Preparedness - Extreme Weather

Extreme winter weather conditions in Harris County are expected later this week. Read through our winter weather guidance information below and check with your local news stations for the latest weather updates. 

For additional Harris County updates, visit Ready Harris. 

A flooded street

Dry Freeze Information and Resources

The National Weather Service has issued Hard Freeze and Wind Chill Watch alerts for Harris County and the surrounding areas. Additional watches and warnings are likely over the next three days as the cold front moved through the area.

Harris County community members should expect severe weather conditions and a multi-day dry freeze. Make sure you and your loved ones are prepared by reviewing our resource documents below. For more local updates visit Ready Harris and sign up for Ready Harris Alerts or ReadyHarris Accessible Alerts.


Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is the primary agency responsible for protecting the public's health in the event of a widespread public health emergency within Harris County. 

The Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response (OPHPR) within HCPH develops and implements a comprehensive, department-wide approach to prepare the community of Harris County to safely respond to and recover from public health emergencies. The office ensures an effective, coordinated response to disease outbreaks and weather-related disasters.


Power Outages

Losing power can occur during severe thunderstorms, extreme weather brought on by hurricanes and even winter weather like ice storms. While the time of year and temperature outside may impact the ways you keep yourself, your loved ones, and your home safe, review the common tips for what to do in the event you lose power below.

  • Use flashlights, not candles. Have extra batteries on hand.
  • Don’t burn anything in a fireplace that isn’t meant to be used inside and would create hazardous fumes. 
  • If you use a generator, don’t use it in an enclosed space; make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector. Carbon Dioxide gas has no odor, color or taste, but is deadly.


Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery

For Mold Remediation information and resources, please visit:  Texas Department of Health Services


Download Guidance for Food Establishments:
Post Disaster Food Protection
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Food Safety After Power Outage
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Extreme Heat Advisory

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Winter Weather

Personal Safety

  • Anyone exposed to extreme cold for long periods of time can get hypothermia, a significant and potentially dangerous drop in body temperature. 
  • However, the elderly are especially vulnerable. If their temperature drops to 95 degrees or lower, it can cause health problems. This can also happen in their homes, if there is little or no heat. 
  • Inside or out, if you are cold, dress warmly, stay hydrated and make sure you are eating enough. 
  • If you have elderly neighbors or family members, check on them. Make sure they have heat and ask if they need groceries or prescriptions picked up or delivered.

Pets

  • With below freezing temperatures, your pet(s) needs to be inside. 
  • If that isn’t possible, make sure they have a waterproof shelter, preferably raised off the ground, with dry, warm bedding. Give them fresh water frequently and plenty of food. 
  • Keep your cat inside, but be aware stray cats often try to keep warm by crawling up onto your car’s motor to keep warm. Honk your horn before starting your car to give them time to escape.
  • Buy enough pet food for several days so you don’t run out.

Protect Your Home

  • In a house, protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and pipes in unheated areas, such as attics, by wrapping them with rags, newspaper, trash bags, or insulation. When pipes freeze and break, they will flood your yard or home. 
  • Open the cabinets under sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated indoor air to circulate around the water pipes. 
  • Let indoor faucets drip, but don't run a heavy stream of water. 
  • Don’t put space heathers near furniture, clothing, people or pets and don’t leave them unattended.
  • Be careful of ice on steps, driveways and sidewalks. Consider using salt or sand to make them safer.

Roads

  • In extreme weather conditions, limit travel as much as possible as the conditions of roads can be unpredictable.
  • Watch the weather forecast. If there is snow or ice in your area, do not drive anywhere - especially at night when visibility is low.