Planning for the next disaster: Household preparedness in the Houston area

This survey snapshot examines household disaster preparedness among residents of Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties in the Houston area. Conducted by the Greater Houston Community Panel, the survey used measures from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Household Survey and was administered online in April-May 2026, receiving responses from over 8,300 adults. It assesses preparedness levels and actions across counties, income categories, and neighborhoods, applying sampling weights to reflect regional diversity. The data provide new insights for Fort Bend and Montgomery counties and update estimates for Harris County.

The snapshot finds that while most Houston-area residents worry about disasters, most feel at least somewhat prepared, with the typical household taking five out of ten key preparedness actions. Higher income is linked to greater feelings of preparedness and more actions, with notable gaps between income groups. Generator ownership stands at four in ten overall but ranges by both county and neighborhood. The authors recommend that local leaders use these findings to guide investments that address gaps in preparedness and promote equitable resilience. Residents seeking to improve preparedness are encouraged to consult resources on county and state websites.