Harris County, Texas — This September marks the 22nd Annual National Preparedness Month which emphasizes the importance of disaster preparedness. The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign year-round by providing critical disaster preparedness information and resources to the residents of Harris County.
To support this year’s campaign, HCOHSEM released three new Public Service Announcements (PSA) in English and Spanish. The PSAs emphasize that the time to prepare is now. Residents must get a kit, make a plan and stay informed before a disaster happens. It is also imperative that residents know whether they live in an evacuation zone. Taking these steps now can help families feel more confident and prepared when an emergency occurs.
“Our efforts to build a stronger and more resilient community start with everyone being ready for anything year-round. Being prepared is a shared responsibility, and everyone needs to do their part,” said Mark Sloan, Director and Emergency Management Coordinator for HCOHSEM. “Get everyone in your home involved in building your preparedness plan and your kit. When a disaster strikes, each person needs to know what to do to help keep your family safe.”
Visit www.ReadyHarris.org to view or print the Emergency Preparedness Guide and Olivia the Preparedness Opossums Kids Preparedness Activity Book. To find out how you can get involved in your community, visit the Harris County Citizen Corps website.
Residents are urged to take this time to ensure they can receive critical emergency alerts, warnings, and life-safety information. Sign up for Ready Harris Alerts or Ready Harris Accessible Alerts at www.ReadyHarris.org. Text GULF2026 to 888777 for 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season updates. Additionally, check the settings on your mobile device to confirm it is enabled to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) from the National Weather Service and other trusted partners. Apple | Android
ABOUT HCOHSEM
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is the Director of the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, a national model of best practices in emergency planning, preparation, response, and recovery. HCOHSEM helps prepare, safeguard, and protect the residents and property of Harris County from the effects of disasters through effective planning, preparation, response, and recovery activities.
From left: Matt Moreland, Meteorologist-in-Charge, National Weather Service Houston/Galveston; Commissioner Lesley Briones, Harris County Precinct Four; Lizeth Hernandez, Communications Supervisor, Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management; Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen; Marcus Stuckett, Director, Harris County Flood Control District; and Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Harris County Precinct Two.