TDHCA Press Room

Preparedness: A concept taking Texas by storm

The classic rock band The Byrds once advised that to everything there is a season, and unfortunately that includes tornados.

Did you even know there was a tornado season? Seems like those are with us all the time but weather conditions from March to October are particularly ripe in Texas for such storms. TDHCA wants all Texans to be prepared (TexasPrepares.org) in the event a tornado strikes.

Unlike a flood which requires an immediate evacuation, or a hurricane where you will likely have time to leave by car for safe shelter, a tornado may require you to shelter in place. Tune in to local TV and radio for recommendations from local officials. How do you do that?

Keep an AM/FM/Weather band radio (or a NOAA Weather Radio) that can be powered by batteries or plugged into an electrical outlet handy. If a warning is issued, find the sturdiest interior room away from any windows and stay in place until the radio says otherwise.

Long before a tornado watch or warning is issued, create a water-proof document bag into which you should put some cash, current photo IDs, Social Security cards, a list of family and friends' phone numbers, a list of medications and doctors’ phone numbers, and other essential documents.

After the emergency passes, hang on to every receipt for every purchase on any home improvement product or repair service. Document every detail possible. This can help if federal or state government aid later becomes available.

For more information, visit TDHCA's Disaster Relief resource page. Preparing now will help your family weather the storm.