In spring 2026, Houston-area residents’ disaster preparedness was assessed using measures from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Household Survey. This snapshot measures indicators of disaster preparedness in Fort Bend and Montgomery counties for the first time, provides additional estimates for Harris County and highlights how preparation varies across income levels and neighborhoods.
Key findings
- Most Houston-area residents worry about disasters, but most also feel at least somewhat prepared if one were to strike their community today.
- The average resident has taken five of the 10 key household preparedness actions tracked by FEMA. Those who feel more prepared have also taken more actions.
- Residents in higher-earning households feel more prepared and take more preparedness actions than those in lower-earning households.
- Four in 10 Houston-area residents own a generator that can be used to power their home during extended power outages, but ownership varies significantly by neighborhood and income level.
Local leaders and community organizations can leverage these findings to target investments and improve disaster readiness across the region.
