Harris County Emergency Management Program

Harris County, Texas, is susceptible to various natural hazards, including floods, tornadoes, tropical storms, and hurricanes. These hazards pose a threat to residents' safety and can cause property damage, economic disruption, and impact the overall quality of life¹. To address these challenges, Harris County has established a comprehensive emergency management program led by the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HCOHSEM)². One of the key initiatives of this program is the revamped ReadyHarris.org website, which provides residents with user-friendly information on disaster preparedness and real-time alerts during emergencies³. Furthermore, Harris County has commissioned an independent review of its emergency response systems to continuously improve and identify gaps in its response to future disasters³.

Threats and Vulnerabilities

Harris County faces a range of threats and vulnerabilities. Flooding is a significant concern due to the county's flat terrain and extensive network of bayous and waterways¹. The impact of flooding was clearly demonstrated during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which caused widespread devastation and highlighted the need for robust flood mitigation measures. In addition to natural hazards, the county is also vulnerable to technological and man-made incidents, such as chemical spills, industrial accidents, and cyberattacks⁴.

The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) provides insights into the county's susceptibility to the adverse effects of disasters. Harris County has a high SVI score of 0.72, indicating that it is more vulnerable than 72% of counties nationwide⁵. This vulnerability is attributed to factors such as socioeconomic conditions, household composition, minority status, language barriers, and housing type⁵. These factors can hinder residents' ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)

While the specific Harris County COOP was not found in the provided research material² general information about COOPs was⁶. A Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) is a critical component of emergency management. It outlines procedures to ensure that essential departmental functions can continue during and after an emergency, threat, or disruptive event⁷. COOPs typically include:

• Essential functions: Identifying the most critical functions that must be maintained during an emergency.
• Order of succession: Establishing a clear line of authority and decision-making in the absence of key personnel.
• Communication plan: Ensuring effective communication with staff, stakeholders, and the public.
• Facilities: Identifying alternate locations for operations if primary facilities are unavailable.
• Vital records management: Protecting and preserving essential records and data.

Emergency Management Procedures

Harris County has implemented various procedures to maintain essential departmental functions during emergencies. These procedures include:

• Incident Command System (ICS): A standardized approach to incident management that facilitates coordination and communication among various agencies and organizations⁸. The ICS provides a clear framework for managing resources, assigning tasks, and ensuring accountability during emergencies.
• Emergency Operations Center (EOC): A central command and control facility that coordinates emergency response activities⁸. The EOC serves as a hub for information gathering, decision-making, and resource allocation during emergencies.
• Evacuation plans: Procedures for evacuating residents from areas at risk of flooding or other hazards⁹. These plans include designated evacuation routes, transportation assistance, and shelter locations.
• Public communication: Disseminating timely and accurate information to the public through various channels, including websites, social media, and emergency alerts³. Effective communication is crucial for keeping residents informed about potential hazards, evacuation orders, and available resources.
• Accessible Alerts program: In partnership with Deaf Link, Harris County offers the Ready Harris Accessible Alert Program¹⁰. This program ensures that residents who are deaf, blind, or hard of hearing receive accessible alert messages before, during, and after emergencies.

To ensure the continuity of essential functions, Harris County's COOP requires that the plan be operational within 12 hours of activation and be able to sustain essential operations until termination¹¹. In situations where essential personnel cannot reach their workplaces, the director or a designated representative will contact non-essential employees to assist in carrying out critical tasks¹¹.

Proactive Approach to Emergency Management

Harris County demonstrates a proactive approach to improving its emergency response systems. The county is committed to continuous improvement through initiatives such as the independent review of emergency response systems and the revamped ReadyHarris.org website³. These efforts aim to enhance the county's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters effectively.

Resources for Businesses

Harris County offers a range of resources to help businesses with business continuity and disaster planning. These resources include:

• Disaster loans: Low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help businesses repair or replace damaged property¹². These loans provide crucial financial assistance to businesses impacted by disasters.
• Technical assistance: Guidance and support from organizations like the Lift Fund and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to help businesses develop disaster preparedness plans and access recovery resources¹³. This assistance helps businesses build resilience and minimize disruptions to their operations.
• Information and resources: Websites and online platforms like ReadyHarris.org and HGACbuy provide valuable information on disaster preparedness, recovery resources, and state-compliant contracts for disaster recovery³. These resources empower businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to prepare for and recover from emergencies.
• Small Business Recovery Fund (SBRF) Program: Established by Judge Hidalgo, the $30 million SBRF Program assists struggling small businesses that have been unable to obtain financial assistance from other COVID-19 relief programs³. This program provides a safety net for businesses facing economic challenges.
• Information on SBA disaster loans and fact sheets: ReadyHarris provides information on SBA disaster loans and fact sheets, which offer detailed guidance on accessing financial assistance for disaster recovery¹³.

H-GAC Resources for Businesses

In addition to the resources provided by Harris County, businesses can also access support through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC). H-GAC offers several resources to aid businesses in disaster recovery:

• HGACbuy: This program provides state-compliant contracts for businesses involved in disaster recovery, streamlining the procurement process and ensuring compliance with regulations¹⁵.
• Disaster recovery loans: H-GAC offers disaster recovery loans to help businesses overcome the financial challenges posed by disasters¹⁵.
• 211 Texas/United Way Helpline: By contacting the 211 Texas/United Way Helpline, businesses can access disaster recovery services and connect with relevant resources¹⁵.

Role of Businesses in Emergency Management

Businesses play a vital role in Harris County's emergency management program. They are encouraged to:

• Develop business continuity plans: Create plans to ensure that their operations can continue during and after an emergency. This includes identifying essential functions, establishing communication protocols, and securing backup resources.
• Communicate with employees and customers: Keep employees and customers informed about emergency procedures and safety measures. Clear and timely communication is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
• Support community recovery efforts: Contribute to community recovery efforts by providing resources, volunteers, or donations. Businesses can play an active role in helping their community rebuild and recover after a disaster.

Collaboration between Businesses and the County

Collaboration between businesses and Harris County is essential for effective emergency management. By working together, businesses and the county can improve preparedness, response, and recovery efforts¹⁶. This collaboration can involve participating in training exercises, sharing information and resources, and supporting community outreach and education initiatives.

Conclusion

Harris County faces a variety of threats and vulnerabilities, but through proactive planning and collaboration between government agencies, businesses, and residents, the community can work together to mitigate risks and enhance resilience. By understanding the county's emergency management program, businesses can play a crucial role in protecting their employees, customers, and assets, and contribute to a safer and more prepared community.

It is essential for both businesses and residents to take an active role in emergency preparedness. This includes developing personal emergency plans, building emergency kits, and staying informed about potential hazards. By working together and taking proactive steps, we can create a more resilient and prepared community that can effectively respond to and recover from any emergency.

Works cited

1. Mitigation Planning - Ready Harris, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.readyharris.org/Contact/Mitigation-Planning/Mitigation-Planning
2. Harris County Office of Emergency Management, accessed January 11, 2025, https://oem.harriscountytx.gov/
3. Emergency Management - Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, accessed January 11, 2025, https://cjo.harriscountytx.gov/Emergency-Management
4. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2023-2024 - University of Houston-Downtown, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.uhd.edu/documents/administration/emergency-management/2023-emergency-management-plan.pdf
5. Vulnerability to and Impacts from Disasters - Understanding Houston, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.understandinghouston.org/topic/disasters/vulnerability-impacts
6. Continuity of Operations Plan - the Texas Secretary of State, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/forms/continuity-of-operations-plan-overview-03-08-23.pdf
7. Brief Overview: COOP (Continuity of Operations Plan) Plan - OSPI, accessed January 11, 2025, https://ospi.k12.wa.us/sites/default/files/2022-12/briefoverview-continuityofoperationsplanning.pdf
8. 114 – Emergency Management, Homeland Security Operations, & All-Hazard Plans - Harris County Sheriff's Office, accessed January 11, 2025, https://hcsopolicy.com/policy/114-emergency-management-homeland-security-operations-all-hazard-plans/
9. Emergency Preparedness / Hurricanes - Harris County Department of Education, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.hcde-texas.org/hurricanes
10. Harris County: Home, accessed January 11, 2025, https://hct.ahasalerts.com/
11. Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plan Annex - City of Houston, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.houstontx.gov/ara/policies/COOPLAN-Continuity_Operations_Plan.pdf
12. Precinct 4 Disaster Recovery Resources, accessed January 11, 2025, https://cp4.harriscountytx.gov/disaster-resources
13. Harris County Disaster Recovery Resources, accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.readyharris.org/Resources/Harris-County-Disaster-Recovery-Resources
14. Business & Community Emergency Recovery Resources - Texas.gov, accessed January 11, 2025, https://gov.texas.gov/business/page/recover
15. Disaster Recovery Funding | Houston-Galveston Area Council (H ..., accessed January 11, 2025, https://www.h-gac.com/funding/disaster-recovery
16. ABR Industries Partners with Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, accessed January 11, 2025, https://abrind.com/abr-industries-partners-with-harris-county-office-of-homeland-security-and-emergency-management/