According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Erin has formed in the Atlantic. Current forecasts do not indicate any threat to Texas, but it is important to maintain awareness of tropical weather developments throughout hurricane season.
Hurricane season runs through November 30th and the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) wants to remind you that taking the time to prepare now – and helping to make sure your friends and neighbors are prepared too – is the best way to help build a more resilient community.
Preparedness Begins at Home! Here are several important steps you can take and free resources available to better prepare you and your family.
Have multiple ways to receive alerts
Make sure that your mobile devices are set to receive wireless emergency alerts (WEA’s). If you receive an alert, be prepared to take action! The National Weather Service (NWS) and government authorities will use these alerts to warn residents in the path of potentially dangerous weather. For more information on how to view the settings for WEA’s on your mobile device, visit these Apple | Android links.
Additionally, sign up for the Harris County Flood Warning System to get notifications on rainfall rates in your area along with real-time alerts for water levels in bayous and major streams. Sign up here: www.fwsalerts.org.
Get a Kit
Now is the time to check your emergency kits. Emergency supply kits should contain enough non-perishable food and water to last seven days. Other important items include medications, a first aid kit, flashlights, items for babies, and pet supplies, including food, water, leashes, medications, and vaccination records. Add a NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) to your kit. An NWR broadcasts continuous weather information, including warnings and post-event information, directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. The full Emergency Essentials Checklist can be found at www.readyharris.org under Get Prepared.
Make a Plan
Residents who live in an evacuation zone need to know their evacuation routes and follow instructions from local authorities. To find out if your home is in an evacuation zone, check the Zip Zone Evacuation Map.
If you or someone you know may need help during an evacuation, sign up with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) online or call 2-1-1 to register. This free service is available to individuals who are medically fragile, have access or functional needs, and who may require transportation assistance during an emergency event.
Homeowners, renters, and business owners are encouraged to get flood insurance, even if they have never experienced flooding. For residents who may already have coverage, check to make sure the policy is still active.
Stay Informed
Be weather aware and stay informed before, during, and after a storm this hurricane season. Sign up to receive weather and emergency alerts at www.readyharris.org and text GULF2025 to 888777 for hurricane season updates. Stay informed by following HCOHSEM updates on www.ReadyHarris.org, on social media, and by signing up for Ready Harris Alerts or Ready Harris Accessible Alerts.
For more information on how to prepare, review our hurricane preparedness and evacuation guide.
