Hurricane Preparedness
When it's hurricane season in the Gulf, it makes sense to be aware of what you might need to do to prepare for a hurricane or tropical storm. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 through Nov. 30.
If a hurricane approaches the Texas coast, check this page regularly for updates.
See the National Hurricane Center’s webpage to track potential storms.
On this page:
Advice for Everyone
- Texas Hurricane Center (Governor's Office)
- Hurricanes (U.S. EPA)
- Ready.gov (U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security)
Debris and Waste Management
- Managing Debris from Declared Disasters (RG-518) — Regulatory guidance on debris management.
- Setting Up a Temporary Debris Management Site (RG-518a) — Managing debris from a declared disaster.
- Request for Approval of Temporary Debris Management Site (TCEQ-20660) — This form is used by local authorities to ask for permission to set up debris-collection stations.
- Hauling Hurricane-Related Debris to the Curb in Participating Areas (U.S. EPA) — Illustration of the correct way to separate and haul debris to the curb to help speed removal. Check with your local government on what is available for you.
- Household Hazardous Waste Collection — How to comply with requirements and organize household hazardous waste collection events.
- Waste Management for Authorized Facilities: Responding to Disasters (RG-517c)
Carcasses
- Disposing of Animal Carcasses Left Behind by Declared Disasters (RG-591) - Regulatory guidance on the safe and proper disposal of large animal carcasses.
- Livestock Preparation and Response Information (Texas Animal Health Commission)
Find an Appropriate Landfill
Many kinds of waste should be taken to a landfill:
- Active Municipal Solid Waste Landfills (GI-611) — List of landfills, including types of waste accepted.
- Municipal Solid Waste Facilities Viewer — Locate MSW landfills and transfer stations on a map.
Underground Storage Tanks
- Underground Storage Tank Flood Guide (U.S. EPA)
Drinking Water
General Public
- After a Disaster: Is Your Drinking Water Safe? (GI-431)
-
Disinfecting Your Private Well (GI-432)
- Desinfectar Su Pozo Privado (GI-432esp)
- How to Sample Your Well Water and Understand the Results (GI-433)
Public Water Systems
- Preparing Your Public Water System for a Natural Disaster
- Public Drinking Water Systems: Responding to a Disaster (RG-517b)
- Boil Water Notices in English or Spanish
- Laboratories Accredited to Test Water for Bacteria:
Water Haulers
Wastewater Treatment Plants
After a hurricane, flood, tornado or other disaster, this information will help you manage conditions at your wastewater treatment plant.
Facilities with Air Permits
If your facility has a permit to protect air quality, read the following information after a hurricane or other disaster. The guidance will help operators and owners prevent or minimize any increased risk to human health and safety.