After the Storm

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 After a hurricane, it could be weeks or months before life gets back to normal. Use the following safety steps during recovery:

  • Return home only when officials have declared the area safe.
  • Before entering your home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damage.
  • Parts of your home may be collapsed or damaged. Approach entrances carefully.
  • Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes that may have come into your home with the floodwater.
  • If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.
  • If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water.
  • Keep children and pets away from floodwater.
  • Make sure your food and water are safe before eating, drinking or washing.
  • Do not use water that could be contaminated.
  • Photograph damage to your property for insurance purposes.

Re-Entry:

The City of Clear Lake Shores encourages all residents to obtain their CLS vehicle sticker that allow residents to re-enter Clear Lake Shores in the event of an evacuation, storm damage, or debris cleanup. As a reminder, the stickers limit immediate access to residents, first responders, and recovery crews.

How to obtain a CLS vehicle sticker:

CLS vehicle stickers are available at City Hall during regular business hours.

CLS City Hall

1006 South Shore Drive 

Clear Lake Shores, TX 77565 

  • Monday - Thursday: 8 AM - 5 PM. 
  • Friday: 8 AM- 12 PM

Residents must fill out the Resident Sticker Application Form. Residents may download the form online or can obtain it at City Hall upon arrival. 

For more information, please contact City staff at 281-334-2799.

Debris Cleanup:

Each municipality and unincorporated area of the county contracts with different companies for waste management. That’s why residents will have different directions about dealing with yard debris, regular trash, and bulk items.

Normal daily schedules and processes will likely be different after a storm. The type of storm will also make a difference whether large items (like refrigerators) will be picked up, if yard debris will be in piles or bagged, etc. You must be patient as urgent needs will be taken care of first.

SEVEN SIMPLE SAFETY TIPS AFTER THE STORM

After the storm passes, you’ll be eager to clean up your home, but remember many dangers may still lurk behind. Follow these tips to help keep from injury while you clean and make repairs:

  1. Wear closed-toed shoes with sturdy soles to protect your feet from nails, broken glass, and other dangerous debris. Stay alert for trip hazards and uneven or unstable surfaces.
  2. Use puncture-resistant gloves to guard your hands from sharp or abrasive objects like splinters and fiberglass.
  3. Safety glasses and a mask will protect you from dust, mold spores and other irritating airborne particles.
  4. Watch for downed powerlines and listen for the hissing sound of a leaking gas line. If you notice either, immediately leave the area and call the appropriate utility service hotline.
  5. Wear sunscreen and insect repellant and be on the lookout for snakes, stinging insects, or other animals that may have relocated to your home after the storm.
  6. Only use generators outdoors in a well-ventilated area – NEVER inside a structure – and always have a CO2 detector.
  7. Exercise caution in using dangerous equipment, especially chainsaws. If you are ever unsure of how to use a piece of equipment, hire a professional.

Stay Connected:

A reminder to sign-up for Clear Lake Shores emergency notification system CLS Connect. 

CLS CONNECT is our emergency notification system that allows our residents to receive important alerts via email or text messages regarding threatening emergencies in our area such as severe weather, evacuation notices, fires, floods, and other emergency incidents where rapid and accurate notification is essential. 

Residents may register for CLS Connect visiting the following link: https://cityofclearlakeshores.bbcportal.com/

We also encourage residents to register for our non-emergency notification system “Notify Me” by visiting our website www.clearlakeshores-tx.gov/notifyme

Remember to stay connected with local weather services to stay updated before, during, and after severe weather events.

Additional Resources: