Before Landfall

Effectively Preparing for Hurricane Conditions

 

Preparing for hurricane season must be a proactive strategy, ensuring you are individually ready for an emergency. Below are a variety of resources for preparedness. To learn more about hurricane preparedness, you can choose from the buttons below depending on your needs and what you find most helpful. 

 

Harris County Preparedness Resources Houston Preparedness Resources State Preparedness Resources

Hurricanes and Evacuation 

When a hurricane is anticipated to bring a heavy threat to the region, evacuations can be issued. At times, they will be voluntary, and others might be mandatory. Let’s take a look at the criteria for Harris County’s evacuation orders:

 

Voluntary Evacuation: 

• Storm surge zones during hurricanes or tropical storms: If forecasts indicate significant surge, residents are advised to leave ahead of any mandatory orders
  
  
• Flood-prone areas during heavy rains or river overflow: For example, neighborhoods along the East and West Forks of the San Jacinto River (like Kingwood, Forest Cove, North Houston) are often included in voluntary evacuations in anticipation of rising waters
  
  
• Before situations escalate: Emergency management may first issue a voluntary order as a "heads-up" signaling it’s time to consider moving to safety .

 

Mandatory Evacuation: 

• Imminent catastrophic flooding in high-risk zones
• Disaster declaration activated
• The safety of first responders is at risk 

If you have to evacuate: 

Evacuation Resources

Page last updated 3:01 PM, October 30, 2025