A hurricane is heading to Houston and our neighbors to the South, Galveston, are already evacuating after a mandatory order was issued.
Galveston officials have given the following instructions to residents:
- Find out if your home is in an evacuation zone by viewing evacuation zone maps or by calling 2-1-1 and speaking with an operator.
- If you live along the coast, keep your gas tank full and have a family plan.
- Ensure your vehicle is ready for the trip and you have packed your emergency kit.
- Know your evacuation routes and take a map with you.
- Your mayor or county judge will make the call for your jurisdiction to evacuate.
- Local officials will stagger the evacuation to keep traffic moving. Wait your turn to leave.
- Secure your home before leaving. Take your pets with you.
With Tropical Storm Laura upgraded to a hurricane, the City of Galveston has issued mandatory evacuations for all its residents Tuesday.
City of Galveston Mayor Pro Tem Craig Brown signed the evacuation order, instructing residents to begin leaving the island for safety after overnight models shifted Laura's track westward.
The order went into effect at 6 a.m.
Galveston residents should secure loose items on their property and leave the island with all family members and pets by 12 p.m.
"With the uncertainties of this storm and its increasing strength, we need to take all necessary precautions to protect our residents," Brown said. "It's imperative that you make plans this morning to secure your homes and move you and your family to safety off island."
MORGAN CITY, LOUISIANA - AUGUST 24: Ken Allen fills sandbags as he prepares for the arrival of Tropical Storm Marco and possibly Hurricane Laura on August 24, 2020 in Morgan City , Louisiana. The Gulf Coast is expecting to see some impact from Tropical Storm Marco followed by Hurricane Laura. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)