As residents along the Gulf Coast, we are no strangers to the devastating power of hurricanes. These natural disasters can strike with little warning, leaving communities vulnerable. To mitigate the potential damage and ensure the safety of our loved ones, it is crucial to prioritize hurricane preparedness. By taking proactive measures, we can reduce the impact of these storms on our lives and build a resilient future for our coastal region.

Developing an emergency plan is the cornerstone of hurricane preparedness. Start by establishing a communication strategy with your family members, neighbors, and local authorities. Designate a safe meeting point and ensure everyone is knowledgeable of evacuation routes and emergency shelters. Prepare a disaster supply kit containing essential items such as non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, and batteries. Regularly review and update your plan, keeping it easily accessible for quick reference during an emergency.

One of the most crucial aspects of hurricane preparedness is safeguarding your property. Conduct a thorough assessment of your home to identify vulnerable areas and reinforce them accordingly. Protect windows with plywood, trim trees, and secure loose outdoor items that could become hazardous projectiles.

Timely information plays a pivotal role in staying safe during a hurricane. Stay tuned in to local weather updates and heed the advice of local authorities. Have a battery-powered radio or a portable charger for your devices to stay connected in case of power outages. Utilize reliable sources of information, such as the National Hurricane Center and local emergency management agencies, to stay informed about evacuation orders, shelter locations, and post-storm assistance.

The Gulf Coast's vulnerability to hurricanes necessitates our commitment to preparedness. By prioritizing the development of comprehensive emergency plans, securing our properties, staying informed, and developing community resilience, we can mitigate the impacts of these destructive storms. We must stand united in our efforts to safeguard our families, our homes, and our cherished Gulf Coast.

Things to remember: 

• Start preparing early for a hurricane.
• Stock up your house and car with supplies like emergency food, water, and medical supplies.
• Make a family disaster plan, and ensure that children are aware of this as well.
• Never ignore an evacuation order.
• Be alert for local guidance about updated information on evacuations and shelters.
• Print important documents (i.e. emergency phone numbers, insurance information).  Power outages during and after a natural disaster can prevent you from accessing information online when you need it most.

Below are some important emergency phone numbers in case of a disaster: 

FEMA Disaster Assistance 1-800-621-3362

Texas Department of Emergency Management (512) 424-2208

Brazoria County Emergency Management (979) 864-1201

Galveston County Emergency Management (281) 309-5002

Jefferson County Emergency Management (409) 835-8757

As children filled the classrooms this week - school safety is on everyone's minds. This year, I have introduced four  bills to better protect our children in schools.

H.R. 2476, the Protect Our Children’s School Act, would allow schools to redirect unobligated federal funds originally allocated to the Secretary of Education for coronavirus measures to secure their campuses. Each school could use this money at their discretion, whether to hire school resource officers, install more secure locks on doors, deploy security cameras, or anything else that would help the school be safer.

H.R. 2477, the Protect Against School Shootings (PASS) Act, would allow certain active and retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed firearm in a school zone. This would only apply to individuals who are legally allowed to conceal carry currently and would help amplify a school’s response to a threat. As y’all know, it takes a good guy with a gun to stop a bad guy with a gun.

H.R. 2478, the School Resource Officer Compensation Act, would provide an exclusion from gross income for compensation of school resource officers. Under this legislation, these school resource officers would be retired law enforcement officers. This is a win-win situation, as it would provide job opportunities to well-trained retired police officers and make the school a safer place for students and staff.

And the fourth bill I introduced is H.R. 2479, the Securing Our Schools Act of 2023, which would enhance school security, including doubling school resource officers, hiring more school-based mental health counselors, and expanding the nonprofit security grant program. 

I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that these meaningful pieces of legislation are passed and enacted into law. I am proud that TX-14 has some of the best schools in all of Texas, and for that matter, the United States, and that is a message that I’m not shy about sharing with my fellow lawmakers.

To all the students, teachers, staff, and parents, welcome back to school and have a great school year!

The price of school supplies has risen by nearly 24 percent since President Biden took office. Packing your child’s backpack has never been more expensive.

• Pens, markers, and mechanical pencils cost 13% more today than in 2019.
• Binders and folders cost 48.5% more than they did last year.
• Crayons and highlighters are up an average of 18.5% from last year.
• Oh, and buying them that new backpack will cost you a lot more too.

Overall, the National Retail Federation estimates that parents will spend an average of $890 per household – over $100 more than in 2020. 

Getting to school is more expensive too, with gas prices at an average of $3.85, which is $1.46 higher than President Biden’s first day in office. That’s true for parents in the drop-off line and buses making the morning route. 

Legislation cosponsored:

• H.R. 4531 - Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act

It is a privilege to represent our district in Congress.  While we’ve faced many challenges in recent years, through strength and prayer, we have persevered. 

Please know that we are always a resource for you.  Call or stop by any of the offices (YOUR offices, we work for you), whenever you need assistance or want to talk about an issue before Congress.

For assistance or more information, please call or go online to visit us at weber.house.gov.

God Bless you and God Bless Texas!