Loading city guide...
Your comprehensive, actionable guide to navigating emergencies in Houston.
This guide uses AI-researched data and is being verified by our team. Routes and locations should be confirmed before use in an emergency.
Houston's primary evacuation corridors are I-10 West to San Antonio and I-45 North to Dallas. During mandatory hurricane evacuations, Texas DOT activates contraflow lanes, making all lanes one-directional outbound. I-69/US-59 Northeast provides a less congested alternative through East Texas piney woods.
CRITICAL: Do not wait for mandatory evacuation orders during major hurricanes. Early voluntary evacuation avoids the gridlock that stranded thousands during Hurricane Rita (2005). Keep your vehicle fueled above half-tank during hurricane season (June-November).
Communication: Establish text-based contact methods (texts go through when calls cannot). Designate an out-of-state contact person as a message relay hub. Download Harris County emergency apps before storm season.
Meeting Points: Primary: Nearest high-ground school or church. Secondary: NRG Center area (familiar to most Houstonians). Out-of-area: Pre-arranged host family in San Antonio or Dallas.
Roles: Person A: Gather documents, medications, and charge devices. Person B: Load go-bags, secure home (board windows if time). Person C: Coordinate family, manage pets, confirm evacuation route status with TxDOT.
Use this guide as a base for your personalized strategy.