What are natural disasters?

A natural hazard is an event resulting from natural processes in the environment that has an effect on people. A natural hazard becomes a natural disaster when the physical event-a volcanic eruption, earthquake or landslide, for example-combines with human vulnerability. 

What natural disasters could affect Montgomery County?

Several natural hazards have the potential of becoming natural disasters in Montgomery County, Texas.  The area's humid subtropical climate means that the area has rainfall distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. Occasionally, however, the weather pattern can become monsoon-like, with periods of very dry and warm springs, followed by hot and humid summers. Droughts are possible during the dry times, and severe thunderstorms are highly probable during the rainy seasons.

Montgomery County's humid subtropical climate and its low, level elevations make flooding one of the area's greatest possible hazards.  Other hazards include severe thunderstorms and hurricanes. 

Natural hazards and disasters like floods, severe thunderstorms and hurricanes not only affect the economy of Montgomery County; they also present public health risks to its population.  

How can I prepare for a natural disaster?

A great way to prepare for any emergency is to make a 72-Hour-Kit of all the supplies you and your family need to survive for three days after a disaster.

The US Department of Homeland Security has established a web site to provide information to the public about emergencies and emergency preparedness. For information on what to do in the event of a natural, check out Ready.gov.