HOUSTON – With the looming threat of a tropical system, millions of Texans may be required to evacuate. However, being the second-most populous state in the United States, identifying evacuation routes and zones can be a complex task.
Texans were forced to seek higher ground for hours due to large hurricanes like Rita, Ike, and Harvey, which resulted in massive backups and delays along highways.
Back in 2005, Hurricane Rita caused a massive evacuation in the state of Texas with a record-breaking 3.7 million residents fleeing from their homes before the storm hit.
Emergency management agencies have created an interactive map to help residents of the most populated counties determine if their home or business is located in an evacuation zone. The map also provides information on the nearest exit route, making it easier for individuals to plan and prepare for possible emergencies.
Officials in the Brownsville and Corpus Christi metropolitan areas have provided alternative maps for South Texas communities.
Residents can rely on evacuation routes to navigate to safer locations and away from potential threats that coastal cities may encounter.
If floodwaters are expected to inundate or cut off properties, an evacuation zone is put in place to ensure safety.
Evacuation orders are usually issued in a specific order, with mobile homes, campgrounds, and other structures constructed similarly being given priority. The zones closest to the coast are then evacuated next.
Emergency managers often use a simple phrase to help residents remember what to do during a storm: “Run from the water and hide from the wind.” This phrase emphasizes the importance of evacuating from areas prone to flooding and seeking shelter from high winds. By following this advice, individuals can help protect themselves and their families during a severe weather event.
If you live in a sturdy building that is not located near any waterways, there may not be a need for you to evacuate during a hurricane.
During tropical cyclones, flooding becomes the deadliest threat as the ocean’s rise and torrential rainfall can affect communities even hundreds of miles away from the shore. This impact can last for several days after the tropical cyclone has made landfall.
A study conducted by the National Hurricane Center leadership in 2014 revealed that the majority of deaths caused by tropical cyclones, amounting to almost 90%, are due to storm surge, rainfall flooding, or high surf.
Hurricanes and tropical storms in the US are responsible for more deaths caused by water than by wind.
Texans who may require assistance during a disaster can seek aid from the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, or STEAR.
It’s important to note that although the STEAR registry doesn’t guarantee emergency services for individuals, it can assist in the allocation of necessary resources like wheelchair-accessible buses or emergency transportation. Officials urge people to register to help improve emergency preparedness and response efforts.
Residents can easily register by applying online or simply dialing 211 on their phone.