Coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl: Woodlands Township’s message to residents

July 8, 2024, 1:00 p.m. Woodlands Township Update: As Hurricane Beryl continues to move through our area, Woodlands Township is providing the following information and updates to encourage residents to stay informed, aware and safe from the storm’s impacts. Thank you for your patience as we all work together to repair and recover.

Power outages
As soon as it is safe to do so, Entergy and CenterPoint teams will begin assessing the damage and developing restoration plans.

• Do not call 9-1-1 to report a power outage.
• If you see a downed power line, assume it is live and stay at least 35 feet away; never attempt to remove tree limbs or other objects from power lines.
• Report any potential hazards immediately.
  • Call 713-207-2222 to report a downed power line in CenterPoint.
  • Call 800-968-8243 to report a downed power line to Entergy.
• Monitor power outages from Entergy and sign up for electrical alerts from CenterPoint.

Area shelters
Harris and Montgomery County Emergency Management teams are working to establish shelters that are properly stocked with supplies and equipped to accommodate those seeking shelter from the effects of Hurricane Beryl. We will share these shelter locations with the community as they become available.

Fallen trees
Due to sustained high winds over several hours, numerous fallen trees and debris are located throughout the community.

• Report fallen trees blocking roads to Montgomery or Harris County.
  • Harris County, Precinct 3 | 713-274-3100
  • Montgomery County, Precinct 2 | 281-259-6492
  • Montgomery County, Precinct 3 | 281-267-3977
  • Montgomery County, Precinct 4 | 936-597-4444
• If a tree has fallen on your home and you need emergency assistance, please call 9-1-1 immediately. DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 if it is not an emergency.
• Residents may report trees that have fallen on private property from the Township property via the 311 web portal or by emailing [email protected]. Township phone lines are currently unavailable. Please provide a detailed description so we can efficiently enter and prioritize the work order into our system. While the Township is not responsible for trees that have fallen on private property, we may remove them as a courtesy.
• It is the responsibility of the home or landowner to remove trees that have fallen on their private property. This includes trees that have fallen in the front and back yards.

Emergency crews are assessing the damage and will begin clearing roads as soon as possible. Please be patient as the high volume of requests may cause delays in responses.

Damage assessment
When it is safe to do so, residents should assess any property damage that may have occurred.

• Contact your insurance agent to report the damage.
• It is recommended that you take photos of the damage before cleaning. These photos will be required for compensation claims.
• Report damage to the Texas Department of Emergency Management by completing the Texas State Assessment Tool (iSTAT) Damage Surveys.

Reminder regarding the waste and recycling collection service
Waste Management has postponed service for one day. There will be no pickup today, Monday, July 8, 2024.

• Monday pickups will be picked up on Tuesday.
• Tuesday pickups will be picked up on Wednesday.
• Wednesday pickups will be picked up on Thursday.
• Thursday pickups will be picked up on Friday.
• Friday pickups will be picked up on Saturday.

Additional service interruptions may still occur. We are in constant communication with Waste Management and will keep you updated if the service schedule changes.

Storm debris
Please prepare to dispose of storm debris according to Waste Management guidelines as outlined below.

• Branches, tree branches and ornaments
  • No larger than 4 inches in diameter.
  • Cut to 4 feet length.
  • Tied in bundles not exceeding 4 feet thick, placed in an open container or bagged in Kraft lawn bags.
  • Weighs no more than 40 pounds.
• For branches up to 6″ in diameter and 6′ in length
  • Drop it off at the Woodlands Recycling Center.
  • 5402 Research Forest Drive, behind Bear Branch Recreation Center
  • Opening hours: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Large trucks/branches and construction debris CANNOT be scheduled for bulky waste pickup.

If you hire a service to remove a tree or clean up your yard, you should make sure that the price includes debris removal, as Waste Management will not pick up logs or large debris at the curb.

Municipal facilities and services
As a reminder, all non-essential Municipality services are suspended and facilities are closed on Monday, July 8, 2024. This includes:

• City hall
• The Woodlands Express bus service
• Downtown trolleys
• Leisure centers
• Camp Sunny Dayz
• Swimming pools
• Texas Tree Ventures
• The boathouses

Closures could be extended depending on the ability to reopen facilities after the storm.

Stay informed
Staying informed before, during and after a storm is essential to your safety and preparedness. The Township Communications Department will continue to provide updates to the community through the resources below.

Additional Resources

We continue to post updates and information on the Township Alert Center, including information on Township services and facility closures. Stay up to date with The Woodlands Township, including weather information. Sign up at thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/subscribe.

Source: Woodlands Township