This special edition of The Boulevard newsletter is dedicated to hurricane preparedness. As the City of Bellaire prepares for the 2018 hurricane season, we hope you take action to protect you and your family. The hurricane season does not historically heat up for Southeast Texas until August or September, now is the time to prepare!

Join us on June 18 at 5:30 pm at the Bellaire Fire Station for a Community Meeting presented by the City of Bellaire about hurricane preparedness. This is a great opportunity to meet and speak with the first responders and City officials dedicated to keeping Bellaire safe in an emergency.

Hurricanes Happen—Be Prepared

Be Prepared! Don’t get caught in a panic. The Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 each year. Hurricanes have heavy rains and winds that can cause damage to your homes and vehicles—even if you don’t live on the coast. Since Bellaire is not in the surge zone and the choice to evacuate is a very personal decision, be sure your plan includes provisions to stay and leave. Don't forget pets in your planning strategy!

For detailed hurricane preparedness information and to download a complete emergency supply checklist please go to www.readyharris.org.

Stay Informed

Notify Me! The City of Bellaire will communicate with you in an emergency through many different portals. These include the City’s website, email notifications, Facebook, Twitter, NextDoor, postings at City facilities, phone calls and door to door communication if necessary. Please take a few moments to sign up for Notify Me located on the City’s website or follow us on the City’s Facebook, Twitter or NextDoor accounts. Help us keep you informed in an emergency situation.

To sign up for City Notifications go to www.bellairetx.gov.

Buy Flood Insurance

The City of Bellaire Office of Emergency Management encourages all residents to purchase flood insurance for their home and business. This can be done through the National Flood Insurance Program, with more information at www.floodsmart.gov. Remember, there is a 30 day waiting period before the new policy goes into effect, so don’t delay.

For more information on this and more visit www.readyharris.org.

State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (2-1-1)

Do you or anyone you know need some assistance during times of an emergency event? The state of Texas presents the STEAR program. The STEAR program is a free registry that provides local emergency planners and emergency responders with additional information on the needs in their community. Bellaire uses the registry information to check on residents with special needs when a hurricane threatens.

To register dial 2-1-1 or visit https://STEAR.dps.texas.gov for more information about the program and who should register.

You May Have Noticed...

You may have noticed a small balance due or credit on your recent utility bill. Every year, the City calculates your monthly winter average for sewer volumetric charges for the remainder of the year. The new winter average is applied beginning in March. However, we computed the winter average using four months instead of three which resulted in an incorrect average. These calculations were corrected and adjustments were made to accounts where necessary. These adjustments were reflected on the April statements. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact City of Bellaire Utility Billing at 713-662-8253.