As Hurricane Dean eyes the Gulf of Mexico and possibly the Texas Coast authorities in our area are getting ready.

From Galveston to Fort Bend County to Brazoria County to Walker County crews are on alert and preparing plans to keep you safe.

“At this point the entire Texas coast is a potential impact area as early as Wednesday,” said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. “What we’re doing is asking residents of the area to make preparations. Fill up your vehicles, anything that you think you could be driving.  Get a supply kit in order. Even if you’re going to shelter in place make sure you have water, canned food, all the necessities. Make a plan. Make sure you know where all your family members are.”

Harris County and other coastal counties in our area are taking steps to ensure residents are safe.

What some organizations and counties are doing:

Houston/Harris County:  People with special needs can call 211 to register for evacuation help. That number will be changed next week. About 5,627 people have registered so far.

State of Texas: More fuel is being brought into our area. Some entrances and exits along evacuation routes may be closed. Residents not evacuating urged to stay off evacuation routes.

TxDOT: Suspending all construction operations Saturday at 12 p.m.

The total closure of the Galveston Causeway has been cancelled.

Work on IH- 10-Katy Freway at BW 8-West westbound will begin Friday at 9:30 p.m. and will be completed by noon Saturday.

Permanent work zones will remain in place.

Maintenance crews are inspecting highway drains, removing debris and preparing vehicles for emergency deployment.

TxDOT’s Emergency Operations Center in Austin will open at 8 a.m. Saturday, August 18.

Galveston County:  Should an evacuation be issued, officials say they’ll do it sooner than they did for Rita. Galveston County  Emergency Management Office will open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information call (409) 765-3710.

Walker County: This area on the 101 ½ mile marker on I-45 North has been designated the a “shelter hub”. “That means we are the first sheltering place where people can get help when they leave Houston,” said Butch Davis. He’s the Chief EMC for Walker County. “When you come down 45 there will be a sign saying “RECEPTION CENTER”. When you arrive there evacuees will be assigned to a shelter.” Food, water and other necessities will be available for residents there. For more information go to www.co.walker.tx.us or call (936) 435-2400.

HISD: Will utilize automatic phone messaging system if needed.

Houston-based Transocean Inc.: Evacuated 11 nonessential workers as a precaution. About 125 people remain on board the moored, semi-submersible rig about 160 miles southeast of New Orleans.

Shell Oil Co.: Evacuated 188 people this week from offshore facilities in Erin’s path and it is  monitoring Dean.