JUNE 2025

Discover the latest updates from the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) in our June 2025 segment of What's Happening at H-GAC. In this episode, we delve into key initiatives, regional developments, and upcoming events that impact our communities. Stay informed about the efforts shaping the Houston-Galveston region and learn how H-GAC is working towards a more sustainable and connected future.

Learn more about events at the Houston-Galveston Area Council at

👉 h-gac.com/calendar

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H-GAC, the regional agency responsible for publishing official evacuation zones and routes for the 13-county Houston-Galveston area, is urging residents to get and stay prepared as the 2025 hurricane season is forecasted to be more active than usual.

Official hurricane forecasts released last week by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict a higher-than-average number of named storms and major hurricanes due to unusually warm sea surface temperatures and other climate indicators. These factors increase the likelihood that the Houston-Galveston region may be impacted by tropical storms or hurricanes this year.

“This season is expected to bring more storms with greater intensity, so preparation is more important than ever,” said Francis Rodriguez, principal program coordinator of Incident Management at H-GAC. “The single most important thing you can do today is know your evacuation zone and route.”

The ZIP-code-based evacuation zone map and state-designated evacuation routes are available at h-gac.com/hurricane. These routes are designed to move residents efficiently and safely away from areas at high risk. They are supported by the Texas Department of Public Safety with first responders, essential supplies, and access to gas and food resources along the way.

“The painful lessons of past storms like Hurricane Rita in 2005, which saw more than 100 lives lost due to uncoordinated evacuations, highlight why planning ahead, acting early, and using designated routes are vital for safety,” Rodriguez added.

To understand your storm surge risk and determine if you live in an evacuation zone, click the map above and locate your ZIP code on the chart.

For residents whose ZIP codes are not listed on the chart or who live inland, you should shelter in place, keeping roadways clear and allowing those in danger to evacuate further inland.

In an evacuation zone? The click and save the map above showing the evacuation routes you should take. Have a plan and be prepared to leave if your ZIP code is called to evacuate.

In addition to knowing evacuation zones and routes, H-GAC encourages families to assemble emergency kits, gather important documents, and develop a communication plan.

“Our hurricane guide makes it easy to prepare,” said Rodriguez. “It includes evacuation maps, checklists, tips for older adults and medically fragile individuals, and even pet boarding guidance.”

The H-GAC Hurricane Preparedness Guide is available online at h-gac.com/hurricane, including a Spanish-language version and downloadable resources for families and community organizations.

If a hurricane hits tomorrow—would you be ready?

Watch to learn how to prepare your hurricane kit!

When disaster strikes, recovery can feel overwhelming. But communities and residents in the Houston-Galveston region don’t have to face the aftermath alone. H-GAC offers a range of resources designed to help local governments and individuals get back on their feet.

Funding for recovery and rebuilding

H-GAC helps connect communities to funding resources that support disaster recovery and long-term rebuilding. Whether it's assistance for damaged infrastructure, housing recovery, or rebuilding public facilities, our goal is to help communities restore what was lost and build back stronger. Explore available funding opportunities, application guidance, and more at h-gac.com/funding/disaster-recovery.

Disaster debris cleanup support

Cleaning up after a disaster is one of the first and most crucial steps toward recovery. H-GAC offers tools and templates that local governments can use to educate residents about safe, effective debris cleanup. These materials are available for co-branding and can be shared through social media, flyers, or public meetings to keep residents informed and reduce confusion during high-stress times.

Access these disaster debris management resources at h-gac.com/solid-waste-management/disaster-debris-cleanup-and-management/resources.

Also make plans to attend our annual disaster debris workshop and webinar in July. See below for dates and additional details.

Supporting resilience across the region

H-GAC remains committed to supporting disaster resilience and recovery throughout the region. By equipping local leaders and residents with the funding, tools, and information they need, we’re helping communities rebuild and prepare for whatever comes next.

Severe weather events are becoming more frequent in the Houston-Galveston region. Summer brings a range of challenges – extreme heat, strong storms, flooding, hurricanes, and even wildfires. Texas experiences more billion-dollar weather events than any other state, highlighting the need for strong community preparedness and long-term resilience.

Preparing for severe weather can include infrastructure improvements such as weatherization, which helps buildings withstand the elements. Simple steps like sealing gaps and cracks around doors and windows, improving insulation, and upgrading windows can help maintain indoor comfort. These measures may also lower energy costs, reduce health risks associated with extreme temperatures, and improve energy efficiencies.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Program offers a Weatherization Assistance Program to support these upgrades.

H-GAC also provides valuable resources to assist residents and local governments in preparing for emergencies including practical guidance to help you stay informed and ready in the face of severe weather.

Together, we can strengthen our communities and prepare for the future.

Click here to learn about H-GAC's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program.

As hurricane season begins, now is the time to make sure you and your community are prepared—not just with supplies, but with up-to-date emergency information. One major step toward stronger regional preparedness: the Gulf Coast Regional 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District (the District) has successfully transitioned all 23 Emergency Communication Centers across its eight-county region to the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) system—well ahead of the statewide deadline of September 1.

This upgrade marks a significant step forward in emergency response. NG911 is an internet-protocol (IP)-based system that enables digital information—such as voice calls, videos, and text messages—to flow seamlessly from the public to emergency communications centers. This modernized system enhances accuracy, speed, and reliability during emergencies, helping first responders reach those in need more efficiently.

The transition includes emergency communication centers in Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Liberty, Matagorda, Walker, Waller, and Wharton counties, as well as the municipalities within them.

Verify your address for 9-1-1 accuracy

Residents and business owners in the District are encouraged to verify that their address information is up to date—especially those using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone systems.

Residents and business owners in the eight-county Gulf Coast Regional 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District can visit the District website to submit a request to verify their address to ensure their VoIP phone systems are in compliance with the Ray Baum’s Act. The Ray Baum’s Act requires having a dispatchable location regardless of the technology platform used, including Multi-Line Telephone Systems. 



This proactive move strengthens the region’s emergency response infrastructure and reflects the District’s commitment to public safety through innovation.

Residential VoIP 9-1-1 Calling

Business VoIP 9-1-1 Calling

Registration is requested, but not required, to attend in person. Registration is required to attend online. For more information, contact Cornell Evans Jr. 

JUN 26

H-GAC continues its three-part 2025 Livable Centers Roundtable and Workshop Series – exploring the critical connections between transportation planning, design, and public health. This series brings together experts and practitioners to discuss how the built environment, transportation systems, and planning decisions influence community health, and how we can work across disciplines to create healthier, more livable communities. 

This series is a must-attend for urban planners, transportation planners, public health professionals, designers, policymakers, and community leaders interested in shaping a future where the built environment supports well-being for all. Participants can attend any or all events.  

Remaining events in the series include:

• Roundtable 2 – Designing Healthy Communities, 9 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, June 26. Space is limited. Registration is requested.
• Annual Land Use/Transportation Workshop — Health-Conscious Communities: Integrating Urban Design, Planning, and Public Health, 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, September 18. Registration is requested.

All events are held at H-GAC in conference rooms on the second floor. Participant networking is from 9 to 9:30 a.m. for each event. Program activities begin at 9:30 a.m. each day.

For more information, contact Sarai Osorio at livablecenters@h-gac.com.

For more information, contact Steven Johnston. 

Topics and registration information will be provided soon.

To receive updates on these workshops, email swinformation@h-gac.com.

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