Hurricane Awareness

MAAPnext wants to provide information that will help equip and prepare Harris County residents to face any potential weather events – especially during hurricane season. By working together and staying vigilant, we can educate residents about flooding risks and help them prepare.

As we've seen in recent years, hurricanes can bring devastating flooding, storm surge, and wind damage to our community. Through educating the public about storm risks and safety, we can reduce the risks and prepare ourselves for whatever the season may bring. Let's work together to ensure a safer, more resilient Harris County.

Get the information you need

In Harris County, flooding tops the list of natural threats to our homes, businesses, and valued property.
Click here to find out more about the Flood Warning System

Every structure in Harris County should have flood insurance.

Watch the video to find out more

UNDERSTAND YOUR FLOOD INSURANCE

In Harris County, the cost of not having flood insurance is often far more expensive than the cost of annual flood insurance premiums. Just one inch of water inside a structure can cause thousands of dollars in damages.

FEMA may reimburse some expenses or provide housing assistance if there is a Presidential Disaster Declaration.

However, as long as you have flood insurance, you can file a claim regardless of whether or not there is a Presidential Disaster Declaration.

Flood insurance can be purchased by any homeowner, renter, or business owner in Harris County.

This includes those who live or do business in Houston, unincorporated Harris County or any of the other 33 municipalities in Harris County. Flood insurance rates are set by the federal government and depend on several factors. The primary factor that determines the insurance premium is a structures flooding risk as shown on the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, Flood Insurance Rate Map, known as a FIRM. FIRMs change frequently, so please visit msc.fema.gov to create a current map, or contact your insurance agent.

Most structures located within a 1% regulatory or coastal floodplain with a federally backed mortgage are required to have flood insurance.

This applies to mortgages backed by Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or Veterans Affairs (VA) loans. However, mortgage lenders also have the authority to require flood insurance for structures outside high-risk flood areas.

Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage to your structures or the contents.

Some insurance plans will cover minor damage from rain, but if your home fills with water as a result of rising creeks, bayous, or another body of water, you will not be covered.

HOW TO BUY FLOOD INSURANCE LEARN MORE ABOUT FLOODING

Prepare Your Hurricane Kit

In addition to knowing your risk, an important part of preparedness is making a hurricane kit. Working in advance is key to make sure you’re in the event you have to shelter in place or evacuate your home. Below are a few items we suggest including in your hurricane kit:

Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
Non-perishable Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Manual can opener (for food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Waterproof bags for important documents
Extra prescription medications (Note: about half of all Americans take prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions to prepare for an emergency.)

Consider the following items based on your personal situation:

Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxatives
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler’s checks
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children

Harris County MAAPNext