Stay Connected When It Counts

In an emergency, timely and reliable information can save lives. Whether you're a Houston resident, visitor, or passing through the area, this page will help you stay alert and informed when conditions change.

Here you’ll find how to:

  • Sign up for local emergency alerts from the City of Houston, Harris County, and nearby areas

  • Get notifications about weather events, evacuations, shelter openings, and power outages

  • Choose the formats that work best for you, including text, email, voice, and accessible options like ASL videos or large print

Being connected means being prepared—no matter who you are or where you're from.

STEAR: Emergency Assistance Registry

Texans with disabilities or access needs can register with STEAR to receive evacuation help and other emergency assistance during disasters.

Register with STEAR

Ready Harris Emergency Notifications

Stay up to date with Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management alerts. Sign up for location-specific updates by phone, email, or text.

Sign Up for Ready Harris

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

WEAs are short emergency alerts sent directly to your cell phone—no sign-up required. Includes AMBER alerts, severe weather warnings, and presidential alerts.

Learn About WEA

Ready.gov Alert Systems

Find out how emergency alert systems work nationwide, including Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), EAS, and NOAA radio systems.

Visit Ready.gov Alerts

National Weather Service – Houston/Galveston

Access local forecasts, active warnings, radar data, and preparedness resources directly from the NWS Houston/Galveston office.

Visit NWS HGX

City of Houston Emergency Alerts

Sign up for official emergency notifications from the City of Houston. Stay informed about severe weather, evacuations, boil water notices, and more—delivered straight to your phone, email, or landline.

Visit Alerts Page

NOAA Weather Radio – Houston/Galveston

Get real-time, continuous broadcasts of weather warnings and forecasts via NOAA Weather Radio for the Houston/Galveston region.

NOAA Radio Info

FCC Emergency Alert System (EAS)

Learn how the EAS broadcasts critical emergency messages via radio, television, and other media during national and local emergencies.

Learn About EAS

Harris County ARES

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) provides resilient emergency communication support in Harris County during disasters and outages.

Learn About ARES

Port Houston Emergency Preparedness

Learn how Port Houston coordinates emergency preparedness and weather resilience efforts across regional transportation and shipping channels.

Visit Port Houston

When Alerts Are Typically Sent Out

Emergency alerts are sent out based on the severity, type, and timing of a situation. Below is a general guide to when you can expect notifications

    • Watch Alerts: Sent when conditions are favorable for dangerous weather. Stay informed and prepare.

    • Warning Alerts: Sent when severe weather is happening or imminent. Take immediate action.

    • Flood Watch: Sent when flooding is possible in your area.

    • Flood Warning: Sent when flooding is expected or already occurring.

    • Flash Flood Warning: Sent with little or no warning when rapid flooding is happening—respond immediately.

    • Heat Advisories / Excessive Heat Warnings: Sent when dangerous heat could impact health and safety.

    • Freeze Warnings / Wind Chill Alerts: Sent during extreme cold, especially when paired with power outages or icy road conditions.

  • Sent when the City or County opens emergency shelters or warming/cooling centers. These alerts often include location, hours, and accessibility info.

    • Voluntary Evacuation Notices: Sent when you are encouraged to evacuate based on conditions.

    • Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Sent when evacuation is required due to a serious threat.

    • Sent when extended outages are expected or planned, especially for medically vulnerable populations.

    • May include updates on restoration timelines and available support resources.

  • Sent during citywide or countywide emergencies, including major traffic shutdowns, chemical incidents, wildfires, or acts of violence.