Why Emergency Preparedness Matters in Katy

Southeast Texas residents face a variety
of hazards throughout the year, including
hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, flash
flooding, tornadoes, extreme temperatures
and prolonged power outages.

Heavy rainfall can make roads impassable.
Storms can interrupt electric service, while
freezing temperatures may damage water pipes.
During extended emergencies, access to food,
medications, fuel and other essentials may
become limited.

Families should maintain an emergency kit
capable of supporting basic household needs
for at least three days. Building toward a
seven-day supply provides additional
protection against longer disruptions.

Interactive Seven-Day Emergency Checklist

Use the checklist below to keep track of
your household’s emergency supplies.
Check each item as you gather it.
The progress indicator will update automatically.

Checklist progress is saved in this browser
when local storage is available. It is not
submitted to The Katy News.

How Much Emergency Water Does Your Family Need?

Water is one of the most important emergency
supplies. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention recommends storing at least
one gallon of water per person per day
for a minimum of three days.
A two-week supply is preferable when possible.

The amount stored should account for drinking,
food preparation, brushing teeth and basic
sanitation. Families may require additional water
during extreme heat, illness, pregnancy or when
caring for pets.

Emergency Water Supply Reference Chart

Safe Water Storage Tips

• •Keep unopened bottled water in a cool, shaded location.
• •Use food-grade containers for water filled at home.
• •Replace home-filled stored water every six months.
• •Follow expiration dates on commercial bottled water.
• •Keep water away from gasoline, pesticides and chemicals.
• •Follow official boil-water notices when issued.
• •Never assume floodwater is safe to drink.

Source: CDC Emergency Water Storage Guidance

Preparing for Emergencies Specific to Katy

Flooding and Severe Storms

Heavy rainfall can cause rapid flooding in
streets, drainage areas and low-lying
neighborhoods across the greater Katy region.

Know the flood risks near your home, monitor
local weather warnings and identify alternative
routes. Never drive around flood barriers
or attempt to cross flooded roads.

Extended Power Outages

Keep flashlights, spare batteries, power banks
and a battery-powered weather radio ready.
Maintain backup plans for medications requiring
refrigeration and electrically powered medical devices.

Winter Freezes

Keep warm clothing, extra blankets and safe
emergency heating supplies available.
Protect exposed plumbing and know the location
of the household’s main water shutoff valve.
Never use outdoor grills, camping stoves or
gas ovens to heat a home.

Extreme Summer Heat

Summer power outages can become dangerous
when air conditioning is unavailable.
Store extra drinking water, identify cooling
locations and check on residents who may
be more vulnerable to heat-related illness.

Important Katy Area Emergency Phone Numbers

Keep these numbers saved in your phone
and printed with your emergency supplies.
On mobile devices, tap a number to call.

Gas Leak Warning:
If you suspect a natural gas leak, leave the
area immediately. Do not operate switches,
electrical equipment or phones near the leak.
Call 911 and the gas utility from a safe location.

Downed Power Lines:
Stay well away from downed wires and anything
touching them. Call 911 if there is immediate
danger and notify the electricity provider.

Sign Up for Local Emergency Alerts

Emergency alerts can provide critical
information about severe weather, evacuations,
road closures, water interruptions
and other public safety threats.

• • City of Katy KTALERT:
  
  Register for City of Katy Alerts
  
• • Harris County ReadyHarris:
  
  Harris County Preparedness and Alerts
  
• • Fort Bend County:
  
  Fort Bend County Emergency Resources
  
• • National Weather Service:
  
  Houston/Galveston Weather Warnings
  
• • CenterPoint Energy:
  
  Report and Track Power Outages
  

Subscribe to the notification system serving
your home address. Keep Wireless Emergency Alerts
enabled on your phone and maintain another source,
such as a NOAA weather radio, if mobile service fails.

Create a Family Emergency Plan

An emergency supply kit is only one part of
a complete family preparedness plan.

1. Identify a safe meeting place inside
   and outside your neighborhood.
2. Establish an emergency contact
   outside the affected area.
3. Know at least two possible evacuation routes.
4. Decide who will assist children, seniors,
   and household members with disabilities.
5. Make arrangements for pets before evacuation.
6. Review how to shut off household water
   and other utilities when safe and appropriate.
7. Keep an emergency bag ready to take with you.
8. Practice your family plan at least once a year.

Check on Your Neighbors

Emergency preparedness also involves community
awareness. Check on older adults, individuals
with disabilities and families who may need
additional assistance before and after a storm.

A simple phone call, a shared emergency contact,
or assistance gathering supplies can make a
meaningful difference during a disaster.

Preparation Today Can Save Lives Tomorrow

No household can prevent every emergency,
but having supplies ready and a family safety
plan in place can greatly improve preparedness.

Begin with the essentials: water, food,
medications, flashlights, communication equipment
and important phone numbers. Build your kit
gradually if purchasing everything at once
is not practical.

Review emergency supplies twice a year,
replace expired items and keep your household
informed about local hazards.

The Katy News encourages every family
in the greater Katy community to prepare
today rather than wait for the next emergency.

Official Information and Resources

• •
  City of Katy — Helpful Phone Numbers
  
• •
  City of Katy — Emergency Notifications
  
• •
  CDC — Creating an Emergency Water Supply
  
• •
  CenterPoint Energy — Official Contact Information
  
• •
  Fort Bend County — Emergency Management Contact
  
• •
  Ready.gov — Build an Emergency Kit