AUSTIN — Today Land Commissioner George P. Bush and the Texas General Land Office team members are working with federal, state and local partners monitoring Hurricane Hanna throughout South Texas, including Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend. The National Hurricane Center predicts the system will bring tropical-storm-force winds, heavy rains and flash flooding to portions of the Texas coast.

"State officials are closely monitoring the approaching storm situation in the Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Valley," said Commissioner Bush. "We urge everyone to take caution and pay attention to local weather warnings. It could save the lives of you and your loved ones."

The GLO is urging Texas residents to prepare now - know their risk, sign up for updates, make a go kit with sanitizer and face masks, secure important documents, and have an evacuation plan. The time to prepare is not when the storm is hours away, it's now.

Folks need to remember a tropical system does not have to be hurricane strength to be deadly. Tropical storms can produce strong winds, as well as heavy rainfall, which can lead to flooding.

Be Prepared, Stay Prepared:

• Know Your Risk - Sign up for your community's emergency warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Gather Supplies - Keep in mind each person's needs, gathering supplies for at least three days. Stock up on items such as food and water, non-perishable foods, first-aid supplies, prescriptions, pet supplies, flashlights and batteries. Don't forget to charge electronics you may need.
• COVID-19 Safety - In your "go kit" include items like hand sanitizer, face masks, wipes, and liquid soap.
• Secure Documents - Remember to secure copies of important personal documents. Filing for government assistance requires documentation. Be sure to keep documents in a secure location and take them with you if you need to evacuate.
• Protect Your Property - Shutter your home as needed, review your flood insurance policy (or sign up for one) and declutter drains and gutters. Most homeowner and renter insurance policies do not cover flood damage. A flood insurance policy generally does not take effect until 30 days after purchase, so be sure to maintain your policy.
• Make Your Evacuation Plan - Be familiar with the route and shelter locations. Discuss and practice drills for your evacuation plan with your family each year.

Find more information at https://recovery.texas.gov/preparedness/.