Texas Flood Threat Increases

Here is a map of the amount of rain that has already fallen over the past three days.

Additional rain over the next 72-hours ending 7pm Monday evening:

As previously mentioned, the threat of flooding is high. Part of the reason is the remains of Hurricane Patricia, now a Category 4 hurricane headed for Mexico's west coast, are going to affect Texas.

You may recall the fatal flooding in Texas in May. If you live near one of the streams that flooded then, you are at risk of flooding again. Please do not wait until the rivers and streams are rising; prepare now. Here are some flood safety recommendations:

• Plenty of extra cash.
• A full tank of fuel for your vehicle.
• Freshly refilled prescriptions.
• Valuables gathered together so they can be quickly put into the trunk so you can leave quickly if rising waters force you to do so. 
• A place to go: A relative's home on high ground, a motel, a public shelter, etc. If you go to a hotel, have a reservation. You may wish to consider an "extended stay" type of hotel.
• Be prepared to put valuable items you cannot take with you on top of tables, on the second floor, or in the attic to hopefully protect them from floodwaters. 
• If you evacuate, turn off the gas, water and electricity.
• You may need extra water even if you do not evacuate. You may recall that a number of cities' water systems failed in the recent South Carolina floods. A case of bottled water is a good idea.
• Keep your computer and cell phone completely charged in case your power fails. 
• Text messages often work when primary cell service is down. 

Please note, with the exception of the unlikely chance of an unnecessary stay in a hotel room, just about everything recommended above will cost little to nothing. You'll spend the extra cash. You'll take the medicine. Eventually, you'll drink the extra water. It costs nearly nothing to prepare. It can cost you dearly if you do not prepare.