Houston's Hurricane Preparedness System

Houston sits 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico in the most hurricane-prone region of the United States. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 every year. Since 2008, Houston has been directly hit by Hurricanes Ike (2008) and Harvey (2017), and threatened by dozens more. Harvey dropped over 60 inches of rain in some areas — the most rainfall from a single storm in U.S. history.

Preparation is not optional here. This guide covers what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.

Source: National Hurricane Center; Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

The ZIP Zone system: Harris County uses color-coded ZIP Zones (A, B, C) for evacuation. Zone A is closest to the coast (most likely to evacuate). Zone C is furthest inland (least likely). Find your zone at readyharris.org — enter your address. Not everyone evacuates. Only evacuate if your zone is called.

Evacuation vs. shelter in place:

• Coastal surge threat (Category 3+ or surge warning for your zone) = evacuate if your zone is called
• Rainfall/flooding threat (like Harvey) = shelter in place on the highest floor. Do NOT get on the highway during a flood event — roads flood faster than you can drive.

What kills people in Houston hurricanes: Drowning. Not wind. Harvey killed 68 people in Harris County — almost all from drowning in floodwater, many in vehicles. The single most important rule: do not drive through standing water.

Source: NHC; Harris County OHSEM; NWS Houston

Before the storm (do this now, not during a watch):

• Know your ZIP Zone: readyharris.org
• Build a supply kit: 3 days of water (1 gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, important documents in a waterproof bag, phone chargers/battery packs, cash
• Take photos of every room in your home for insurance documentation
• Know your evacuation route. Harris County publishes routes at readyharris.org
• If you have pets, plan for them — most shelters now accept pets
• Fill your car's gas tank when a storm enters the Gulf
• Fill bathtubs with water (for flushing toilets if water pressure drops)

During the storm:

• Stay inside. Stay away from windows.
• Do NOT drive through standing water.
• If water enters your home, move to the highest floor. Call 911 if you need rescue.
• Monitor: weather.gov/hgx (NWS Houston), local TV, and the ReadyHarris app

After the storm:

• Document all damage with photos before cleanup
• File insurance claims immediately
• Register with FEMA: disasterassistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362
• Do not enter flooded structures until water has receded and been inspected
• Beware of contractor fraud — get multiple quotes, never pay in full upfront

Emergency:

• 911 for life-threatening emergencies
• Coast Guard rescue: VHF Channel 16

Preparedness:

• ReadyHarris: readyharris.org — ZIP zones, evacuation routes, shelter locations
• NWS Houston: weather.gov/hgx

Recovery:

• FEMA: 1-800-621-3362 | disasterassistance.gov
• SBA disaster loans: 1-800-659-2955