Since 2023, Harris County has experienced a hurricane, derecho, tornadoes, and more. Throughout each of these disasters, Commissioner Lesley Briones and the Precinct 4 team have stepped up to distribute resources and supplies to thousands of residents and opened community centers as places of refuge for those in need.
The 2026 hurricane season is here, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service is predicting anywhere from 8 to 14 named storms from now until November 30. From gathering nonperishable necessities to signing up for alerts, there are simple steps everyone can take. Precinct 4 encourages you to start now.
Creating your emergency kit
Seasoned hurricane preppers know that when a storm is on the horizon, supplies disappear off the shelves. That’s why stocking up and readying your emergency kit now is crucial.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends using an easy-to-carry container, such as a duffel bag or a plastic bin, for your emergency kit and including the following items:
- Important documents in a waterproof container
- Water (one gallon per family member per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a several-day supply of nonperishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit (including prescription medications)
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Depending on your family’s individual needs, your emergency kit should also include items such as diapers and other baby supplies, medications, pet food, personal hygiene items, and even books and activities for children.
Prepare your home
With every storm, there is a chance your home could lose power, experience high winds, or even flood. It’s important that everyone prepares to the best of their ability.
An emergency kit is important whether you choose to stay or evacuate. Many items in your emergency kit, such as flashlights or a battery-powered radio, can be used in case of a power outage. Make sure you store your emergency kit in an easy-to-access area, so you can find it in the dark if necessary.
Decluttering your home’s drains and gutters can help prevent water damage during heavy rain. Clogged gutters and drains can lead to water backing up under shingles, overflowing onto siding, and pooling around the foundation, which can cause severe and costly damage to your home.
In anticipation of high winds, homeowners should bring in or secure outside furniture and consider preparing window coverings to protect from flying debris. These coverings can include budget-friendly storm panels, versatile hurricane fabrics, rolling shutters[LB3] , or the classic plywood cut to fit your windows. If you choose plywood, ensure you cut the pieces to overlap your window frames by 4 inches, and fasten them with heavy-duty screws or anchors every 12 inches.
Sign up for emergency alerts
When preparing for a storm, minutes matter. Residents who sign up for local alert systems are some of the first to know when their community is at risk of rising floodwaters, high winds, or other man-made or natural disasters. Harris County has several emergency alert systems that keep residents informed ahead of a storm.
ReadyHarris.org and the Harris County Flood Warning System send notifications directly to your phone and email so you know when your home or commute may be affected by the weather or other emergencies.
Residents are also encouraged to register for the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR). The STEAR program is a free registry that provides information about community needs to local emergency planners and responders, ensuring they know where they are needed most.
Commissioner Briones and Harris County Precinct 4 are committed to keeping you safe and informed before, during, and after a disaster. To stay up to date with real-time weather updates, road closures, available resources, and more, follow @hcprecinct4 on all social media platforms.