(courtesy photo/weather.gov)
By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
As hurricane season begins, the City of South Padre Island is encouraging residents, property owners, and
businesses to take proactive steps to stay safe. With hurricane season stretching from June 1 through November 30, city officials emphasize the importance of having a preparedness plan in place before a storm approaches.
“We recommend that everyone have an emergency plan in place in the event of a hurricane,” said Fire Chief Jim Pigg. “What you do today could be what keeps you safe tomorrow.”
Being a coastal community, South Padre Island faces unique challenges during hurricane season, making it
essential for everyone—from residents to business owners—to understand the risks and know how to respond.
City officials recommend starting preparations by visiting trusted websites such as ready.gov/hurricanes and
gov.texas.gov/hurricane, where comprehensive hurricane readiness guides are available. Additionally, residents are encouraged to download the FEMA mobile app for important safety tips and alerts.
To stay informed during emergencies, locals should sign up for Rave Mobile Safety, the City’s emergency
notification system. It delivers real-time updates via home phone, cell phone, or email. Understanding alerts from the National Hurricane Center can also be critical when time is of the essence.
Residents should also be aware of key local emergency contact numbers, including:
• South Padre Island City Hall: (956) 761-8101
• Fire Department: (956) 761-3040
• Police Department (Non-Emergency): (956) 761-5454
• Health & Code Enforcement: (956) 761-8123
• Building Division: (956) 761-8104
• Cameron County Sheriff: (956) 554-6700
• County Emergency Management: (956) 547-7000
• Texas DPS (Harlingen Office): (956) 440-6725
• TxDOT: (956) 702-6101
• National Weather Service (Brownsville): (956) 504-1432
Social media also plays a critical role in staying informed during emergencies. Residents are encouraged to follow the City of South Padre Island on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, as well as resources like the Red Cross, Cameron County Emergency Management, and TxDOT for timely updates and preparedness information.
Another key reminder: anyone living, working, or owning property on the Island should obtain a re-entry sticker for their vehicle. These stickers are required to return to the Island following an evacuation. They must be obtained before a storm is within 48 hours of landfall, as no stickers will be issued after that point. Re-entry is only permitted when officials deem conditions safe.
In preparing for a potential evacuation, residents should consider property vulnerability, secure important
documents, and pack emergency supplies including food, water, medications, and pet care items. Planning
transportation routes and designating reconvening locations with loved ones are also recommended.
Chief Pigg and other officials stress that preparedness is a shared responsibility. “Awareness and preparation can reduce the impact of hurricane disasters,” he said. “Families, individuals, and businesses should understand their vulnerabilities and take the necessary steps to reduce risk.”
For more information on hurricane preparation, visit the City’s website and follow their official social media
channels.
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