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Preparedness

Frequently Asked Questions: February 2021 Winter Storm

Updated: Feb. 13, 2021

City officials and staff has received several inquiries regarding the upcoming winter storm. To address these concerns, staff compiled this list of frequently asked questions in relation to this topic:

Hearing that hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s are out of plumbing supplies. Is that true?

Yes. As of today, Feb. 13, Missouri City Lowe’s and Home Depot are out of plumping insulation supplies. Residents may use old towels and plastic bags as insulation substitutes and secure it with duct tape.

Gasoline was a problem during Hurricane Ike in Missouri City. The former Mayor had to get that store opened. Are you anticipating any issues with trucks getting in town for gasoline?

As of now, gas stations are expecting trucks and are not anticipating any issues. But we will closely monitor this and address it accordingly if needed.

Does food stores like HEB, Kroger, Walmart will have enough food and supplies coming in?

Similar to gasoline, as of now stores does not have supply shortages. But we will closely monitor this issue as well as the severe weather approaches.

Are schools closed?

Fort Bend ISD and Houston ISD campuses and facilities will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15 and Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Are COVID-19 vaccination sites open?

All COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites are closed on Feb. 15 and Feb. 16

Will the Animal Shelter be open next week?

Yes. The fur animals are important, so the shelter will be open regular hours.

Is trash service cancelled due to inclement weather?

As of today, Feb. 13, the Municipal Solid Waste provider WCA Waste Corp. has not issued any cancellations for services. For additional updates, please call their customer service at 281.403.5800.

For more information about Missouri City, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter and Instagram—@MissouriCityTX, and watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse).

Winter Storm Watch: Watch Latest Updates From Today’s News Conference

UPDATE 6 P.M. Feb. 13:

In case you missed the 3 p.m. news conference on Facebook, see details below.

Mayor Robin J. Elackatt, Mayor Pro Tem and District C Councilmember Anthony Maroulis, District B Councilmember Jeffrey L. Boney, CEO/City Manager Odis Jones, Police Chief Mike Berezin and Fire Department Division Chief of Operations Michael Hafer participated in a City news conference at 3 p.m. today. Watch the full discussion, here 👉  https://youtu.be/wyFuv1e6mIQ. 

UPDATE 12:30 P.M. Feb. 13:

Join Mayor Robin J. Elackatt and CEO/City Manager Odis Jones at 3 p.m. today (Feb. 13) to discuss the potential severe weather impact on Missouri City and for an update on the City’s preparations here 👉 facebook.com/MissouriCityTX . 

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UPDATE 10:50 A.M. Feb. 13:

METRO will temporarily suspend operations of transit services Monday, Feb. 15 through Tuesday, Feb. 16, due to freezing weather. METRO HOV/HOT lanes and the METRO RideStore will be closed. All METROLift trips scheduled for those dates will be cancelled.

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2.14.21 Winter Storm Watch

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the region including Missouri City from 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14 to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15. Temperature is to drop below freezing from Sunday night through Tuesday and winter precipitation including snow, freezing rain and/or sleet is possible.

Now is the time to prepare and protect the “4 Ps” – people, pets, plants, pipes. Residents are also encouraged to plan for possible power outages including charging all devices ahead of time, replenishing flashlight batteries and securing extra blankets. See tips below:

“We are experiencing severe weather that is the first of its kind in about 30 years,” said Mayor Robin J. Elackatt. “The safety of our citizens and staff continues to be a top priority as we monitor this emergency while we are still working to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. I encourage citizens to stay alert and avoid travel, if possible, in these dangerous conditions.”

City staff is closely watching this winter storm and is ensuring that proper preparations are in place. The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) will also activate remotely on Sunday, Feb. 14 and all non-emergency City offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15. This includes:

  • City Hall Front Lobby, 1522 Texas Pkwy. 
  • Inspections & Permits, 1522 Texas Pkwy. 
  • Municipal Court, 3845 Cartwright Rd. 
  • Recreation & Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Dr. 

However, the Feb. 15 Special and Regular City Council meetings are still on schedule. Citizens and stakeholders may watch meeting live on MCTV on the City Website via this link: http://bit.ly/2LaZigz.

Hazardous travel conditions are expected on Monday including icy bridges; residents are advised to be extra cautious if traveling. Crews are monitoring all roadway conditions, and if there are areas of concern in your community, please call 281.403.8700.

“Staff is proactively preparing bridges/roadways within the City and are partnering with State and County officials to ensure roads that are managed by them are treated as well,” said City Manager Odis Jones. “As we continue to closely monitor this winter storm, City officials and staff will continue to keep residents updated through our official channels.”

As of Friday, Feb. 12 the following cancellations/closures are reported:

  • Sweetheart Cinema scheduled for today, Feb. 12 was cancelled. 
  • Fort Bend ISD campuses and facilities will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15 (Presidents Day) and Tuesday, Feb. 16 (inclement weather); asynchronous learning will still occur on Feb. 16. 
  • Houston ISD will transition to virtual learning on Monday, Feb. 15 and Tuesday, Feb. 16. 

Citizens are encouraged to follow the City’s official websites and social media outlets to receive timely, accurate information. All weather updates including road conditions, event cancellations, office closures, solid waste service and more will be shared on these official communication outlets.

The two main platforms used by City staff to share real-time information are the MCTX Emergency Management website, www.MissouriCityReady.com and the MCTX Twitter account, Twitter.com/MissouriCityEM.

For more information about Missouri City, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and 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).

2020 Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 3 to 9 | Get Prepared | Season Begins June 1

While Missouri City stays home during this pandemic, City officials encourage residents to prepare ahead to weather any storms during the 2020 Hurricane Season. As such, City Council Members proclaimed the week of May 3 as “Hurricane Preparedness Week” at their Monday, May 4 Regular Meeting.

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

“Our Emergency Operations Center is currently active, responding to COVID-19, but we are also prepared for any severe weather incidents including the upcoming Hurricane Season” said Interim City Manager Bill Atkinson. “Staff is also planning for several training activities with all teams and outreach initiatives for the community in preparation for the season.”

2020 Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Image Courtesy of National Weather Service

To emphasize the importance of preparing before a storm hits, the National Weather Service has designated Sunday, May 3 to Saturday, May 9 as “2020 National Hurricane Preparedness Week”. During this week, MCTX emergency officials encourage residents to:

  • 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 www.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.

In addition, during any disaster, communication between the City and residents is key. 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 are 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.

EOC 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 information about Missouri City, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and 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.)

Coronavirus

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Texas Department of State Health Services and other public health officials, continues to monitor an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (2019-nCoV) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

DSHS reports no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Texas at this time. While this is a serious public health threat, based on current information, the risk to the general American public is low.

Prevention

While Wuhan coronavirus is a new respiratory virus, ways to prevent respiratory illness are the same:

  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Travelers

Travelers should avoid all nonessential travel to Hubei Province, China, including Wuhan.

  • Travelers to Hubei Province, China
    • Avoid contact with sick people.
    • Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
    • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
    • Older travelers and those with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to Wuhan with their healthcare provider.
  • Travelers arriving from Hubei Province, China
    • Monitor for fever, cough and difficulty breathing for at least 14 days and seek medical care right away if you experience those symptoms. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
    • Avoid contact with others.
    • Not travel while sick.
    • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
    • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Additional Resources

Additional Information

For more information, visit www.fbchealth.org/ncov.

UPDATE: Tornado Watch Cancelled

UPDATE 1:00 A.M.

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

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UPDATE 9:15 P.M.

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

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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).