Weather Preparedness

Extreme Heat

Learn how to prepare for high temperatures and drought.

icicles frozen from a roofline during extreme freeze

Extreme Cold

Learn how to prepare when temperatures are expected to drop below 32 degrees.

flooded street with high water levels nearly overtaking a street sign

Flooding

Learn how to keep your family and property safe when flooding occurs.

Hail Damage

Got hail damage? Make sure the person repairing your property is right for the job.

mobile phone laying on a table with an alert message icon displaying on the screen

Stay Informed

Sign up for notifications and follow the city on social media to stay up to date on all news and alerts.

How to Prepare for Severe Weather

While storms are common in the Brazos Valley, they should still be taken seriously. Storms can be capable of producing hail, strong wind gusts, flooding and tornadoes that can cause damage to you and your property.

Stay informed with local emergency information and alerts. Sign up here for local alerts from the Brazos Community Emergency Operations Center.
Strengthen your home by bringing outside furniture inside, de-clutter drains and gutters, and trim or cut down trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.
Keep phones and tablets fully charged in case you lose power.
Be prepared for all hazards with the National Weather Service Official Southeast Texas Hurricane Guide.
Know the difference between a tornado watch and tornado warning.
- Tornado watch: Be weather aware! Weather conditions have the potential to develop a tornado.
- Tornado warning: Take action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

Build an Emergency Kit

After a severe weather event, you may need to survive without food, water, electricity and other supplies. Build an emergency kit that will last several days.

Basic Emergency Supplies

Water (one gallon per person per day for several days)
Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Utility knife
Prescription medications

Additional Emergency Supplies

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Manual can opener
Local maps
Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler's checks
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Maintaining Your Kit

After assembling your kit, remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed.

Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
Replace expired items as needed.
Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Learn more about building an emergency kit at Ready.gov.

During Severe Weather

If you hear thunder or see lightning, seek shelter in a building or car.
Avoid using electronics plugged into an electrical outlet.
Never drive through flooded roads. “Turn around, don’t drown!”
Watch for downed powerlines or trees and report them immediately. Call 979-822-3777 or report online.
If a tornado warning is in effect:
- Immediately seek shelter in a safe location, such as a small, windowless, interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building or structure. Always bring your pets with you.
- If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, get to a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine and lie flat. Cover your head with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible. Avoid bridges, overpasses and areas with many trees.
- Tornadoes can develop and dissipate rapidly. Pay attention to weather developments with local alerting systems or a weather radio.

How to Prepare for Severe Weather

Build an Emergency Kit

During Severe Weather

Local Emergency Resources

Additional Resources

Local Emergency Management