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Officials: Northwest Harris County residents should wait to evacuate
By VAL CLIFTON
Officials at the Harris County Office of Emergency Management said the need for residents in the Northwest area isn’t as urgent as other parts of the county.
Public Information Officer Francisco Sanchez said the most pressing segment of the county that should be looking to evacuate is the population that lives closer to the coast.
“Really, most people who are in Northwest Harris County can ride out the storm,” Sanchez said. He said based on the event, residents should make a judgment call.
People who have medical issues or transportation needs should call 2-1-1 to register ahead of time, he said.
“It will let us know what we should be planning for and let us know ahead of time what our transportation needs will be,” said Sanchez. “If you are a senior citizen and you can drive to the grocery store or drive to church, we’re still talking about a trip that is going to be lengthy and uncomfortable and probably an experience that you would prefer not to go through.”
Each storm is different, and because the season doesn’t seem to be letting up any time soon, HCOEM suggest staying prepared for all scenarios.
“Media are great partners for us during an event, so if there’s something in the Gulf that people need to be watching, they should stay tuned to their favorite news outlet,” Sanchez said.
For more information, visit HCOEM.org.
Who should consider leaving before hurricane evacuation is recommended for the general public?
• People who live in low-lying or flood-prone areas or on barrier islands.
• People who live mobile homes near the coast, or are concerned about the structural stability of their home, should plan to evacuate any time a storm threatens.
• People towing boats or trailers or driving recreational vehicles or other high-profile vehicles should leave early. Some roads and bridges may be closed to high-profile vehicles due to high winds before they are closed to cars.
• People traveling with young children, elderly family members, or people with special needs. If you wait to leave until a general evacuation is recommend, traffic will be heavier and the weather may be worse, lengthening the time you will have to spend in your car getting to your destination.
Public Information Officer Francisco Sanchez said the most pressing segment of the county that should be looking to evacuate is the population that lives closer to the coast.
“Really, most people who are in Northwest Harris County can ride out the storm,” Sanchez said. He said based on the event, residents should make a judgment call.
People who have medical issues or transportation needs should call 2-1-1 to register ahead of time, he said.
“It will let us know what we should be planning for and let us know ahead of time what our transportation needs will be,” said Sanchez. “If you are a senior citizen and you can drive to the grocery store or drive to church, we’re still talking about a trip that is going to be lengthy and uncomfortable and probably an experience that you would prefer not to go through.”
Each storm is different, and because the season doesn’t seem to be letting up any time soon, HCOEM suggest staying prepared for all scenarios.
“Media are great partners for us during an event, so if there’s something in the Gulf that people need to be watching, they should stay tuned to their favorite news outlet,” Sanchez said.
For more information, visit HCOEM.org.
Who should consider leaving before hurricane evacuation is recommended for the general public?
• People who live in low-lying or flood-prone areas or on barrier islands.
• People who live mobile homes near the coast, or are concerned about the structural stability of their home, should plan to evacuate any time a storm threatens.
• People towing boats or trailers or driving recreational vehicles or other high-profile vehicles should leave early. Some roads and bridges may be closed to high-profile vehicles due to high winds before they are closed to cars.
• People traveling with young children, elderly family members, or people with special needs. If you wait to leave until a general evacuation is recommend, traffic will be heavier and the weather may be worse, lengthening the time you will have to spend in your car getting to your destination.
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