What to have in your pantry

For resources, residents can turn to ReadyHarris, an online site that promotes disaster preparedness throughout Harris County. They can also turn to their fellow Houstonians, who have taken to social media to share their tips for surviving hurricanes and other severe storms.

Here’s a list of what Houston area officials and longtime residents recommend having in your home.

Stocking up on food and water is essential to preparing for a disaster. ReadyHarris has listed necessary supplies that Houston residents should keep on hand year-round.

People who may be affected by storms are recommended to have non-perishable food items on hand in case they lose access to electricity or water.

The Houston Food Bank’s Nutrition Education Department has a list of grocery items residents can keep in their emergency supply kit.

It’s important to keep extra supplies like bottles, formula, and diapers on hand for babies.

If you have a pet, you should also have a leash, a cage and enough food and water for them.

Houston Reddit users say stocking up on cans of tuna, crackers, peanut butter, Poptarts and canned goods helped them survive previous storms. Camping stoves or sterno cans can be used for cooking during power outages. Residents suggested filling a 10-gallon water fountain with tap water. They also recommend filling a bathtub in advance to have more water to flush the toilet.

Beyond food and water, it is important that residents have the necessary toiletries, energy sources and pharmaceuticals. These include:

Those who have endured previous storms recommend stocking up on batteries, flashlights and a power bank to charge electronic devices.

If storms become severe, authorities could advise Houston residents to evacuate. An interactive evacuation map provided by ReadyHarris shows zip code areas and evacuation routes.

Houston residents recommend having a “go bag” with necessary supplies like important documents, a change of clothes, toiletries, medications and non-perishable snacks. They also recommend keeping your car fully fueled and choosing a location with somewhere to stay.