Hurricane Harvey Rescue

Houston Hurricane Resources: Important Numbers, Links, and Information

Hurricanes are a fact of life for Houston residents. While the season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th, it’s always wise to be prepared year-round. This comprehensive guide provides essential resources to help you stay up-to-date on storm threats, navigate evacuation and sheltering procedures, and find assistance during and after a hurricane.

Stay Up To Date

Emergency & Non-Emergency Numbers

  • 911– Only call in the event of a life-threatening emergency and stay on the line.
    • As a last resort to escape flood waters DO NOT stay in your attic. Get directly on to the roof in the event of rising waters and call 911. Keep calling
  • 311 – Evacuation assistance in Houston and to report flooding
  • 211 – Evacuation assistance outside of Houston
  • City of Houston Non-Emergency: 713-884-3131
  • Harris County Fire Marshall: 713-881-3100
    • call if you have a boat or high vehicle that can assist rescues
  • Harris County Planning and Logistics: 713-426-9404
    • Not for individuals, if you have a group that needs to be moved to a shelter
  • US Coast Guard Houston Command Center: 281-464-4851, also 281-464-(4852 through 4855)
  • National Guard: 713-578-3000
  • Evacuation Routes: 800-452-9292
  • City of Houston Help Line: 311
  • Centerpoint Energy (Outage Map):
    • Downed Power Lines: 713-207-2222
    • Natural Gas Issues: Do not to turn valves on or off if you smell gas. Leave the area ON FOOT immediately. Once away from the area, call 888-876-5786 to report.
  • City of Houston Office of Emergency Management: 713-884-4500
  • Harris County Emergency Management: 713-274-7000 (24/7)
  • Harris County Flood Control District: 713-684-4000

Evacuation/ Rescue Information During a Hurricane

Know Your Evacuation Zone. Houston uses a tiered evacuation system based on flood risk. Familiarize yourself with your zone by visiting the Harris County Flood Control District’s website or contacting your local emergency management office. Then plan your evacuation route in advance, considering traffic congestion and potential road closures. Utilize resources like the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) evacuation zone maps

  • Many private boat rescuers are using the Zello Walkie-Talkie app to contact people (Android) (IOS)
  • Houston TranStar: 713-881-3000
  • Drive Texas
  • Transportation Assistance: If you need transportation assistance during an evacuation, contact 2-1-1 (Harris County) or 3-1-1 (City of Houston) to register.

Shelter/ Lost-and-Found Information

A network of shelters open during evacuations. Locations and updates will be announced by local officials through news media and Ready Harris Alerts.

  • Red Cross Houston Shelters: 713-526-8300
  • Find Towed Vehicles: 713-308-8580
  • Find Family & Friends or Register Yourself Safe: Safe & Well
  • Report a Missing Child: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-866-908-9570

I’ve Flooded Now What?!

This article outlines your first and ongoing steps in the event your home or car has flooded during a hurricane.

State/ National

Donate/ Volunteer

After a disaster, like a hurricane or tropical storm, the helpers and volunteers and donations are generously given, but if they are not given appropriately they may never be connected with those who need them. Please only give responsibly. Remember anyone can set up a GoFundMe (or similar page) unless you know they organizer steer clear and donate where your generosity will have the most impact.

  • Volunteer:
  • Donations of Items:
    • Check with your local churches, if they are not flooded, many are setting up shelters
    • Donate blood – while there hasn’t been a specific call, in times of crisis its always appreciated to have stores on hand.
    • Direct Hope (helps Houston’s Homeless) – This is their Amazon Wishlist. Please send items to Direct Hope 4119 North Boulevard Park, Houston, Texas 77098. You can provide your personal phone number if they need it for contact purposes. They are also in need of non-perishables, bottled water, sleeping bags or clothing. Contact them if you would prefer to make a cash donation.
    • Nextdoor or Neighborhood facebook groups are great places to find out how and where to help your neighbors
  • Legitimate Places for Monetary Donations

Remember, preparation is key! In the event of a hurricane you may not have cellular or internet access. As such, we have a page with these resources listed in our the Hurricane Printable be sure to grab it before you may need it.

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