Staying Ready During Hurricane Season

HCMUD 0712026-07-01T14:33:00-05:00July 1, 2026|

Hurricane season is here and runs through November 30, with the highest activity typically occurring between August and October. While it is impossible to say when the next storm will hit our region, everyone in HCMUD 71 can be proactive to ensure that they are prepared for whatever the season may bring.

One easy thing you can do today is to sign up for text and email alerts from both HCMUD 71 and Harris County’s ReadyHarris systems. Signing up only takes a few seconds but provides critical, timely notifications of emergencies and other important information. Sign up information is at the bottom of this article.

Living in Southeast Texas means being no stranger to tropical weather. Even storms that make landfall far from the Houston area can bring heavy rainfall, localized flooding, strong winds, and power outages to inland communities. Having a plan in place before a storm threatens the region can help improve safety and reduce stress when conditions suddenly change.

Want to be prepared? Here is your to-do list for success:

• Sign up for HCMUD 71 email and text alerts
• Sign up for ReadyHarris alerts
• Monitor local weather and information from the National Hurricane Center before, during, and after storms at www.nhc.noaa.gov
• Have an emergency plan ready to go – having an evacuation plan before an emergency strikes is crucial
• Maintain a basic disaster supply kit that includes: bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, important documents, and items needed for pets
• Keep your cell phones fully charged whenever possible and have backup chargers

There are also other things that you can do around the neighborhood and your home to help mitigate storm related issues:

• Keep storm drains clear of debris. While HCMUD 71 maintains robust drainage infrastructure, intense rainfall can overwhelm even the best systems, especially if storm drains are clogged. Residents can help prevent localized flooding by keeping storm drains clear of grass clippings, leaves, trash, and other debris and promptly returning trash cans to their storage location following trash pickup. Trash cans can be carried away during heavy rain events and block storm drains.
• During heavy rainfall, never drive through flooded roadways and avoid walking through standing or flowing water.
• Consider having home backup power options for critical needs, and ensure that any fuel-powered equipment, such as generators, are safely operated away from enclosed spaces. When operating a diesel or other fuel-powered generator for extended periods, consider purchasing carbon monoxide monitors for your home as an extra layer of protection.

Residents who observe water or wastewater-related issues following a storm should contact the District’s operator, Regional Water Corporation, at (281) 897-9100. Damage to District parks, trails, or other public facilities should also be reported so that repairs can be addressed as quickly as possible.

Preparedness is not a one-time activity. HCMUD 71 recommends that all of our residents take a few minutes to review emergency plans, refresh supplies, and ensure access to reliable information to remain ready throughout hurricane season.

Sign Up for HCMUD 71 Email and Text Alerts

HCMUD 71 provides residents with timely emergency and non-emergency updates through a convenient alert system. You can choose to receive email alerts, text alerts, or both. The District respects your privacy. Your contact information will only be used to communicate important updates, emergency notices, and District news. You can unsubscribe at any time.

To Sign Up for Email Alerts:

• Visit https://hcmud71.com/sign-up-for-email-or-text-message-alerts/#alerts
• Scroll to the Email Alerts section.
• Enter your email address and name.
• Select your preference:
  • Emergency Notifications Only
  • Emergency and Non-Emergency Notifications
• Click Subscribe.

To Sign Up for Text Alerts

• Open a text message on your mobile phone.
• Text MUD71 to (832) 344-3195.
• Follow the instructions in the reply message to complete your sign-up.

Text alerts include emergency notices and important service updates. Standard messaging rates may apply depending on your carrier.

Register with ReadyHarris for Regional Alerts

In addition to signing up for HCMUD 71 alerts provided by the District, residents are also encouraged to register for ReadyHarris, the official emergency notification system provided by Harris County. This system uses geolocation to ensure you only receive alerts relevant to your area.

• Go to www.readyharris.org
• Click “Sign Up for Alerts”
• Choose your language preference and fill out the form to create a new account, including providing your name, username and password, location information, and contact preferences.
• Accept the Terms of Use and click Create Account
• Confirm your profile and location details and add any additional contact information if needed.
• Finish registration.

The Do’s and Dont’s of Flushing

HCMUD 0712026-06-24T13:11:21-05:00June 24, 2026|

Every household relies on the District’s wastewater system to safely carry wasterwater away from homes and into treatment facilities. What many residents don’t realize is that improper flushing is one of the most common causes of sewer backups, equipment damage, and costly repairs, not just for the District, but for homeowners as well. Understanding what can and cannot go down the toilet helps protect both your plumbing and the community’s wastewater system.

Only three things should ever be flushed: human waste, toilet paper, and water. Everything else belongs in the trash. Even products labeled as “flushable” often do not break down quickly enough to pass through pipes and pumps without causing problems. Items like wipes, paper towels, dental floss, hair, and feminine hygiene products can tangle together and create large blockages that lead to backups in homes or the District’s sewer system.

Medication and chemical disposal also require care. Flushing unused medicine or household chemicals allows these substances to enter into and potentially contaminate the water supply, harming aquatic life and affecting water quality. Instead of flushing, take medications and chemicals to an authorized collection or recycling site that offers a safe disposal program.

By following a few simple rules, you can help prevent costly damages, reduce maintenance expenses for yourself and the District, and help keep HCMUD 71’s wastewater system running efficiently.