Missouri City ReadyMissouri City Ready

Latest News

2020 Hurricane Season Is Under Way ǀ For Emergency Updates & Alerts, Follow Official City Outlets: www.MissouriCityReady.com; MissouriCityEM on Twitter

The 2020 Hurricane Season is officially under way today, Monday June 1, and runs through Monday, Nov. 30. And with tropical storms, heavy rains and high water levels already on the national and regional weather radars, Missouri City residents are urged to plan ahead to ensure they are prepared in the event a disturbance impacts our area.

“As we saw with Hurricane Harvey, planning and preparing before a storm strikes is essential for every resident, business and organization in the City,” said Mayor Yolanda Ford. “Citizens are encouraged to sign up for official City alerts and advisories on our emergency management communications outlets and to stock up their household emergency supply kits to ensure their families can endure several days without basic necessities if necessary.”

MCTX officials recommend that residents store the following items in their emergency supply kits:

  • A three-day supply of non-perishable food, a manual can opener and one gallon of bottled water per person per day 
  • Coolers for food and ice storage 
  • Flashlights, a battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries 
  • Important documents and records, photo IDs, proof of residence, information to process insurance claims and cash
  • Phone chargers and a power generator

Officials also recommend that residents follow the City’s official communications outlets for emergency updates and advisories. The channels include:

  • www.MissouriCityReady.com: The site serves as a primary source of public information during any disaster affecting the City. The website offers tips and strategies for preparing homes, businesses and families for emergencies, links to websites of other emergency management agencies, weather, traffic and other emergency alerts and information on how to take care of special needs or pets during disasters. (Missouri City has communities in both Fort Bend and Harris Counties; residents who have a Houston address can also monitor: www.readyharris.org for updates.)
  • www.MissouriCityTX.gov: On the home page, residents can view important notifications via the red emergency alert tabs at the top of the site, access missouricityready.com via the green “Emergency Preparedness” tab on the page, and view City news releases in the “Stay Informed” section of the page.
  • MCTX Twitter accounts—Twitter.com/MissouriCityEM and Twitter.com/MissouriCityTX
  • WQMN—1690 AM: The City’s radio station that broadcasts weather, road construction and emergency bulletins 
  • MCTV: Ch. 16 on Comcast; Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse
  • MCTX Facebook account—fb/MissouriCityTX
  • MCTX Nextdoor account—City of Missouri City

EM Twitter Screenshot

Other helpful information for residents to remember includes:

  • Fort Bend County is designated by the State as a pass-through county for evacuees who live along the Gulf Coast. In the event of an emergency, MCTX residents should monitor official City outlets for advisories on whether to evacuate or to shelter in place. 
  • The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), located at Public Safety Headquarters on Cartwright Road, is equipped to coordinate the response and recovery efforts for any local emergency situation, including hurricanes.

“As this hurricane season begins, residents can rest assured that their City officials are ready to manage any crisis through the EOC,” Mayor Ford said. “Over the past year, City staff has been participating in emergency management training sessions so that we’re able to respond to every kind of disaster, including the COVID-19 crisis we are currently managing. Additionally, staff will participate in a virtual hurricane preparedness training workshop later this month and will continue to partner with the Fort Bend County and Harris County Offices of Emergency Management and other local and statewide agencies to coordinate response efforts for this season’s inclement weather.”

Mayor Ford & Commissioner Prestage Partner to Host Food/PPE Distribution ǀ 5/30 ǀ 10:30 a.m. ǀ City Hall Complex

What: Missouri City Mayor Yolanda Ford and Fort Bend County Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage invite all residents to a Food/PPE Distribution that is being held to provide local families with essential food and personal protective equipment supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing guidelines will be followed during event operations.

The free PPE is donated by: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, and the Mary Susan Moore Medical Society through Commissioner Prestage’s Office. The free food is donated by: the Houston Food Bank.

Drive-thru only; no walk-ups. Event will run while supplies last.

When: Saturday, May 30 ǀ 10:30 a.m. to Noon

Where: The City Hall Complex, 1522 Texas Pkwy.

For more details: Visit www.missouricitytx.gov or call 281.403.8500.

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.)

Flash Flood Warning in Effect Until 6:30 p.m. Today, May 15; Flash Flood Watch Continues Until 1 p.m. Tomorrow

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the region including Missouri City from now until 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 15.  The storms may even accompany tornadoes or strong damaging winds, hail and street flooding.

5.15.2020 flood warning
Additionally, NWS officials issued a flash flood watch for the region until 1 p.m. tomorrow—May 16; please watch the City’s websites and social media outlets for future updates.

Residents are encouraged to take precautions if necessary and monitor local weather reports before travelling around the area and sign up for emergency alerts on www.MissouriCityReady.com and Twitter—@MissouriCityEM.

Additionally, keep the streets clear of vehicles/debris to allow safe passage for our Public Safety and Public Works vehicles, keep the drainage system clean and protect your vehicle. Avoid traveling through flooded areas, and remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

City staff will be 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).

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.)

Recreation & Tennis Center to Re-Open in Phases; Outdoor Courts Opening Tomorrow (5/6) With Restrictions

As part of Gov. Greg Abbott’s April 27 order, the Missouri City Recreation & Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Dr., will be gradually re-opening in phases. Beginning 9 a.m. tomorrow—Wednesday, May 6—all outdoor courts will be open to residents with certain safety restrictions.

“We are following local, state and national guidelines and protocols to contain this pandemic,” said Interim City Manager Bill Atkinson. “The safety of our citizens and staff continues to be our top priority, and we want to ensure proper measures are taken prior to completely re-opening municipal facilities.”

The new regulations are as follows:

  • Tennis/Pickle Ball courts will reopen in a limited capacity with six-feet social distancing rules; signage will be in place to remind players. 
  • Tennis/Pickle Ball courts will limit the amount of people per court to four during phase 1, and only certain courts will be available for reservation to allow more space between players on the courts (Courts 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 for Tennis; Court 13 for Pickle Ball only).
  • No water coolers or equipment will be provided. And, no access to the facility will be granted for restrooms or water fountains.
  • Court reservations restricted to existing Recreation & Tennis Center members. 
    • Doubles Play: Members will be allowed to have no more than 3 non-member guests on their court, and will incur a $1.50 charge per non-members guest per reservation.
    • Singles Play: Non-member guests will incur a $4.50 charge per reservation.
  • All court reservations must be made by phone or via email to the Tennis Administrator in advance at cristina.escamos@missouricitytx.gov or 281.403.8629.
  • All court fees must be paid by phone. Only credit card payments will be accepted.
  • Members may only make one court reservation for 1.5 hours at a time and only one court may be reserved per member each day. 
  • Court use is restricted to Singles and Double play; no lessons, tournaments, leagues or clinics will be allowed. 
  • Tennis Courts will be available to reserve on a time-block basis from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Time slots are as follows: 
    • 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
    • 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
    • 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
    • 2:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
    • 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 
  • Report to your court at the reserved time and you MUST leave the court at the end of the time slot to allow time for sanitation before the next reservation. 
  • Benches, stands, and entry points on courts will be cleaned and disinfected between reservations. 

For additional details, please call 281.403.8637 or review full operational guidelines via this link: https://bit.ly/2xnbUyC.

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.)

Harris County Extends Stay Home Order Until May 20

According the updated order signed by Judge Lina Hidalgo on May, 1:

“The virus that causes 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is easily transmitted through person-to-person contact, especially in group settings, and it is essential that the spread of the virus be slowed to protect the ability of public and private healthcare providers to handle the influx of new patients and safeguard public health and safety. Because of the risk of the rapid spread of the virus and the need to protect the most vulnerable members of the community, this Order encourages all individuals anywhere in Harris County, to stay at home – except to provide or obtain essential services or reopened services.”

Read Full Order