As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season approaches with an ominous forecast, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones is taking proactive steps to prepare residents through a robust, community-focused hurricane preparedness campaign.

Meteorologists from the National Weather Service are projecting between 13 and 19 named storms this season, including up to 10 hurricanes and as many as five major ones—those rated Category 3 or higher. Scientists attribute this heightened activity to warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, a trend that has experts and public officials alike urging families to make early preparations.

A Campaign Rooted in Community Readiness

Commissioner Briones’ initiative includes free public workshops, public service announcements (PSAs), and billboard campaigns across the county. These efforts are designed to equip residents with knowledge, tools, and support systems to stay safe before, during, and after severe storms.

“In the face of drastic cuts to vital federal agencies, Harris County families deserve a government focused on readiness, not politics,” said Briones. “We know it’s not a matter of if the next big storm will hit, but when.”

The campaign spotlights both emergency planning and long-term resiliency. Workshops hosted in collaboration with organizations like Sewa USA, AmeriCorps Texas, and the Harris County Office of Emergency Management provide residents with hands-on guidance for building emergency kits, developing family evacuation plans, and understanding evacuation zones.

Upcoming Workshop Schedule

• Tracy Gee Community Center – Tuesday, June 3 | 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM 

• Fonteno Senior Education Center – Thursday, June 12 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM 

• Glazier Senior Education Center – Tuesday, June 17 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM 

• Freed Community Center – Tuesday, June 24 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM 

Residents can also access a newly updated Precinct 4 Hurricane Preparedness Website for emergency supply lists, flood risk maps, real-time weather data, and information about the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR)—a confidential program helping first responders locate and assist individuals with medical or mobility needs during disasters.

Infrastructure and Emergency Response Preparedness

Behind the scenes, Precinct 4’s operational teams are working to ensure roads, bridges, and stormwater systems can withstand and recover quickly from tropical weather impacts. Crews are inspecting and maintaining over 1,600 miles of roadways, nearly 800 bridges, and almost 7 million feet of ditches throughout the region.

Essential facilities, including the Weekley Community Center, now have generator power to support storm response efforts. Backup power infrastructure has also been installed at seven additional community centers. Emergency supplies such as bottled water and MREs are being staged in advance.

“As hurricane season approaches, it’s important to be prepared,” emphasized Harris County Fire Marshal Chief Laurie Christensen. “Make sure your family has emergency supplies and a safety plan in place, especially for potential power outages.”

She also cautioned residents to practice generator safety: “Always operate generators outdoors and at least 15–20 feet away from windows, doors, and openings of your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.”

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Advocating for Federal Support

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher joined Briones in raising concerns about recent federal budget cuts to agencies critical to disaster forecasting and response.

“The Trump administration has cut funding and staff at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Weather Service, and FEMA—the very agencies that help us prepare for, survive, and recover from natural disasters,” said Fletcher. “Cutting their funding at this moment isn’t just shortsighted, it’s reckless.”

According to official records, the Trump administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal calls for a 27% overall reduction to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including a drastic 74% cut to the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)—effectively eliminating funding for key weather, climate, and ocean research programs. These proposed cuts would defund critical institutions like the National Severe Storms Laboratory and the Cooperative Institute for Severe and High-Impact Weather Research and Operations.

Meanwhile, FEMA continues to grapple with staffing shortfalls, missing its target personnel levels by over a third in recent years. As hurricane season approaches, lawmakers and emergency preparedness advocates warn that such reductions could severely compromise the nation’s ability to forecast severe weather, issue life-saving alerts, and effectively respond to disasters when they strike.

"We Are Preparing With Urgency"

In addition to physical infrastructure and resources, Precinct 4 is preparing designated cooling centers and distribution sites to support vulnerable populations during power outages or extreme heat events.

“No matter the storm, Precinct 4 will be here for you—before, during, and after,” said Briones. “We are preparing with urgency, planning with purpose, and acting with heart. Together, we can weather any storm.”

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How to Get Prepared

Residents are encouraged to attend an upcoming workshop or visit the preparedness website for critical updates. For assistance or more information:

• Call: 832-927-4444
• Email: service@hcp4.net
• Visit: hcp4.net

Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for continued coverage on hurricane safety, community resources, and storm updates throughout the 2025 hurricane season.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.