Introduction to Hurricane Season
Ahead of an Atlantic hurricane season predicted to be more active than average, a survey conducted by Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research found that few residents of the Houston area feel “very well-prepared” for the next major storm. The survey results are concerning, especially since the region has been impacted by several federally declared disasters in recent years.
Survey Results
Based on the 2024 survey results, the Kinder Institute found that only 8% of Harris County residents reported feeling “very well-prepared” for a disaster, while 58% of respondents felt at least “somewhat prepared.” Residents had completed an average of 4 out of 10 preparedness actions recommended by FEMA, such as storm-hardening and insuring their homes, creating emergency plans, and signing up for alerts and warnings.
Importance of Preparation
According to Daniel Potter, director of the Kinder Institute’s Houston Population Research Center, preparation is key to minimizing the impact of disasters. "There are things we can be doing. There are steps we can be taking,” Potter said. “We’re not going to prepare our way out of our next disaster, but by taking particular steps and being a little more prepared, we’re setting ourselves up to have a better recovery afterwards.”
Hurricane Season Predictions
Atlantic hurricane season spans from June through November. A year after Hurricane Beryl devastated the Houston region, experts at Colorado State University are predicting a total of 17 named storms in 2025. Nine of those storms are expected to become hurricanes, with four predicted to be major hurricanes, according to Phil Klotzbach, a research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State.
Expert Insights
Klotzbach has been making hurricane forecasts for the last 14 years and noted that the predicted activity is not as high as what was seen last year. "We put out our first forecast on April 3, and at that point we did call for an above-normal hurricane season — not as much activity as what we saw last year," Klotzbach said during a recent appearance on Hello Houston.
Conclusion
The survey results and hurricane season predictions serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and planning for natural disasters. By taking steps to prepare, residents of the Houston area can minimize the impact of future storms and ensure a better recovery. It is crucial for individuals to take initiative and complete the recommended preparedness actions to ensure their safety and well-being during the upcoming hurricane season.
