Meteorologists are forecasting an above-average hurricane season this year, expecting 20-25 named storms, including 8-12 hurricanes and 4-7 major hurricanes across the Atlantic basin. Hurricanes are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena, posing significant threats to life and property. In addition to high winds and heavy rains, hurricanes and tropical storms can spawn tornadoes, create storm surges along the coast, and cause inland flooding, leading to power outages and utility disruptions.
Preparation is key to staying safe during a hurricane. This year’s hurricane season is set to extend from June 1 through November 30. Knowing what actions to take before, during, and after a hurricane can increase your chances of survival and minimize damage to your property. The best time to prepare is before the season begins.
Start by creating a family emergency plan and reviewing it with every household member. Check your disaster supply kit, ensuring you have enough supplies for each family member, including pets. Review your insurance policies and safeguard important documents in a waterproof container. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and have a plan in place if necessary. Take steps to prepare your home, such as boarding windows and securing outdoor items, and ensure your vehicles and generators are fueled.
Additionally, put together a go-bag for yourself with essential supplies. Here’s a checklist to help you get started:
- Water and food: At least a 3-day supply
- First aid kit
- Medications
- Change of clothes (including uniform and boots)
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Cell phone chargers
- Raingear
- Personal hygiene items and sanitation supplies
- Always prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you by following the guidance of local officials and evacuating if instructed to do so. Stay safe, Harris County!
WATCH: Flood Safety Tips
Celebrating National Corrections Week
In honor of National Corrections Week, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office organized a special Employee Appreciation Lunch, honoring the dedication and hard work of our detention officers and other teammates.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez joined the command staff in serving meals to our corrections teammates, acknowledging their tireless efforts and sacrifices made by our frontline personnel. HCSO also welcomed several vendors who came out to express their gratitude for our corrections teammates. This shows the crucial role they play in maintaining safety in our jails.
In addition to enjoying a delicious meal served by the command staff, attendees had the opportunity to unwind with a free massage onsite. This provided much-needed relaxation for our hardworking teammates, recognizing the demanding nature of their roles and the significance of self-care.
To all our dedicated corrections teammates: Your commitment and dedication do not go unnoticed. You are the backbone of our corrections system, and we deeply appreciate your service and sacrifice. Thank you for everything you do to safeguard our community.
HCSO In The News
Click2Houston: How Harris County Deputy John Coddou’s wife honored her husband at his funeral
HARRIS COUNTY – Harris County Deputy John Coddou’s wife talked about her husband with laughter and tears at his funeral Wednesday.
We were going to write a story about how Kathleen Coddou honored her husband, but we thought you might like to hear or read her words — all of them.
CNN rode along with sheriff’s office to witness rescue of people amid floods
CNN’s Rosa Flores reports on the floods in Harris County, Texas, where at least 224 people have been rescued from homes and vehicles, according to officials
East Aldine: Traffic safety liaison speaks from shocking experience
Tess Rowland’s journey to becoming the Community Traffic Safety Initiatives Liaison for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is not just a career move; it’s a testament to her unwavering dedication to making roads safer for everyone.
HCSO Teammates of the Week
Harris County Sheriff’s Office Teammates of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the HCSO highlight exceptional teammates who serve others above and beyond their duties. We regularly receive positive emails, thank you notes, and phone calls from the community.
“Officer Gallo pulled me over for a minor traffic law violation on 3/27/24. In the hand full of times, I have been pulled over in the past 50 years of operating motor vehicles, I have always felt like I was being treated as a “GUILTY” criminal the moment the officer addressed me with why I was pulled over, whether I was issued a citation or not. From the moment he approached and addressed me till we parted, he treated me with respect and professionalism with an attitude that WAS NOT judgmental or antagonizing,” said a Harris County resident.
“He informed me of my infraction of the law with a reminder to be more careful and attentive to obeying our traffic laws in a way that actually made me want to not make the same mistake again in the future. My thanks to him for that, as it felt good to come away from this encounter knowing there are still some people who are in the tough and dangerous public servant duty career who still can treat an obvious non-threatening person in a respectful way and still do their duty and get their point across.”
Deputy Gallo started his law enforcement career in the Hedwig Village Police Department in 2000. He joined HCSO in 2013 and is currently assigned to District 4 Patrol in West Harris County.
“I am a 61-year-old man without a criminal history, and on March 2, 2024, I wound up in Harris County Jail. My reason for being jailed is of no importance here. However, my experience in jail is notable. While being processed, one man stood out to me and, surely, everyone else in the pretrial services waiting room. That man is Detention Officer Lee. His presence in that room was huge. Having spent about 12 hours watching Officer Lee, he commanded respect, not by intimidation but with genuine dignity, humor, and care. He garnered respect from the nearly 200 individuals cramped up in the waiting area, and a couple of times that trouble presented itself, Officer Lee promptly diffused the situation with humor or presented some “street logic,” said a Harris County resident. “I learned that some of these officers were working 16-hour shifts and was amazed by his energy for the entire shift. I and many others are grateful for this man’s character and understanding of his brothers and sisters’ plight during his watch.”
Detention Officer Rodney Lee Jr. joined our agency in September 2023 and is currently working in the Joint Processing Center.
Shred-It Event
Safeguard your identity and protect yourself from identity theft! Join us and AARP for a FREE community paper-shredding event hosted by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at East Aldine Management District, located at 2909 E. Aldine Amphitheatre Dr., Houston, Texas 77039.
Dispose of confidential documents safely and learn valuable tips on identity protection. The event is open to all, regardless of AARP membership.
RSVP is required at https://events.aarp.org/TX-518-HShred or by calling 1-877-926-8300.
HCSO to the Rescue!
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and other teammates from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office conducted water rescues in North and East Harris County.
The unwavering commitment of law enforcement to serve and protect all members of the community is truly admirable!
Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office honor the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities who have enriched our nation with their culture. Let’s celebrate and recognize their contributions!
Harris County Jury Duty Scams Awareness
In honor of Jury Appreciation Week, Major Saul Suarez from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office joined Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgress at a press conference to raise awareness about jury duty scams in Harris County.
If you believe you’re a victim of this scam, call 713-221-6000. Remember, the HCSO will never contact you by phone for missing Jury Duty.
Honoring Our Heroes
Join the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024, for an event presented by Kroger to honor local first responders. The event will occur at Kroger Marketplace, at 2700 West Grand Parkway N, Katy, Texas, 77449.
All customers, family, and friends are welcome. Military and first responders will be eligible for recognition and giveaways. Activities include food trucks, car shows, career opportunities, food sampling, and much more. See you there!
HCSO Citizens’ Police Academy Class for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The HCSO Citizens’ Police Academy Class #58 for the Deaf community were fortunate to have a variety of guest speakers share their expertise. This marks the second HCSO CPA Class for this community, and their enthusiasm is notable. Currently, there are 16 participants enrolled in the class, set to graduate next week on Wednesday, May 15.
Our own 911 Administrative Coordinator Tim Staten, presented on emergency communication, while Stephanie Haechten from the City of Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities also contributed by sharing beneficial resources. Deputy Investigator Dean Tinnin delivered an informative presentation about Crime Scene Unit operations and Sgt. Jose Gomez from the Behavioral Health Unit led an engaging and interactive discussion about the importance of mental health.
Participants actively engaged in Multiple Interactive Learning Objective (MILO) scenarios and mock traffic stops, gaining valuable insights. We extend our thanks to Baker Ripley House for hosting and Starbucks for providing refreshments.