HOUSTON – Hurricane season officially begins this weekend, and emergency management officials across the Houston area say now is the time to prepare before stores get crowded and a storm enters the Gulf.
The message from local officials: Don’t panic — prepare.
If you’ve been putting off hurricane prep, officials say this weekend is your window to get ahead before the rush starts. And the good news? Emergency managers say you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars overnight.
1. Turn on emergency alerts
Emergency managers say one of the most important first steps is making sure your phone is set up to receive emergency alerts.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for:
- STEAR (State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry)
Brian Murray with Harris County Office of Emergency Management said emergency alerts can become critical during severe weather.
“This is the time when everyone needs to look at what is your plan to get through not only hurricane season, but basically all of the risks and threats that we have on almost daily basis,” Murray said.
Officials also stress that residents enrolled in STEAR should respond to check-in messages during emergencies.
“We want you to be in STEAR but during an emergency if we call you if we text you and ask if you’re okay please acknowledge that you’re ok because if not I’m gonna send a firefighter or a police officer to go knock on your door and make sure you’re OK,” Murray said.
2. Build a go-kit without overspending
Emergency officials say building a hurricane kit does not have to happen all at once.
Recommended supplies include:
- Extra canned food
- Cases of water
- Medications
- Flashlights and batteries
- A waterproof bag for important documents
- A hand-crank or battery-powered radio
- Pet supplies
Brian Mason with the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management says families can slowly build supplies during regular grocery trips.
“Every time you go to the grocery store, buy an extra item or two. Buy an extra jar of peanut butter. Buy an extra pack of batteries. Buy an extra case of water,” Mason said.
Officials recommend having enough food, water, and medications for at least seven days.
They also say battery-powered or hand-crank radios can become especially important if power or cell service goes down during a storm.
3. Know your evacuation zone
Officials also encourage residents to check evacuation maps now before hurricane season ramps up.
Residents can find evacuation zone maps and preparedness information through:
The websites also include multilingual emergency information and preparedness resources.
Officials say residents who need assistance before or after a disaster can dial:
- 2-1-1 for community assistance resources
- 3-1-1 for county and city resources
Houston OEM also offers website translation options in multiple languages.
Emergency managers say the key is to start preparing now — even if it’s one small step at a time.