Changing risk. Houston is in a 2-4% risk zone in 50 years. USGS maps are to be redone to include increased risks due to drilling and other human factors.
High risk. Two local dams could flood highly populated areas, funding to repairs. Also, many areas around the city center are 100-year floodplains (1% risk of flooding). Much of the suburbs could be affected in a major storm. Huge amounts of flooding in Spring 2015 caused tens of thousands of power outages and at least eight deaths.
Almost all sites on flooding information link to Flood Education Mapping Tool. However, the tool does not show the colored flood plains when selected, but only when the map is zoomed in. This is arguably the most important information sought in the tool. However it is easier to use than the FEMA map system.
Hurricanes
High risk. Houston is in a FEMA Hurricane prone region, and it's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico helps explain and add to those risks.
High risk. There are at least 17 chemical plants in the Houston Metropolitan area. More than 10 explosions/spills/accidents have occurred since 2014, several resulting in death.
Common data, had to use Google Maps to find plants. Note when searching, overwhelming options were to find jobs or real estate options. News articles were present in deeper search.
Sewage Treatment Facility (hazardous waste)
5 Sewage treatment plants within 50 miles of city center. Generally low risk except for medium risk for a plant 7 miles from city center (City of West University Place Wastewater Treatment).
No database for sewage treatment plants, had to individually search for sewage treatment. Some plants were under different names (Waste water treatment, waste water disposal, etc.), other businesses included in search so they had to be investigated (some "County Offices" were treatment plants).
Severe Heat (Climate Change)
High risk. Houston already suffers from severe heat, even a Heat index is commonly seen in weather reports. More seriously climate change could affect crop yields and coastlines. High present risk to individuals and increasing for the city.
Examples of high heat were well circulated and very common. Climate change report had ten bug business leaders on its board, but still warned of impending climate change.
Winter Weather (Climate Change)
Little to no snow over the past decade, heavy precipitation, but not in the form of snow or ice. Minimal risk.
Small amount of data available (likely due to lack of major events). No notable sources predicting increase in snowfall due to climate change.
Fracking (Water Contamination)
High risk. Fracking and other drilling is very common around houston. In the past few years there have been at least two fracking related incidents in Houston, and more around the area. Thoughts on fracking are varied in the region.
Difficult information. Hard to find map of fracking sites. Earthjustice provided "frackcidents" map.
Drug Abuse (Heroin)
Moderate and increasing. Federal drug report from 2014 indicates increase in heroin use. The Houston Chronicle sites police that heroin flow has increased by 500% in 2014. Heroin may become more dangerous if it can be bought for less that illegally sold prescription drugs.
Federal data well circulated. Local paper also fairly well circulated with free access to article.
Suicide
High Risk. In 2007 (most recent data readily found) the rate of suicide in Harris County was 10.7 with the national baseline being 11.3. Furthermore a spike in suicides related to the economic recession were a problem in Houston, and similar events could cause similar outcomes. Recent health data on suicide was not readily available.
Information on mental health and suicide rates were not widely circulated at all. The first time an actual suicide rate in Harris County was found, it was a small table on page 100 of a 2008 report.
Very poor circulation of health media.
Increased Risk
Floodplains
April Floods
May Floods
Pasadena Explosion
String of accidents
DuPont
Climate change study
Firsthand Weather
2004 Christmas Eve Snowstorm
Fracking opinions
Houston Chronicle
Mental Health Data (Page 101)
Very poor circulation of health media.