricane Harvey: How To Get Rescued From Floods

HOUSTON, TX — Communities in the Houston area were pounded with heavy rain overnight resulting in widespread flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Harvey.

The National Weather Services has issued a Flash Flood Watch until 7 p.m. on Aug 30 for:

• Austin County
• Brazoria County
• Brazos County
• Burleson County
• Chambers County
• Colorado Colorado
• Fort Bend County
• Galveston County
• Grimes County
• Harris County
• Houston County
• Jackson County
• Liberty County
• Madison County
• Matagorda; County
• Montgomery County
• Polk County
• San Jacinto County
• Trinity County
• Walker County
• Waller County
• Washington County
• Wharton County

The U.S. Coast Guard is helping to conduct urban water rescue in areas of Houston and is asking residents to call 911 or the U.S. Coast Guard Houston Command Center at (281) 464-4851.

Hurricane Harvey: Houston Floods Kill At Least 5, Thousand Begging For Rescue

If you need rescue and there is water in your home:

• The safest place is in your home.
• If the water is rising knee higher or above, get on your roof, call for help and wait until help arrives.
• Do not go into your attic to escape flood waters. Rescuers cannot get to you if you and your family are in the attic.

If you need rescue:

• Take a flashlight, a red bandana or other object to signal for help.
• Do not wade into flood waters; you run the risk of being bitten by snakes and possibly alligators.
• If you must wade into flood waters, make sure you’re wearing shoes.
• If you can walk to a shelter in your area without putting yourself and your family in danger, then go.

Shelter Information in Houston:

• M.O. Campbell Education Center, at 1865 Aldine Bender Road
• Chinese Community Center at 9800 Town Park Drive
• George R Brown Convention Center at 1001 Avenida de las Americas
• Family Residence at 1603 McGowen St.

Galveston County:

• McGuire-Dent Recreation Center, 2222 28th St., Galveston
• Abundant Life Christian Center, 601 Delaney Rd., La Marque

Brazoria County

• 1900 N. Downing; opened to help residents ordered to leave under the mandatory evacuation. Identification is required to enter.

According to the the Harris County Flood Control District website, all the Houston area creeks and bayous are in various flood stages.

Record Flooding on the following channels:

• Brays Bayou
• Upper Buffalo Bayou
• Horsepen Creek
• Little Cedar Bayou
• Willow Spring Bayou
• Armand Bayou
• Turkey Creek
• Beamer Ditch
• Berry Bayou

Nearly every bayou and creek is experiencing some sort of flooding at this time.
Rainfall totals include:

• 1-hour rainfall of 3.4 inches on Goose Creek at State Highway 146
• 6-hour rainfall of 17.04 inches on Clear Creek at Interstate 45
• 24-hour rainfall of 7 inches on Clear Creek at I-45
• Highest rainfall in the last 48 hours of 26.0 inches on Clear Creek at I-45

Some key facts worth knowing are:

• Restrict children from playing in flooded areas.
• Remain in your home during the storm unless instructed to evacuate by local officials.
• Move emergency supplies and valuables to a high, dry place in your residence.
• Locate and put pets in a safe place.
• Never drive into high water and follow the advice “turn around, don’t drown.” Less than 2 feet of water can float and wash away a vehicle. Be especially cautious at underpasses and at night when water across roadways can be difficult to see.
• Stay home, and stay off the street

Schools are closed on Monday and Tuesday, with some being closed all week. Please click here for a complete list.

The Friendswood community, and residents in Dickinson and communities along the Gulf have seen some of the worst of Houston’s flood.

First responders in the area are and asking for volunteer help from those who have chainsaws and boats, and for donations of fuel to help with rescues in Friendswood.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett has reached for Houstonians with access to high water vehicles to please contact Harris County about helping with rescue efforts.

Image: Associated Press

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