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Last week's Hurricane Dorian is a stark reminder of what Houston experienced when Harvey made landfall two years ago. As we pray for those affected by Dorian, we must remember the importance of both preparation for and recovery from natural disasters. Below, I highlight a few key points about natural disaster preparedness and the progress Houston has made.

TX-02 residents: please reach out to my offices with any concerns, to hear what we’re working on in Congress, or if you’re having trouble with a federal agency.

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September is National Preparedness Month. There are many things to consider when preparing for a national emergency, from financial concerns to educating younger generations. FEMA maps out four important things to do to best prepare for an emergency:

1. Save Early for Disaster Costs – It’s important to be financially prepared for natural disasters. Checking your insurance coverage, understanding the importance of flood insurance, and completing an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) are all steps you can take to save money for natural disaster recovery.
2. Make a Plan to Prepare for Disasters – When it comes to natural disasters, staying informed in vital. Make an emergency plan, sign up for alerts and warnings, and understand your evacuation zone.
3. Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters – Child safety should be a priority for every parent during an emergency. Educating children on what to do in an emergency can mean life or death in some cases.
4. Get Involved in Your Community’s Preparedness – Volunteers are often on the frontlines of disaster preparation. Find out which volunteer opportunities interest you and which voluntary organizations are active in your community during disasters.

To find out more about National Preparedness Month, see www.ready.gov/september.   

For additional information on Hurricane Harvey and Texas recovery, visit the Hurricane Harvey disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4332, Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMAHarvey, the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at https://tdem.texas.gov/. 

With hurricane season in full swing, we’re reminded of where Houston was two years ago following the devastation Harvey caused. As a representative for a portion of the greater Houston area, I’ve worked on the federal level to help the community I love both recover from Harvey and prepare for the next disaster.

I'm grateful to work with all levels of government, including Harris County Flood Control District, United States Army Corps of Engineers, and FEMA to rebuild Houston. Multi-level government cooperation has led to the investment of millions of dollars in funding for flood mitigation projects, from dredging in the San Jacinto river to rebuilding the Lake Houston Dam gates.

We remain vigilant in rebuilding our city and two years later, I’m proud of what has been done.

Everyone remembers 9/11 for different reasons. Whether you lost friends or family on 1 of the 4 flights, at the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon or responding to these horrific attacks; or you had a neighbor or a friend who was deployed to Afghanistan to take the fight to our enemy; or you heard the news and felt a deep sense of loss, unity and pride as an American. We all experienced it.

9/11 was the worst terror attack on American soil. It changed the world forever. But it also showed the American spirit. As we commemorate those who died 18 years ago this week, we also celebrate the people who ran to help their fellow Americans, many sacrificing their own lives doing so. That is who we are. Never forget.

Are you or a student you know interested in attending a service academy or participating in an ROTC program for college? If so, I encourage you to attend the first annual STAR (Southeast Texas Academy and ROTC) Seminar this Saturday, September 14th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Pasadena, Texas.

At the seminar, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the academy nominations process and speak one-on-one with congressional representatives, service academy admissions officers, and ROTC program leaders.

Calling all middle and high school students in TX-02! Remember to participate in this year’s Congressional App Challenge. Your winning app could be featured in our nation’s capital. The registration deadline is November 1!

Register here.