Hidalgo reminds residents to prepare for hurricane season amid COVID-19 pandemic

HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo reminded residents to begin preparing for hurricane season during a press conference Tuesday afternoon.

Hidalgo highlighted the need for residents to do an insurance checkup, learn their evacuation routes and assemble disaster supplies during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Unfortunately, hurricane season doesn’t give us the courtesy of waiting until the COVID-19 crisis subsides,” Hidalgo said. “We must do everything we can to prepare together, and stay focused on working to be resilient. Many in our community are struggling financially because of the COVID0-19 pandemic, but there are things each of us can do today to prepare. Check up on your insurance policies, assemble supplies you may need in one place, and learn your zip zone and evacuation route."

Here are some highlights from Hidalgo’s presser:

• As of Tuesday, Hidalgo said there are 91 new COVID-19 cases reported in Harris County
• The county may not have enough funds for disaster aid or it may take a long time for it to arrive if a major hurricane hits
• New policies can take up to 30 days before going into effect. FEMA has extended the grace period to 120 days.
• Residents are urged to have or extend your flood insurance even if you have never flooded before
• Make sure you have a hurricane preparedness kit
• Know if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone
• Officials said 6-7 potential hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes are possible during this year’s hurricane season
• Harris County Public Health officials said to be aware of not only hurricane season but also mosquito season
• More than 480 complaints have been made against businesses defying the county’s order, Hidalgo said.
• Out of town groups spammed the county’s website in efforts to crash the site to help decrease the number of people looking to file a complaint.