Resiliency in the HeART of Houston
How Downtown Houston prepares for disaster, responds to emergencies, and recovers—together.
Downtown is a connected system of people, buildings, transit, utilities and public spaces.
When severe weather or other emergencies disrupt that system, Downtown Houston+ works alongside public agencies and operational partners to share verified information, assess impacts on the ground, and support a faster, safer recovery.
Each spring, ahead of hurricane season, we convene public partners and property stakeholders to review Downtown's Emergency Response Plan, clarify roles, and strengthen communications.
Weather drives most activations, but the plan is built to support many types of emergencies, from flooding and power disruptions to hazardous incidents and active threats.
Take these steps to help you prepare, then see how we come together for Downtown Houston.
What we do in an emergency
Share verified information
We monitor official updates from emergency management, weather, and partner agencies, then pass along timely information through our website, email and other communications channels.
Assess impacts on the ground
When it is safe to do so, our teams document conditions across Downtown, identify access issues and damage, and gather updates from stakeholders.
Support recovery
We coordinate with public and private partners to understand conditions, communicate restrictions, support cleanup, and help the district move toward reopening.
Our Partners
When emergencies strike, we work alongside public safety, infrastructure, transportation, weather, and emergency management partners across the region.
Our partners include:
Houston Police Department | Houston Fire Department
City of Houston Office of Emergency Management
Houston Transtar | METRO | Harris County | CenterPoint Energy
What This Means For You
For Property Managers
- Keep a building-specific emergency plan current
- Maintain tenant and emergency contact lists
- Be prepared to communicate shelter-in-place, evacuation or closure instructions
- After an event, report property damage and operating status so districtwide recovery efforts have accurate information
For Business Owners
- Know your building's procedures
- Back up critical systems and records
- Secure loose items before severe weather
- Have a plan to communicate with employees and reopen safely after an event
For Residents & Employees
- Sign up for alerts
- Learn your building's procedures
- Follow official guidance during emergencies, especially around closures, shelter-in-place notices, and evacuation routes
Stay Connected
Wireless Emergency Alerts
Urgent life-safety alerts sent directly to your phone. These may already be enabled.
Alert Houston
City of Houston emergency notifications for citywide and neighborhood-level incidents.
Harris County Alerts
Major event and preparedness updates from Harris County by email or text.
METRO Service Alerts
Transit updates that may affect commutes and service access.
The Art of Resilience
Resilience in Downtown is not only about enduring disruption. It is also about connection, mutual support, and renewal.
Funded by the City of Houston and Houston Arts Alliance (HAA), this commissioned poster series reflects those ideas through imagery of pulse, protection, growth and collective care—reminding us that recovery is something a community builds together.
