For many families across Harris County Precinct 4, including those in The Lakes, hurricane preparedness is no longer something to think about “later.” After years of severe storms, flooding events, extended power outages, and hurricane impacts across Greater Houston, local leaders are encouraging residents to prepare now — before the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1.

To help residents get ready, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones is hosting 12 free hurricane and disaster preparedness workshops throughout May and June across communities including Bear Creek, Meyerland, Katy, Cypress, Alief, Hockley, and West Houston. The workshops are designed to give residents practical information about emergency kits, evacuation planning, flood safety, disaster recovery resources, and how to stay informed during severe weather events.

The initiative comes as emergency officials continue urging Gulf Coast residents to prepare early, regardless of seasonal forecasts. While some 2026 hurricane outlooks predict slightly below-average Atlantic activity because of developing El Niño conditions, experts stress that it only takes one storm to create catastrophic local impacts.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, with peak hurricane threats along the Texas coast typically occurring between August and September.

NOAA is also encouraging residents nationwide to take action before storms develop, emphasizing the importance of understanding flood risks, building emergency plans, and having multiple ways to receive weather alerts.

Why Hurricane Preparedness Matters for Harris County Communities

For neighborhoods across west Houston and Precinct 4, disaster readiness is deeply personal.

Communities throughout the region have experienced repeated flooding, damaging winds, prolonged utility disruptions, and emergency evacuations during past storms. Local officials say preparedness workshops can help residents reduce confusion and react faster when severe weather threatens.

Precinct 4 officials said the workshops are intended to ensure residents have “the information and resources they need to act quickly this hurricane season” while also preparing for emergencies year-round.

The workshops will include guidance on:

• Building emergency supply kits
• Understanding evacuation routes
• Navigating disaster assistance resources
• Accessing trusted weather and flood information
• Protecting important documents
• Preparing households for extended outages and emergencies

Spanish interpretation will be available at all hurricane preparedness workshops, while Vietnamese and Chinese interpretation will also be available at select locations.

Residents attending some workshops may also receive waterproof document bags and preparedness materials, according to workshop flyers distributed by Precinct 4.

Free 2026 Hurricane and Disaster Preparedness Workshops Across Precinct 4

Commissioner Briones’ office is partnering with community centers, faith-based organizations, and local gathering spaces to host the events throughout the precinct.

Upcoming Hurricane Preparedness Workshops

Bear Creek Hurricane Preparedness Workshop

Saturday, May 16 | Noon – 2 p.m.

Meyerland Hurricane Preparedness Workshop

Saturday, May 30 | 10 a.m. – Noon

Disaster Preparedness Workshop – Cypress

Richard & Meg Weekley Community Center
8440 Greenhouse Road, Cypress, TX 77433
Wednesday, June 10 | Noon – 1 p.m.

Katy Hurricane Preparedness Workshop

MAS Katy Center
1800 Baker Road, Houston, TX 77094
Saturday, June 13 | 10 a.m. – Noon

Disaster Preparedness Workshop – Glazier Senior Education Center

16600 Pine Forest Lane, Houston, TX 77084
Tuesday, June 16 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Disaster Preparedness Workshop – Burnett Bayland Community Center

6026 Chimney Rock Road, Houston, TX 77081
Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Disaster Preparedness Workshop – Jim & JoAnn Fonteno Senior Education Center

6600 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77074
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Disaster Preparedness Workshop – Freed Community Center

6818 Shadyvilla Lane, Houston, TX 77055
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Hurricane Preparedness Workshop – Lien Hoa Temple (Alief Area)

6709 Sugarland Howell Road, Houston, TX 77083
Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Vietnamese and Chinese interpretation will be available.

Disaster Preparedness Workshop – Hockley Community Center

28515 Old Washington Road, Hockley, TX 77447
Monday, June 29, 2026 | 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Disaster Preparedness Workshop – Bayland Community Center

6400 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77074
Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Disaster Preparedness Workshop – Radack Community Center

18650 Clay Road, Houston, TX 77084
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Several workshops are already seeing strong registration numbers as hurricane season approaches.

Preparing Before the First Storm Forms

Emergency officials consistently advise Gulf Coast residents not to wait until a tropical storm enters the Gulf before making preparations.

NOAA recommends households review insurance policies, identify evacuation routes, prepare emergency kits, charge backup batteries, and develop communication plans before hurricane season begins.

Texas residents are also reminded that hurricanes are not the only threat during hurricane season. Inland flooding, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and prolonged rainfall can all create dangerous conditions far from the coast.

The Lakes residents can access additional hurricane readiness resources, including evacuation route information, emergency checklists, flood information, and trusted weather updates through the Harris County Precinct 4 hurricane preparedness website.

Local officials say the goal is simple: help residents feel informed before the next emergency happens — not during it.

As another hurricane season begins for the Gulf Coast, community leaders across Harris County continue emphasizing that preparation today can make a major difference when severe weather arrives tomorrow.

Residents can register for workshops through Harris County Precinct 4 community programming listings found here. More information about preparedness resources is also available through Harris County Precinct 4.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for additional hurricane season updates, emergency preparedness information, and local community resources throughout 2026.

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.