With meteorologists predicting a surge in powerful storms this hurricane season, Houston officials are sounding the alarm early, not to wait until a storm is in the Gulf to get ready.
Preparation, they say, is more than just a seasonal task. It’s a year-round responsibility that can save lives.
Brian Mason, director of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management, urges residents to treat disaster readiness like part of everyday life.
“Hurricane prep isn’t something you start the week a storm is coming,” he said. “It’s something you build into your routine, so you’re not caught off guard when the time comes.”
“Preparedness should really be something you do 365 days a year,” Mason told the Defender. “We want people to be ready for hurricanes, but also for no-notice events like derechos or sudden flooding. Those things don’t give you three to five days’ warning.”
The foundation of every household’s readiness plan is an emergency supply kit. Mason acknowledges that assembling one can feel overwhelming, but says it doesn’t need to be done all at once.
1. Build a supply kit
Forget the pressure to spend hundreds in one day. Mason recommends gradually building your kit over time.
Your emergency kit should last at least three days, ideally seven, and include:
- Non-perishable food
- One gallon of water per person per day
- Medications
- Batteries and flashlights
- Pet supplies
- Hygiene and first-aid items
Mason suggests a quick trick: “Fill your bathtub before a storm hits. That’s 35 to 40 gallons of usable water for cooking or flushing toilets.”
2. Make a family communication plan
Having a backup plan matters when a storm disrupts power and cell service.
“My family has a preset meeting location out of town,” said Mason. “If phones go down, we know to meet there at 8 a.m. or 8 p.m.”
Talk with your loved ones about:
- How do you contact each other
- Where you’ll meet if separated
- Your evacuation routes
- Transportation needs for kids, seniors, or pets
3. Know if you’re in an evacuation zone
Houstonians living near bayous, floodplains, or low-lying areas should check their addresses against official flood risk maps.
If you’re in an evacuation zone, have a route mapped out in advance. And if you need help evacuating, plan ahead for transportation and shelter.
4. Sign up for AlertHouston
Mason urges every resident to register for the city’s emergency text system.
“Text ‘AlertHouston’ to 888777 or sign up on our website,” he said. “It’s one of the fastest ways we get critical info out to the public.”
Also, make sure emergency alerts on your phone are turned on—these are the ones that look like AMBER Alerts.
“Some people disable them because they’re annoying. But those alerts could save your life,” Mason warned.
5. Stay Informed
With misinformation spreading quickly online, Mason says to stick with credible outlets.
Check updates from:
- National Weather Service
- City of Houston OEM
- Harris County Flood Control District
6. Build stronger neighborhood connections
One of the biggest lessons from past storms? Neighborhoods that stick together recover faster.
“When neighbors check on each other, things get back to normal quicker,” Mason said.
Whether through a group chat, civic club, or church, build relationships with the people around you. If you’re able, offer help to seniors or people with disabilities during emergencies.
