Houston and the surrounding region face a variety of natural hazards: hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, severe heat, occasional winter storms, and more. Being prepared before disaster strikes can make a huge difference in safety, recovery, and how well neighborhoods bounce back.
Table of Contents
Why Preparation Matters
Disasters are unpredictable in timing, severity, and effects. Early planning reduces panic, injuries, and damages.
Some infrastructure (power, communications, roads) may be disrupted for days. If you’re well‑prepared, you’ll endure more comfortably.
Vulnerable populations (seniors, people with medical needs, low-income households) are often hit hardest — community preparedness helps everyone equitably.
Key Steps to Prepare
Make a Family Disaster Plan (United Way template/TexasReady template): Know your evacuation zone, choose meeting places, and consider the needs of children, seniors, pets, and people with functional or access needs.
Build & Maintain an Emergency Kit: Water, food, flashlights, batteries, first aid, prescriptions, important documents, and pet supplies. Click here for a Disaster Supply Checklist.
Prepare Your Home: Test smoke detectors, know how to turn off utilities, secure doors/windows, clear gutters, and trim trees.
Stay Informed: Sign up for AlertHouston or Ready Harris Accessible Alert Program, monitor Houston Office of Emergency Management updates, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather, and know shelter locations.
Evacuation Readiness: Plan routes, fuel vehicles, keep cash, and register with State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry if you need assistance.
Practice & Review Regularly: Do drills, review/rotate kits, ensure children know emergency numbers.
Hand writing Community word cloud in a heart shape. Concept about charity, humanitarian relief aid work, or empathy.
On May 5, 2026 at 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Join us as we celebrate our 2025 HandUp program graduates!
HandUp graduates have completed 9 months of budgeting, financial management, and parenting courses and have participated in ongoing peer support groups.
