Government Emergency Resources

The following agencies coordinate emergency management in Greater Houston. Each has a defined role, and during a major event they work together through the regional emergency operations center.

City of Houston Office of Emergency Management

The City of Houston OEM coordinates municipal preparedness, response, and recovery for incidents within city limits. The office maintains the city's emergency operations center and publishes preparedness guidance specific to Houston neighborhoods. Non-emergency line: 713-884-4500. Website: houstonoem.org.

Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Harris County OHSEM coordinates emergency management across the county's 34 incorporated cities and unincorporated areas and operates ReadyHarris.org along with the AlertHarrisCounty notification system. The office maintains the county's evacuation zip-zone maps and shelter information. Non-emergency line: 713-881-3100. Website: readyharris.org.

National Weather Service Houston-Galveston

The NWS Houston-Galveston forecast office, based in League City, issues all watches, warnings, and advisories for the upper Texas coast, including hurricane, tornado, flash flood, and severe thunderstorm products. The office's website at weather.gov/hgx is the authoritative source for local forecasts and storm surge guidance.

FEMA Region 6

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Region 6 office, based in Denton, covers Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New Mexico. FEMA's role in Houston disasters typically begins after a federal disaster declaration and includes individual assistance, public assistance to local governments, and hazard mitigation funding. Website: fema.gov.

Texas Division of Emergency Management

TDEM coordinates state-level response across Texas and manages the state's emergency operations center in Austin. During major disasters affecting Houston, TDEM deploys resources including the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service search and rescue teams and the Texas State Guard. Website: tdem.texas.gov.

Harris County Flood Control District

Although not strictly an emergency management agency, the Flood Control District manages the bayou system that governs much of Houston's flood behavior and maintains rainfall and stream gauge data used during active flood events. Website: hcfcd.org.