Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of tropical weather activity in the Gulf of Mexico expected to impact Texas this week.
“Texas stands ready to deploy all resources and assistance needed to help support communities in Southeast Texas that are in the path of a potentially devastating tropical storm,” said Governor Abbott.
“I urge Texans to remain weather aware and heed the guidance of local officials to keep themselves and their families safe. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
The National Weather Service has reported that the Gulf of Mexico is being monitored for potential tropical development over the next several days, with threats of heavy rainfall and flooding expected to intensify starting Tuesday evening. Large areas, including South Texas and the Coastal Bend stretching toward Southeast Texas, may be affected.
In response, TDEM has activated the following state emergency response resources:
• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service: Urban Search & Rescue Teams and Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads
• Texas National Guard: Ground Transportation Platoons with high profile vehicles, helicopters with hoist capability
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Warden search and rescue boat teams
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Tactical Marine Unit boats and rescue swimmers, search and rescue aircraft with hoist capability
• Texas Department of Transportation: High profile vehicles and personnel monitoring road conditions
• Texas Department of State Health Services: Severe Weather Packages
Additionally, the following resources have been readied by TDEM for mobilization as conditions warrant:
• Texas A&M Forest Service: Incident Management Teams and saw crews
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
• Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air, water, and wastewater monitoring
With hurricane season underway, Texans are reminded to follow these flood preparedness and safety tips:
• Know the types of flood risks in your area and learn the basics of flooding.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System and NOAA provide emergency alerts.
• Build an emergency supply kit. More information is available at texasready.gov.
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container and create password-protected digital copies.
• Protect your property by moving valuables to higher levels, decluttering drains and gutters, and considering a sump pump with a battery.
• Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains, or other areas. Never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways. Always observe road barricades placed for your protection.
Texans are urged to implement proactive measures to prepare for incoming weather, including making an emergency plan, following instructions from emergency officials, and monitoring local forecast information. Preparedness tips are available at tdem.texas.gov/prepare, and safety information can be found at texasready.gov.
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