Hurricane Season 2025 Begins June 1: Harris County Officials Urge Residents to Prepare Early
As the calendar flips to June, Harris County residents are being urged to take proactive steps in preparing for what forecasters are calling an "above-normal" 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Running from June 1 through November 30, this year's storm outlook from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) projects 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 of which could strengthen into hurricanes—including as many as five major hurricanes.
“Harris County Is Prepared” — But Community Action Remains Critical
With the growing threat of severe weather, local leaders are emphasizing that preparation begins at home. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who also serves as Director of the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM), is calling on residents to take responsibility for readiness now rather than later.
“Harris County is prepared for hurricane season, and with the public’s help, we can respond more effectively and recover more quickly,” said Judge Hidalgo. “We’re asking every resident to take time now to get prepared, build an emergency kit, make a plan, and sign up for alerts at ReadyHarris.org. When our community is informed and ready, we protect lives and strengthen our ability to recover together.”
Four Key Steps for Hurricane Preparedness
HCOHSEM outlines four fundamental steps that all residents should follow to stay safe and resilient this season: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Stay Informed, and Be Involved.
Get a Kit
An emergency supply kit is your first line of defense. Officials recommend including:
- Seven days’ worth of non-perishable food and water
- Prescription medications and a first aid kit
- Flashlights and batteries
- Supplies for infants and pets, including leashes, food, and vaccination records
Residents can consult the full Emergency Essentials Checklist at ReadyHarris.org.
(Source: ReadyHarris)Make a Plan
Evacuation preparedness is key—especially for those in storm surge or flood-prone zones. The Zip Zone Evacuation Map can help determine whether your area is subject to evacuation orders.
Additionally, individuals with access or functional needs should register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) by calling 2-1-1 or signing up online to ensure they receive support if evacuation becomes necessary.
Property owners are also urged to verify their flood insurance policies. According to HCOHSEM, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies require a 30-day waiting period and cannot be purchased when a storm is active in the Gulf. More information is available at FloodSmart.gov.
Stay Informed
Keeping tabs on weather developments and official advisories is essential. Residents can:
- Sign up for alerts at ReadyHarris.org
- Text GULF2025 to 888777 for real-time hurricane updates
For those with accessibility needs, ReadyHarris Accessible Alerts delivers emergency notifications in American Sign Language and voice-to-text in both English and Spanish. To sign up, text READY to 281-609-9093.
Be Involved
Preparedness extends beyond personal safety. The Harris County Citizen Corps offers Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training, equipping volunteers with skills in disaster response, basic medical aid, and small fire suppression. Those interested can register at harriscountycitizencorps.com.
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A Season of Uncertainty Requires a Season of Readiness
With climate patterns pointing toward an active season, Harris County’s emergency management team is working to ensure that no resident is caught unprepared. The stakes are high, and the message from local officials is clear: preparedness is a shared responsibility.
For comprehensive hurricane preparedness resources and real-time alerts, visit ReadyHarris.org. Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for continued updates throughout the 2025 hurricane season.
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.
