Coming Home - Reentry Information

Coming Home

After an evacuation, city officials will notify property owners and residents when they may be allowed admittance as part of a phased reentry. Those seeking admittance will need to stay informed as to what geographic areas are being allowed reentry. When authorized to access the evacuated area, individuals will need to produce the following:

  1. Current government issued photo identification, and
  2. Any governmental document which includes an address or other means that identifies the location of their property including, but not limited to:
  • Utility bill
  • Mortgage deed
  • Property tax documents

Please note, that while a phased reentry process is still in place, authorized individuals enter the evacuation zone at their own risk as only partial restoration of emergency services, public services, and utilities have occurred.

As you prepare to come home, please review the following tips and information from the Texas A&M Agrilife Disaster Extension Network:

Before you enter the home, check for gas leaks and damage to the electrical lines. If gas is leaking or the power lines are damaged, do not enter the home. When you return to your home after a flood or damaging storm, you will need items for cleaning up and making minor repairs as well as personal items.

Cleaning Supplies:

  • Air freshener, 8- or 9-ounce can
  • Bleach, 82 ounces
  • Bucket, 5-gallon, with lid
  • Cleaner, household, 12- to 16-ounce bottle
  • Clothes pins, 50
  • Clothesline, 100 feet
  • Detergent, liquid laundry, 50 ounces
  • Disinfectant dish soap, 16- to 28-ounce bottle
  • Gloves, latex, 2 pairs
  • Gloves, work, 1 pair
  • Masks, N-95 rating, 5
  • Scouring pads, 5
  • Scrub brush
  • Sponges, 7
  • Towels, cleaning, 18
  • Trash bags, heavy-duty, 33- to 45-gallon, 24-bag roll

First Aid Kit:

  • Aspirin
  • Bandages, adhesive
  • First aid booklet
  • Gauze
  • Gloves, sterile, 2 pairs
  • Ointments, antibiotic and burn
  • Soap
  • Sunscreen, SPF 30
  • Thermometer
  • Wipes, antibiotic

Food and Snacks:

See the Living Without Power chapter of the After a Disaster Guide Book for suggested foods and food storage and preparation supplies.

  • Insect repellent that contains DEET
  • Medications, prescriptions
  • Personal hygiene items:
  • Hand sanitizer, alcohol based
  • Soap
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Towel, bath
  • Washcloth
  • Water (at least 1 gallon per person per day)

For Cleaning Up Outside:

  • Sturdy shoes (with toes and hard soles)
  • Tarp, to cover roof damage or use as an outdoor shade
  • Tools
    • Ax
    • Chain saw for clearing trees
    • Hacksaw
    • Hammer and nails
    • Pliers
    • Screwdriver
    • Wrench
    • Rope