Missouri City ReadyMissouri City Ready

Disasters

MCTX COVID-19 Update: City Monitoring Crisis with Fort Bend/Harris Counties; EOC Activated to Level III

MCTX officials are closely monitoring COVID-19 and are working with local, state and federal agencies to manage the pandemic in this region. Based on recent updates, including the “Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency” in Fort Bend and Harris Counties, the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated to Level III.

As this is a serious public health threat, residents are encouraged to stop the spread by practicing healthy hygiene habits and taking the following precautions:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

“We are committed to the health and safety of our residents. In addition, we are closely monitoring all safety guidelines as they relate to the operations of City services and programs,” Mayor Yolanda Ford said. “With COVID-19 spreading at this rapid pace, it’s important for everybody to take every safety precaution, to monitor updates on the citizens’ communications tools, and to contact your physician if you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms.”

In addition, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Fort Bend County Judge KP George issued updated community guidelines with several recommendations including cancelling or postponing events with more than 250 people; encouraging people at higher risk of severe illnesses to stay home and away from large crowds; requesting employers to maximize telecommuting options and to consider staggering start and end times to reduce large numbers of people coming together at the same time. To view full lists of recommendations to be followed until March 31, click these links: http://bit.ly/39KjjpS  and http://bit.ly/2vTVUDM.

Local agencies have also established phone banks to assist citizens with concerns/inquiries regarding COVID-19. See details below:

For Fort Bend County Residents:

  • Fort Bend County Health & Human Services
  • 281.633.7795
  • This number is staffed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • www.fbchealth.org/ncov 

For Harris County Residents:

Staff is also closely monitoring local closures and event cancellations. See details below:

  • Fort Bend Independent School District will be closed for at least two weeks from March 16.
  • Houston Independent School District will be closed beginning Friday, March 13 through Monday, March, 30. 
  • University of Houston will be closed for a week from March 16.
  • Houston Community College has extended their Spring Break (March 16 – 20); classes will not resume until March 25.
  • Missouri City Leadership Luncheon honoring International Women’s Month for March 31 will be rescheduled. 

Residents may signup to receive alerts and receive real-time information through the MCTX Emergency Management website, www.MissouriCityReady.com and the MCTX Twitter account, Twitter.com/MissouriCityEM.

For more updates and news, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).

UPDATE: Tornado Watch Cancelled

UPDATE 1:00 A.M.

The National Weather has cancelled the Tornado Watch for the region.

****

UPDATE 9:15 P.M.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for the region including Missouri City until 4 a.m.

****

The National Weather Service is predicting a line of severe thunderstorms across the south east Texas later tonight. Damaging winds, tornadoes and hails are expected in parts of the region including Missouri City.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts on www.MissouriCityReady.com and Twitter—@MissouriCityEM. The storm is anticipated to pass through the region between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Emergency management officials also advices citizens to have multiple ways to receive alerts and to ensure that those will wake you up if needed.

Additionally, citizens are urged to keep the streets clear of trash cans, vehicles or any loose debris to allow safe passage for our Public Safety and Public Works vehicles and to keep the drainage system clean and to protect your property. Also, avoid traveling through flooded areas, and remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

City staff is closely monitoring all roadway conditions. If there are areas of concern in your community, please call 281.403.8700. Officials also stress the importance of keeping a list of informational resources for reference. Recommendations for City residents include:

  • Police and Fire Departments: 911 or 281.403.8700
  • CenterPoint Energy: 713.207.2222
  • American Red Cross – Fort Bend County Branch: 281.342.9480, Greater Houston Branch: 713.526.8300
  • Ready Harris (readyharris.org); 713.881.3100; the Harris County Office of Emergency Management’s official website.
  • Enable Fort Bend (enablefortbend.com); 281.238.3514; the agency assists individuals with functional and medical needs during an emergency or disaster.
  • MCTV: Comcast Ch. 16; AT&T U-verse Ch. 99
  • WQMN – 1690 AM: Emergency advisory radio station
  • MCTX Mobile App: Download it in the Apple App store or on Google Play

For updates, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple App store).

Winter Freeze Warning in Effect: 9 p.m. Today to 9 a.m. Tomorrow; Residents Encouraged to Protect 4 Ps—People, Pets, Pipes & Plants

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for most of Southeast Texas including Missouri City from 9 p.m. today (Tuesday, Nov. 12), through 9 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 13). Freezing temperatures from 27 to 31 degrees are expected overnight.

Emergency management officials urge residents to protect the four Ps for winter safety:

  • People: check on the elderly and those who may not have access to heat
  • Pets: bring pets indoors
  • Pipes: properly insulate exposed pipes to prevent cracking
  • Plants: cover plants with fabric to help keep them insulated

11.12.19 Freeze Warning

Additionally, citizens are encouraged to stock up on food, water, medicine supplies and monitor local weather reports before travelling around the area and to sign up for emergency alerts on www.MissouriCityReady.com and Twitter—@MissouriCityEM.

During this time, City officials and staff are monitoring all roadway conditions and City facilities. If there are areas of concern in your community, please call 281.403.8700.

For updates, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).

Forecast for Tropical Storm Imelda Includes Heavy Rains; Flash Flood Watch In Effect Until 1 p.m. on 9/18

According to the National Weather Service, the depression in the Gulf has now strengthened to Tropical Storm Imelda. The storm moved inland this afternoon with main threats of heavy rainfall and flash flooding through Thursday, Sept. 19.

A Flash Flood Watch has been in effect for the region since 1 p.m. today and will continue until 1 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 18). Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts on www.MissouriCityReady.com and Twitter—@MissouriCityEM. 

Additionally, citizens are urged to keep the streets clear of trash cans, vehicles or any loose debris to allow safe passage for our Public Safety and Public Works vehicles and to keep the drainage system clean and to protect your property.

With additional heavy rain expected overnight, street flooding is possible. Residents are advised to take precautions if necessary and monitor local weather reports before morning commutes. Avoid traveling through flooded areas, and remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

City staff is closely watching this storm and the Emergency Operations Center is at Level 3 (increased readiness). Crews are also monitoring all roadway conditions, and If there are areas of concern in your community, please call 281.403.8700. Officials also stress the importance of keeping a list of informational resources for reference. Recommendations for City residents include:

  • Police and Fire Departments: 911 or 281.403.8700
  • CenterPoint Energy: 713.207.2222
  • American Red Cross – Fort Bend County Branch: 281.342.9480, Greater Houston Branch: 713.526.8300
  • Ready Harris (readyharris.org); 713.881.3100; the Harris County Office of Emergency Management’s official website.
  • Enable Fort Bend (enablefortbend.com); 281.238.3514; the agency assists individuals with functional and medical needs during an emergency or disaster.
  • MCTV: Comcast Ch. 16; AT&T U-verse Ch. 99
  • WQMN – 1690 AM: Emergency advisory radio station
  • MCTX Mobile App: Download it in the Apple App store or on Google Play

For updates, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple App store).

 

Hurricane Season Begins Tomorrow, June 1: Citizens Encouraged to Be Prepared & Stay Alert

The 2019 Hurricane season blows in tomorrow, Saturday, June 1 and runs through Saturday, Nov. 30. If disaster strikes, Missouri City’s Emergency Operations Center is ready to respond.

What’s Expected this Season?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center is predicting that a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season is most likely this year. This outlook forecasts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.

For 2019, NOAA forecasts a likely range of 9 to 15 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 4 to 8 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 2 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes. View list of names for this season below:

2019 Hurricane Names

Are you Prepared?

While MCTX is designated by the State as a pass-through City for evacuees who live along the Gulf Coast, citizens are still encouraged to prepare themselves and stay aware of the potential for severe weather that can accompany tropical systems.

Residents and businesses in Fort Bend and Harris Counties are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts on www.missouricityready.com and learn how to prepare supply kits and stock up on necessary items such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, radios, first-aid kits, cell phones, chargers, maps and important documents.

To emphasize the importance of preparing before a storm hits and to assist the public with getting ready for the 2019 Hurricane Season, May 5 to May 11 was marked as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. In addition to sharing Hurricane Preparedness tips from the National Weather Service, MCTV produced several videos highlighting these main topics:

Determine Your Risk: Based on your location, find out what types of wind and water hazards could happen in your area and make a plan now on how to handle them.

Develop an Evacuation Plan: Identify safe locations that are not prone to wind/flood threats that you can shelter in, if there is an evacuation order issued. Remember to account for your pets too, as most local shelters do not permit them. Make sure to put these locations and the plan in writing as well.

Assemble Disaster Supplies: Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of three days. Also, remember to include extra cash, battery-powered radios, flashlights, batteries, maps, cell phones, chargers and other important documents.

Get an Insurance Checkup: Ensure that you have proper insurance coverage for your home, cars and boats. Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding; check with your insurance company/agent or the National Flood Insurance Program at floodsmart.gov now if you think coverage is needed. Flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.

Strengthen Your Home: Make sure to trim trees that are too close to homes ahead of a storm. And, remember to secure loose objects that are outside, move vehicles to a safe location without blocking the streets and board up windows/doors including garage doors with proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels once there is a storm approaching.

Help Your Neighbor: Check on your neighbors and share the importance of preparing ahead of time, collecting supplies before the storm, assisting with evacuation if needed and checking-in after the storm passes.

Complete a Written Plan: Take the time now to write down your hurricane plan and share it with your family. Know where you will ride out the storm and get your supplies now. Don’t forget to keep all your important documents together for quick access and have photo documentation of all valuables.

To watch the full videos on these tips and to learn more about emergency preparedness, visit the City’s Emergency Management website—www.MissouriCityReady.com.

“As the ‘Show Me City’ and the region witnessed during Harvey, hurricanes can produce heavy winds, storm surges, torrential rains, inland flooding and tornadoes,” City Manager Anthony J. Snipes said. “It is important that along with our staff, citizens and businesses also prepare ahead of time, so that together as a City, we can withstand anything nature brings us this season.”

Where Do You Find Accurate Information?

In a disaster, communication between the City and residents is key; we saw this first-hand with Hurricane Harvey. Citizens are encouraged to follow the City’s official websites and social media outlets to receive timely, accurate information during any emergency.

The two main platforms used by City staff to share real-time information is the MCTX Emergency Management website, www.MissouriCityReady.com and the MCTX Twitter account, Twitter.com/MissouriCityEM. Residents may sign-up to receive alerts via both of these outlets.

To ensure that the message is available to the public at-large, information will also be shared on the City’s main website—www.missouricitytx.gov; Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX; Twitter—@MissouriCityTX; municipal television station—MCTV (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse); radio station—1690 AM and Nextdoor.

“When inclement weather strikes, we encourage citizens to follow the City’s official communications tools to receive accurate information quickly,” said Mayor Yolanda Ford. “The safety of our citizens is a top priority and any decisions taken during an emergency will be first shared on the official channels. Take action now to stay alert during this hurricane season.”

Key Terminology & Tips

It is also vital to understand the National Weather Service forecasts, and especially the meaning of hurricane and tornado watches and warnings.

Hurricanes: For a storm watch in this category, forecasters would report a possibility of winds of 74 mph and higher within 36 hours. For a warning, forecasters would report a possibility of winds at the same speed within 24 hours.

Tornadoes: A watch is an alert to monitor the skies and a warning signals that a tornado has struck the ground and shelter must be sought immediately.

And, for the following types of severe weather, experts offer these safety tips:

Lightning: Avoid high objects, stay away from isolated trees, telephone poles or communications antennas. Avoid contact with metal surfaces and do not bathe, swim or boat. Only use the telephone for emergency purposes.

Flash Floods: Never drive through flooded roadways, do not cross flooded roads or waterways on foot, avoid ditches and storm drains and stay tuned to local media for road reports and updates. Remember—Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Tornadoes: Texas is struck by more tornadoes than any other state. The safest places to seek shelter in homes, schools or workplaces are interior rooms, such as bathrooms, closets, rooms without windows, hallways, auditoriums and gyms. If driving when a tornado strikes, leave the vehicle and lie flat in a ditch or ravine, if possible.

Emergency Contacts

Officials also stress the importance of keeping a list of informational resources for reference. Recommendations for City residents include:

  • Police and Fire Departments: 911 or 281.403.8700
  • CenterPoint Energy: 713.207.2222
  • American Red Cross – Fort Bend County Branch: 281.342.9480, Greater Houston Branch: 713.526.8300
  • Ready Harris (www.readyharris.org); 713.881.3100; the Harris County Office of Emergency Management’s official website.
  • Enable Fort Bend (www.enablefortbend.com); 281.238.3514; the agency assists individuals with functional and medical needs during an emergency or disaster.
  • MCTV: Comcast Ch. 16; AT&T U-verse Ch. 99
  • WQMN – 1690 AM: Emergency advisory radio station
  • MCTX Mobile App: Download it in the Apple App store or on Google Play

For more updates and news, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).

City Officials Monitoring Forecasts; Urge Residents to Participate

In “National Day of Action” on 9/15 and Prepare for Any Disaster

Missouri City Emergency Management officials are monitoring National Weather Service forecasts that show numerous showers and thunderstorms are possible through the weekend, as a tropical disturbance moves inland along the Texas coast. Locally, heavy rainfall is possible, and flooding could develop mainly along the coastal areas.

Hurricane Season runs through Nov. 30 and this month is peak time. Currently, meteorologists are watching multiple storms in the Tropics, noting that the 2018 season is one of the most active forecasters have witnessed in a long time. As emergency management experts here track weather developments, they caution citizens to make sure their families are prepared for any disaster that may impact the area.

This Saturday, Sept. 15 is “National Day of Action” for emergency preparedness, and local officials urge citizens to take time this weekend to:

  • Make an emergency plan and practice it
  • Prepare a supply kit and stock up on non-perishable food items and water
  • Learn lifesaving skills to protect your family and home
  • Check and review your insurance coverage
  • Plan and save financially for the possibility of a disaster

Residents are encouraged to visit our emergency management website, www.missouricityready.com to learn more details and to sign up for emergency alerts. Residents are also encouraged to sign up to receive emergency alerts via Twitter.com/MissouriCityEM.

City officials also stress the importance of keeping a list of informational resources for reference. Recommendations for City residents include:

  • Police and Fire Departments: 911 or 281.403.8700
  • CenterPoint Energy: 713.207.2222
  • American Red Cross – Fort Bend County Branch: 281.342.9480, Greater Houston Branch: 713.526.8300
  • Ready Harris (www.readyharris.org); 713.881.3100; the Harris County Office of Emergency Management’s official website.
  • Enable Fort Bend (www.enablefortbend.com); 281.238.3514; the agency assists individuals with functional and medical needs during an emergency or disaster.
  • MCTV: Comcast Ch. 16; AT&T U-verse Ch. 99
  • WQMN – 1690 AM: Emergency advisory radio station
  • MCTX Mobile App: Download it in the Apple App store or on Google Play

For updates, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).