HOUSTON – The Houston Fire Department is getting ready for a busy weekend ahead with Harvey approaching.
The agency spoke to Channel 2 News on Thursday about its resources to help those affected by the storm.
According to HFD, they will set up command centers across the Houston-area in places most prone to flooding.
"We're going to try to deploy our resources to where we anticipate the need is going to be," said Chief Sam Peña. "It's dynamic and we'll be able to adjust on the fly."
Peña said HFD has a total of seven high-water trucks, 10 dump trucks, 11 evacuation boats and several rescue boats available to them for evacuations.
He said the Houston Police Department and the FBI are offering resources, too.
"If the need arises, we'll be able to deploy and put more units in service," Peña said.
WATCH: Residents preparing for flood waters
Peña addressed the topic of training rescue crews so they can properly operate rescue boats. He said money has been an issue, and he believes they need to improve the training programs and invest more money into them, too.
Meanwhile, many Houstonians are taking the weather warnings seriously and getting prepared.
"I generally stay put. We've waited out multiple hurricanes here in Houston over the years. I was born and raised here," Jon Deal said.
"We're not going to try to be out with the crazy people with the floods and the rain," said Terrie Czapski.
City officials and law enforcement agencies are urging people to stay home and avoid driving this weekend.
"Don't try, because I messed up a car doing that, so don't try," James Turner said.
The City of Houston's Department of Public Works told Channel 2 News that they are ready with barricades and flood signals for more than 50 underpasses and intersections in town that have a history of flooding quickly during storms.
The agency sent this statement:
Preparedness for a storm is a shared responsibility between the property owner and the City.
Property owner should:
- Ensure that street drains and ditches are clear of debris or trash so storm water can flow with minimal obstructions. Blockages of drains, ditches and culverts are frequent causes of flooding in neighborhoods.
- Also, secure items that might float away in heavy rain and become lodged in drains or culverts.
If there’s water in your home:
- Call the City Of Houston 311 line. Even if they can’t come out to your property, it is still important that they have a record of your flooding incident for future reference.
Track the tropics any time by visiting the Hurricane Headquarters page of Click2Houston.com or by downloading the KPRC 2 Hurricane Tracker app on Apple or Android devices.