Preparing for a Storm
Stormwater detention basins are a place to store potentially damaging
floodwaters temporarily until the channels can safely carry the water away. As
flat as Harris County is, most of our stormwater storage has to be excavated.
The Flood Control District uses stormwater detention extensively to reduce the
risk of flooding throughout the county. Read more.
Harris County and the incorporated cities within the county are participants in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP
is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Everyone living in a participating community can buy flood insurance
through the NFIP. Therefore, if you live in Harris County, you are eligible to purchase a flood insurance policy through the NFIP! Read more.
Downed trees and other storm debris can impede stormwater flow, especially along natural forested channels. Removing this debris was a high priority for the Flood Control District and its Hurricane Harvey recovery effort. While disaster-related debris removal is complete, the Flood Control
District will continue to address channel debris as part of its regular
routine maintenance program. Read more.