In General

• Hurricane season occurs from June through November each year.

• August and September are usually the busiest months for hurricane activity in Texas.

​​

Annual Preparations

• Make a checklist of things to be done to secure your home and property if evacuation is necessary.

• Know where you’re going and the route to take if evacuation is necessary.

• Have on hand the materials to secure your home if you do not have storm blinds.

• Keep automobiles filled with gas during the storm season.

• Check your insurance policies. Update if necessary.

​​

When a Storm is in the Gulf

• Store supplies of drinking water and foods that do not need to be cooked.

• Organize important papers and items of value you want to take with you when evacuating.

• Secure boats. Move outdoor furniture and equipment inside.

• Obtain plastic to cover furniture indoors.

• Take supply of needed medications with you when evacuating.

• Get a fresh supply of batteries for radios and flashlights.

• Obtain City of Galveston decals from City Hall for your vehicles. Decals are required for re-entry at the causeway.

• Make arrangements for your pets. Do not leave your pets alone or uncared for in your home.

• Don’t wait until evacuation is necessary to board up and secure your home.

• Monitor radio, weather stations, and TV reports. KEEP INFORMED.

• Residents who plan to trailer boats out SHOULD DO SO EARLY to help alleviate traffic jams at the launching ramps and during evacuation.

​​

When Evacuation is Necessary

• The Mayor will declare a State of Emergency.

• Before leaving your house:

  • Clean out refrigerators and freezers. Spoiled food odors can ruin appliances.

  • Fill your bathtub or other containers with an emergency supply of water.

  • Turn off water heaters and unplug all appliances.

  • Shut off the water to your house.

  • Turn off your electricity at the breaker box and main disconnect, if you have one.

  • Shut off the gas to your house at the meter.

​​

When You Return

• Continue to monitor radio, weather stations, and TV reports. KEEP INFORMED.

• Proof of residency/property ownership and your City of Galveston decal will be required for re-entry. (A lease agreement, a utility bill showing your Galveston address, etc., may prove helpful.) SECURITY WILL BE TIGHT. This is for the protection of you and your property.

• Your Council, City Hall staff, and Police will return to the City as soon as possible.

• Check for information signs and directions as you return.

• DO NOT DRINK THE WATER UNTIL YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT IT IS SAFE.

• Be alert for danger from snakes, rats, broken glass, nails, etc.

• For security reasons, a curfew will be in effect at night and will be enforced.

• An information booth will be set up at City Hall.

• Exercise extreme caution to prevent fires. A limited water supply could make them disastrous.