Governor Abbott issues proclamation for Hurricane Preparedness Week

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently issued a proclamation for Hurricane Preparedness Week. The official hurricane season starts this Sunday on June 1.

The proclamation reads:

Hurricanes have posed major threats to the people, infrastructures, and economy ofTexas due to their intense nature before, during, and after they hit landfall. Characterized by excessive rainfall, flooding, storm surges, and destructive high-speed winds, hurricanes can endanger many lives and cause significant property damage. Texans must be proactive in preparing their property and communities for the upcoming hurricane season.

As we move into summer months, we must remember that our coastal and inland communities are particularly vulnerable to hurricanes from June through November. The 2025 Hurricane Season could bring another active, and potentially volatile, wave of hurricanes and tropical storms that Texans should be prepared for in advance. This year, the National Hurricane Center will be able to issue an advisory up to 72 hours before the anticipated arrival of storm surge or tropical-storm-force winds on land.

To prepare for a hurricane, homes and outdoor objects should be secured to withstand hurricane-force winds, build an emergency kit with essential supplies such as food and water, create a detailed emergency plan that identifies high-risk flood areas to avoid, stay continuously informed through reliable weather updates, and be ready to evacuate and follow authorities’ instructions.

Texans should also be aware of safety risks posed in the hurricane aftermath such as power outages, high water, downed electrical powerlines, and broken gas mains. The most common cause of hurricane-related deaths in Texas is drowning, primarily due to storm surge and inland flooding, which can persist before and after a hurricane makes landfall.

Each year, before hurricane season, a week is set aside to emphasize the importance of hurricane preparedness and to remind us of the destructive power of hurricanes. Individuals, including residential and commercial property owners, should prepare their property and communities for the upcoming hurricane season and state agencies should review and update their hurricane preparedness plans.

Additionally, in accordance with Section 418.127, Texas Government Code, cities, counties, and state agencies—including the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Texas Education Agency,the Office of the Comptroller, the Texas Department of Insurance, and the Department of State Health Services—will conduct community outreach and education activities on this important issue.

At this time, I encourage all Texans to learn about prevention measures and implement them prior to hurricane season. By doing so, we will stave off the worst outcomes this hurricane season as we protect the people and infrastructures of our great state.

Therefore, I, Greg Abbott, Governor ofTexas, do hereby proclaim May 26 - May 31, 2025, to be Hurricane Preparedness Week in Texas and urge all Texans to observe the occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my signature this the 23rd day of May, 2025.

Greg Abbott
Governor of Texas