Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management Honored with Two Emergency Management Awards
The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) has been recognized for excellence in emergency management operations, earning two prestigious awards from the Emergency Management Association of Texas (EMAT) at the annual Leadership Symposium in College Station, Texas. The organization was honored with EMAT’s Emergency Management Technology Award and the Outstanding Public Information Award, highlighting its innovative use of technology and public outreach efforts during the 2024 disaster season.
HCOHSEM is a nationally recognized leader in emergency planning, preparedness, response, and recovery. The agency works to safeguard and protect Harris County residents and property from the impacts of disasters through strategic coordination and community engagement. EMAT, the awarding body, is dedicated to advancing the field of emergency management both statewide and nationally by promoting professional development, fostering innovation, and supporting emergency management initiatives.
Innovative Technology in Emergency Management
EMAT’s Emergency Management Technology Award is given to an original technology product, project, or innovation developed and implemented in Texas that enhances emergency management operations. HCOHSEM’s Tech Unit was recognized for its groundbreaking use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) during multiple disasters in 2024, including the May derecho and Hurricane Beryl.
The team developed detailed GIS maps to provide real-time information on Cooling Centers, Distribution Centers, Disaster Recovery Centers, and Business Recovery Centers. These tools were crucial for coordinating efforts within the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and ensuring Harris County residents had access to critical resources through ReadyHarris.org.
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One of the most impactful applications of these GIS tools was with Crisis Cleanup, a nonprofit dedicated to post-disaster home repair assistance. The maps produced by HCOHSEM’s Tech Unit helped mobilize volunteers by visually displaying areas of greatest need. “Without their technical expertise, the growth in volunteers would not have been possible,” the organization noted, underscoring the critical role the technology played in disaster response.
Excellence in Public Information During Disasters
HCOHSEM also received the Outstanding Public Information Award for its exceptional communication efforts following the May 2024 derecho. The award recognizes exemplary public information initiatives that increase awareness of emergency management issues among Texas residents.
Following the derecho, many Harris County residents struggled to navigate FEMA Individual Assistance and Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan applications. To address widespread confusion, HCOHSEM’s Communications Team collaborated with FEMA, the SBA, and Deaf Link—a provider of accessible communications for the deaf, hard of hearing, and literacy-challenged individuals—to produce a five-minute informational video. This resource, along with supporting materials, helped residents understand the application process for federal aid and was made available on ReadyHarris.org and across all ReadyHarris social media platforms.
Additionally, HCOHSEM distributed these materials to community recovery partners, further expanding access to vital information. This initiative ensured residents had clear and accessible guidance when seeking disaster assistance.
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Leadership Recognition for HCOHSEM’s Impact
Harris County Emergency Management Coordinator Mark Sloan praised his team’s dedication to public service and disaster response, stating, “I am extremely proud of our office’s effort to keep the public informed during both the derecho and Hurricane Beryl. Keeping our community informed is at the core of our mission, and executing at the highest level during back-to-back Presidential Declared Disasters, when accurate information matters most, deserves to be recognized. I want to extend my gratitude to our entire team for their hard work and commitment to building a more resilient community.”
Looking Ahead
HCOHSEM has implemented various technology and public outreach initiatives to enhance disaster management efforts. The recent awards recognize the agency’s use of GIS technology and public information strategies during emergencies. As Harris County continues to address disaster preparedness and response, HCOHSEM’s role in these efforts remains a key aspect of the region’s emergency management framework.
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.
