Hurricane Season 2025 Begins June 1: Harris County Urges Inwood Park Residents to Prepare Now During National Hurricane Preparedness Week
With the official start of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season rapidly approaching on June 1, Harris County officials are sounding the alarm and encouraging Inwood Park residents to take action now. In observance of National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 4–10), local agencies, including the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM), Harris County Public Health (HCPH), and CenterPoint Energy, have launched coordinated campaigns to help community members prepare for the risks of hurricanes and tropical storms.
“The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season is less than one month away. Now is the time for everyone to take the steps they need to prepare,” said Mark Sloan, Harris County Emergency Management Coordinator. “Being prepared is a shared responsibility. While the county continues to work year-round in disaster planning and preparedness efforts, everyone should prepare themselves and their families.”
Steps Inwood Park Residents Should Take Now
In a series of preparedness announcements, county agencies have outlined key actions residents can take to stay safe during hurricane season:
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Prepare your home: Secure outdoor items, reinforce windows and doors, and weatherproof vulnerable areas.
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Buy flood insurance: Policies through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) have a 30-day waiting period and are unavailable when a storm is active in the Gulf. Visit FloodSmart.gov for more information.
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Know your evacuation zone: Use the Zip Zone Evacuation Map to determine if you're in a storm surge risk area.
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Build a personalized emergency kit: Pack essential items such as food, water, medications, pet supplies, and hygiene products. Consider purchasing essential items like a propane stove and battery-operated fan listed in this curated guide, which was published in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.
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Create a family communication plan: Make sure all family members know where to go and how to stay in contact.
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Protect your health: Ensure vaccinations are up to date and plan for any medical needs, such as refrigerated medications or special mobility devices.
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Register with STEAR: Residents needing transportation or additional assistance during an evacuation can register via the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) at 2-1-1 or Texas STEAR website.
“It is important to personalize your emergency kit and develop a plan that fits your family’s needs, as well as stay informed during the hurricane season,” added Sloan.
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CenterPoint Energy Strengthens Grid and Response Capabilities
As part of its Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI), CenterPoint Energy is implementing sweeping infrastructure improvements across its 12-county service area to better withstand hurricane impacts. The company has installed 25,000 storm-resilient poles, 4,850 automated devices, cleared vegetation from 4,000 miles of lines, and undergrounded 400 miles of electrical infrastructure.
In addition to system upgrades, CenterPoint is:
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Donating and installing 21 emergency backup generators at critical facilities.
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Hosting community preparedness events and webinars.
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Launching an improved Outage Tracker available in English and Spanish.
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Coordinating joint response exercises with emergency partners.
“Hurricane Preparedness Week is an important reminder for all of us to get ready for the 2025 Hurricane Season,” said Tony Gardner, CenterPoint Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. “From now and throughout the hurricane season, we'll continue working every day to be better prepared for extreme weather and achieve our ultimate goal of building the most resilient coastal grid in the country.”
Harris County Flood Control District Monitoring and Alert Systems
Jeff Lindner, Meteorologist and Director of Hydrologic Operations at the Harris County Flood Control District, emphasized the need for early action and technical readiness. “Every year, we recalibrate our equipment, check rainfall gauges for accuracy, and ensure all systems are operational. Many people think they’re ready until a storm hits—then they realize they’re not. Now is the time to prepare.”
Lindner urges Inwood Park residents to sign up for real-time alerts and monitor storm developments through the HCFCD Flood Warning System.
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Where to Find More Hurricane Preparedness Resources
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Harris County Public Health Prioritizes Wellness During Disasters
Preparedness isn’t only about physical safety. Harris County Public Health is working to ensure that residents maintain access to critical health services during disasters. Additionally, HCPH advises residents to be aware of potential health risks following a storm, including exposure to contaminated water and the increased likelihood of foodborne illnesses.
“Hurricane season brings unpredictable challenges, but knowing your health needs and preparing for them can save lives,” said Alison Hare, Director of Public Health Preparedness and Response. “We urge all community members to take steps now to safeguard their families by working with providers to ensure access to medications and other resources.”
Inwood Park residents can download the “Disasters and Your Health” booklet here, available in 10 languages, or call HCPH at 713-439-6000 for further resources.
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Stay Safe, Stay Ready
As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, Harris County officials stress that preparation today can save lives and property tomorrow. From securing flood insurance to creating a family communication plan and registering for emergency assistance, each step residents take now helps build a more resilient community.
By staying informed through trusted sources like ReadyHarris, HCFCD, and CenterPoint Energy, and taking advantage of local resources, residents across Greater Houston can face hurricane season with greater confidence and safety.
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.
