Whether it’s a hurricane, freeze, high-wind event or heavy rain, severe weather can arrive quickly in Houston. Long before a storm appears in the forecast, Rice teams across campus are already preparing.
From monitoring critical infrastructure to strengthening response plans, Facilities, Planning, and Capital Construction and Public Safety & Research Security’s Emergency Management team work together year-round to help keep the campus community safe and minimize disruptions when weather events occur.
Each weather event provides an opportunity to strengthen Rice's preparedness efforts. Teams review their response after every incident, identify areas for improvement and refine processes to better protect the campus community during future events.
Preparing Before the Storm
Rice’s preparation efforts vary depending on the type of weather event, but the goal is always the same: protect people, facilities, and campus operations.
Before hurricanes, FP&CC teams canvass campus to secure loose materials, clear rooftops and reduce potential hazards from high winds. Ahead of freeze events, crews insulate and protect vulnerable pipes and equipment. Throughout the year, teams trim trees, monitor drainage systems and work with local partners to address areas prone to flooding.
During the summer months, Rice also participates in voluntary electricity curtailment programs that help reduce the strain on the regional power grid during periods of high demand. These efforts support grid reliability across the Houston area while helping the university manage utility costs.
Ready to Respond
For more significant events, FP&CC may activate specialized ride-out and recovery teams.
Ride-out teams remain on campus during severe weather to monitor conditions, respond to urgent issues and help protect critical infrastructure. Their focus is on essential services and emergency response, such as addressing power outages, water issues or damaged building systems.
To support recovery efforts, the university has also strengthened relationships with emergency response and recovery vendors that can provide rapid assistance following major weather events, helping FP&CC access additional resources when needed.
Once conditions are safe, recovery teams begin assessing and repairing damage so campus operations can resume as quickly as possible.
What the Rice Community Can Do
Preparedness doesn't stop with university operations. Faculty, staff and students can help reduce disruptions by taking steps to prepare at home and in the workplace before severe weather arrives.
That includes maintaining emergency supplies such as food, water, medications and batteries, as well as protecting valuable equipment, research materials and other important resources. Small actions such as turning off nonessential lighting and equipment, closing laboratory fume hood sashes and ensuring exterior doors and windows remain closed can also support Rice’s efforts to reduce energy consumption during periods of high electricity demand.
Research labs and departments should also follow guidance from the Incident Management Team when weather-related decisions are communicated.
As severe weather season continues, community members are encouraged to sign up for Rice Alerts, verify their emergency contact information within iO or ESTHER for students and pay close attention to university communications. During weather events, the Rice Emergency Website serves as the central source for university updates, campus impacts and operational information.