Flooding – Preparing, Getting and Providing Help

Flooding Safety and Volunteering

Over the past couple of days Houston has experienced records amount of rain, this has lead to massive flooding from the Brazos River has caused a domino effect in the waterways nearby. Many events are being rescheduled and roadways have been cut off due to the flooding. More rain has been forecasted throughout the week and into the weekend, additional flooding is expected. The storm has already claimed six lives. The heaviest rain is expected on the morning of June 2nd. One of the most important things to remember during this time is safety.

A group of Denver area Red Cross volunteers has traveled to the hardest-hit areas of storms. The six volunteers have been driving around the Houston area providing cleaning supplies, roofing material and other essential items. They are just one example of the ongoing support that the Houston area is getting, but more is still needed to make sure as many people can get back to their lives after the storms.

Safety:

Are you prepared?

Floods are one of the most common forms of a severe weather emergency in the United States. The high waters have the ability to sweep away buildings, vehicles and trees. If you know that you live in a high-risk area for flooding, flood insurance can be extremely useful. If you are driving in the Houston area make sure to check local road notifications before going out on the roads. Do not try to push through a flooded street, turn around.

Having copies of your most important documents such as mortgage papers, deeds, passports, banking information. Having a list of your most valuable possessions along with photos of each. Keeping an itemized list of your other possessions, such as clothing, kitchen appliances and other items can help get compensation after a flood.

Do you need help?

Some of us have experience flooding more than others, but anyone can ask for help. If you are in a flooded area and need help getting out of your home in the Cypress Creek area, contact 936.217.8673! If you or someone you know is in needed of information or resources related to the current flooding problems, you can call 2-1-1, the Texas/United Way HELPLINE. There are trained specialists waiting to talk to you 24/7 and to provide you with the information you need to know.

If your car has been put out of order from the flooding contact several towing companies to compare prices, people have reported being quoted three different prices in the same hour. You can also contact the American Red Cross at 1-866-526-8300 if you have flood-related needs. The American Red Cross can get you into contact with shelters and aid areas throughout the Greater Houston area.

Residents who are needing to access donated goods can visit either of the following distribution centers:

Loving Word Fellowship
170 Rittenhouse Street
Houston, TX 77076
Monday – Saturday 8:00 am- 5:00pm

How can I help?

While most of the Houston area is experiencing the torrential rain brought by these storms, not everyone has had to be rescued from their homes. If you are looking to help your community by volunteering, volunteers are greatly needed in the aftermath of most weather disasters.

Volunteer Houston: This organization has been connecting volunteers with nonprofit organizations and important causes for over 41 years. Go to this link for more information on volunteering.
Red Cross: If you are looking to volunteer for the Red Cross in the Houston area follow this link for more information.

If you are looking to donate new or gently used items, you can go to the following collection site:

Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen
1301 Preston Street
Houston, Texas 77002 (713.755.5200)
Food & Hydration Donations:
535 Portwall St. Houston, TX 77092
Monday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday – Friday 8:00am – 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am – 4:00pm

Additional Information:

The Free Press Summer Festival 2016 will be relocated from Eleanor Tinsley Park to NRG Park (Yellow Lot; 1 NRG Park). The event was moved due to flooding along Buffalo Bayou. For more information follow this link.