Let’s hope it’s a quiet season but it only takes one. Prepare now just in case!
If you have not already done so, the Board urges you to sign up for MUD emergency broadcast text messages by texting TWMUD to 682-356-5083.
Have a whole home or portable generator? If it’s a whole home, are you running a weekly test cycle? Make sure the oil & filter have been changed and you have spare oil and filters on hand, check the spark plug, filter, and battery. It’s a good idea to have a service agreement with a qualified generator service company if you’re not comfortable doing these checks on your own. Make sure your generator exhaust vents away from your home!
If yours is a portable generator, when was the last time you ran a test cycle, checked the items above, and have the name of a qualified generator service contractor should you need one? If your generator runs on gas, do you have spare gas cans and a list of service stations to fill them at? Stations run out, you may need to travel to find available gasoline? Never run a portable generator indoors and point the exhaust away from your home.
Do you know where your sewer line cleanout cap is located? It’s most likely located on an outside wall near your master bath. In most cases, it’s a white PVC cap roughly 6″ in diameter. A large wrench or pliers are needed to remove it. In the unlikely event of a sewer line backup, loosening or temporarily removing the cap may reduce or prevent sewage backup into your home.
All 4 major local news stations include storm trackers on their websites and apps. It’s a good idea to follow one for up to date storm information including evacuation route information.
Consider downloading the Harris County Constables “C4 Now!” app.
Know where the evacuation routes are by checking local news and the Constables app.
The water plant generator makes it highly unlikely the water plant will shut down during an emergency. It’s still a good idea to have bottled water on hand during an emergency. Tubs filled with water and swimming pools can be used to fill your toilets during an emergency.
Make sure you have flashlights, battery operated lanterns, and a supply of batteries on hand for emergencies.
Keep your mobile phone charged. A good mobile phone battery backup is essential anymore. Most newer vehicles have ports you can use to charge your phones.
Having tarps to cover leaks and duct tape for windows on hand is a good idea. Big box and hardware stores sell out quickly on essential storm items.
If you have a gas grill, make sure your tank is full and consider a spare.
The majority of grocery stores and big box stores have standby backup generators but, keep in mind, essentials such as milk, bread, and ice can be hard to find or limited for purchase during an emergency.
Have a neighbor that’s new to the Gulf Coast? Most have no idea what to expect. Share your experiences and tips with them.
Reminder, H2o Innovation, the District’s Operator manages the District’s water/sewer operation. H2o Innovation call center numbers can be found on your water/sewer bill and on H2o and District’s websites. It’s a good idea to save them in your mobile phone contact list for quick access. H2o Innovation’s first priority is the District’s water/sewer operation, field staff cannot help you with leaks past the District’s water meter or sewer backups on your property.
Stay safe and check on your neighbors!
Your TNW MUD Board of Directors