Survey on Texas IT initiatives for disaster preparedness

In recent years, Texas has experienced intensified damage and increasing costs from natural disasters due to climate change. This highlights the need to evaluate ongoing information technology (IT) initiatives that can guide better preparedness and mitigation strategies. In this paper, we establish a baseline by showcasing the benefits of humanitarian free and open-source software in addressing critical challenges faced by IT-driven relief efforts during Hurricane Harvey. Additionally, flooding has emerged as Texas' most pressing disaster, prompting a complete examination of existing IT, data, and free and open-source software initiatives focused on both inland and coastal flooding. Finally, we will analyze the most promising current initiative and offer insights into future developments.