Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to join my fellow chief meteorologists from across Houston for a meeting with the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management.
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It was the first time this group had come together since the pandemic. The goal is to make these gatherings an annual tradition once again, an important step in strengthening our collaboration during tropical storms, hurricanes, and other severe weather events.
We covered a lot of important ground during the meeting, but one topic that really stood out to me was a new study from Rice University’s Kinder Institute. Between April and May 2024, researchers surveyed more than 5,000 Houstonians about how prepared they feel for a disaster.
The results were eye-opening and honestly, pretty concerning. Only 8% of respondents felt adequately prepared. Just 32% had created an emergency plan, 26% had tested a family communication plan, and only 16% had practiced emergency drills.
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Given how frequently Houston faces weather-related disasters, those numbers are troubling. Over the past 40 years, our region has been hit by 52 federally declared disasters, according to FEMA, and more than a third of those happened in just the past decade.
What really shocked me, though, was this: living through a disaster didn’t make people more likely to prepare for the next one. That’s a surprising and somewhat unsettling finding.
We say it at the start of every hurricane season: Are you ready?
And according to the study, 58% of Harris County residents said they feel “somewhat prepared” for a disaster. But what does “somewhat” really mean? And more importantly, does “somewhat” keep your family safe or even comfortable when a disaster strikes?
We always say:
- Have a plan
- Make a kit
- Stay informed
But let’s be honest, how many of us actually have a plan or a fully stocked emergency kit?
This year, I want us to approach hurricane season differently. I want you to think about it like you’re getting ready for a vacation. Seriously, pretend you’re planning a trip.
Before you leave town, you double-check that all the lights are off, set the thermostat, make arrangements for your pets, and pack everything you might need. Your days are planned out, your clothes are picked, and you’re ready for anything that comes up.
That’s the kind of care and attention I want you to bring to your hurricane prep this year.
Start with the list below and treat it like your travel checklist. Because when the storm hits, “somewhat prepared” just won’t cut it.
Make sure you’ve gone through the items on this list. Some of them you can check off today; others become more important once a storm enters the Gulf. The goal is to avoid chaos before a disaster hits, not scramble during or after. Preparation means fewer surprises and a greater sense of control if a hurricane heads our way.
The next step? Build your hurricane kit.
It all starts at home. If you can make sure your family has what they need in case of a disaster, you’ll join the 8% of truly prepared people.
The reality is, most of us don’t make plans, and there are a couple of reasons why. Part of it is simply human nature. We tend to react to what’s right in front of us. The other part is the time we’re living in. We live in a “just in time” world where convenience is king. Flip a switch, and the lights come on. Open an app, and dinners are at your door. Run to the store, and the shelves are stocked.
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So why would we plan for something that might happen?
Because when those conveniences disappear, when power is out, stores are closed, and help is delayed, we’re suddenly vulnerable. And that’s when preparation matters most.
And if I could suggest one more step: get to know your neighbors. In a disaster, you might be their first responder, or they might be yours. A simple introduction today could make all the difference when it counts.
Mark this down:
Mark your calendar, our television hurricane special airs Thursday, June 5 at 7:00 PM. We’ll dive deeper into everything we’ve talked about here, plus share more tips and tools to help you and your family get ready for the upcoming hurricane season.
It’s all about preparation, peace of mind, and staying safe, so be sure to tune in.
