Galveston County, TX

September 13, 2023 marks the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Ike, a devastating Category 2 hurricane that made landfall on Galveston Island. The storm caused widespread damage and destruction, leaving thousands of people homeless and businesses without power.

The Galveston County Office of Emergency Management (GCOEM) is committed to helping our community prepare for and respond to hurricanes and other natural disasters. In the years since Hurricane Ike, we have made significant progress in improving our emergency preparedness and response capabilities. We have developed new plans and procedures, invested in new equipment and technology, and trained our staff on the latest best practices.

We know that we can never fully prevent another hurricane from making landfall in Galveston County, but we are confident that we are better prepared to handle the next storm. We urge all residents and businesses to take hurricane preparedness seriously. Make sure you have a plan in place and that you are prepared to evacuate if necessary.

We are grateful for the resilience and strength of our community. We have come a long way since Hurricane Ike, and we are committed to building a stronger, more resilient Galveston County.

Here are some tips for hurricane preparedness:

• Have a plan in place. This includes knowing your evacuation route and having a place to go if you need to leave your home.
• Make sure you have a disaster kit. This should include food, water, first aid supplies, and other essential items.
• Stay informed about the latest weather conditions and forecasts. 
• Be prepared to evacuate if necessary. This means having a plan for how you will get to your evacuation destination and what you will do with your pets.