HOUSTON — Hurricane season is underway and we want to make sure you're prepared well before a storm forms. That's why we're created the KHOU 11 Hurricane guide. One element of the guide is evacuation maps. We've posted some information below, as well as maps and routes you can print out in English and in Spanish to make sure if an evacuation is called for, that everyone is able to get to safety.
Should I evacuate?
When a hurricane is on the horizon, everyone turns to the news and city leaders to see if there will be any mandatory evacuations.
It's important you know where your home falls on the Houston area's evacuation plan.
There is a color-coded man set up to help you know when to go and whether you're a part of the first group that needs to get out.
In the event authorities do order an evacuation for the Houston area, TxDOT has a number of tools to help speed the process.
One way is with contraflow.
That's when all inbound lanes of a freeway are revered to flow outbound.
"Contraflow is used to help move citizens safely and efficiently out of harm's way during a large-scale evacuation," said Black.
State and local leaders along with emergency operation personnel make the call. They can send traffic flowing in reverse on I-10, I-45, Highway 290 and the Eastex Freeway -- basically pushing people to San Antonio, Auston, Dallas and East Texas.
The one and only time TxDOT instituted contraflow was in 2005 for Hurricane Rita.
Evacuation planning tips:
- Print out a map of your evacuation route just in case the GPS on your phone goes out.
- Pack non-perishable foods, water and blankets.
- Buy a phone charger that doesn't require electricity.
- Make sure you have jumper cables
- Have a full tank of gas when a hurricane is on the horizon
- There are several essential documents you’ll want to have with you when you evacuate -- identification, insurance information, medical information, etc.
For more hurricane preparedness tips, you can visit the Houston-Galveston Area Council's website.
