In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, flags on government buildings and in front yards have been lowered to half-staff as a sign of respect. Houston's mayor issued an executive order stating the move would last through September 22, 2017. The order applies to all governmental officials and institutions throughout Texas, regardless of their affiliation or whether they are state-owned or privately held. The decision comes in response to widespread devastation caused by the hurricane that hit south-eastern Texas on August 25th. Harvey has been described by journalists as the storm of a lifetime. More than 30,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, along with at least 10,000 businesses. A further 48 people are known to have died as a result of the storm and its impact on surrounding areas. In the aftermath of the hurricane, flags were lowered for the late Barbara Bush and her husband George H.W. Bush through September 5th. The former president died on April 17th, and the family held a funeral in Texas on April 21st. In accordance with the Flag Code of the United States, flags are flown at half-staff for 30 days after the death of a member of Congress from that state. President Trump later issued an order temporarily lifting the restriction so he could honor the Bush family with a day of mourning during his visit to Texas on August 29th. Governor Greg Abbott considered waiving the restrictions for Barbara Bush in the wake of her death, as well. Military protocol in the event of the death of a former president is to observe a 21-gun salute, followed by the lowering of flags to half-staff. However, since George H.W. Bush died at home, no salute took place and flags were lowered immediately on April 17th and 18th. The same protocol was observed after his wife's death on April 17th as well.