Houston city leaders discuss disaster preparedness

HOUSTON — At a Public Safety Committee meeting Tuesday, officials said last month’s Derecho storm highlighted vulnerabilities and areas where the city could improve its response to natural disasters.

Thomas Muñoz, director of the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security, said the derecho was an “anomaly” in its sudden impact compared to tropical storms or hurricanes that allow preparation days in advance .

He said the storm highlighted areas where the city can do better when it comes to responding before, during and after a severe storm hits.

Currently, Muñoz said his office and the Office of Emergency Management are working to consolidate contracts and sites with partners that help respond after a disaster, as well as improve overall communication.

Authorities also want to expand the list of high-priority locations for a faster response.

“Historically, we’ve looked at nursing homes, hospitals and dialysis centers,” Muñoz said. “Assisted living facilities are something we’re really going to adjust and we’re currently discussing putting them on the maps.”

Council members also hope to improve the city’s geographic information systems to better show specific areas requiring response following a storm.

Officials said they are working to strengthen partnerships with groups that provide valuable information.

“It lets me know where the resources will go,” Muñoz said. “So not having that capability hinders the destination processes.”

Another effort is to improve the availability of multi-purpose centers and resilience zones as well as public awareness of these resources.

Councilwoman Letitia Plummer said she will introduce a budget amendment this week to include funds for a generator for the Kashmere Gardens Resilience Center.

Officials also discussed the increased use of digital billboards for emergency communications and how to disseminate information in more languages.

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