Texas Governor Activates Severe Weather Resources

Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated state resources trying to get out ahead of the severe weather and flash flooding that is impacting the State now and will be over the next few days. Severe storms will be crossing our State most of the week and with them could come very large hail, damaging winds, flash flooding, river flooding, and the potential for tornados.

"This severe weather has the potential to cause flash flooding and other damage in our communities, which is why the State of Texas has rostered and activated numerous state resources to support local officials on the ground," said Governor Abbott. "Texans should monitor weather alerts and stay cautious of severe weather and flood risks as this weather makes its way through our communities. Always remember — turn around, don't drown."

At the direction of the Governor, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has activated the following resources:

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force One and Texas Task Force Two): Swift Water Boat Squads and High Profile Vehicles
Texas Military Department: Ground Transportation Platoons
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Texas Game Warden Boat Teams and a helicopter with hoist capability
Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capability
Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw Crews
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force One and Texas Task Force Two): Urban Search and Rescue Packages
Texas Department of State Health Services: Texas Emergency Medical Task Force Severe Weather Packages
Texas Department of Transportation: High profile vehicles
Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring/coordination with utility providers in the threat areas

Texans are urged to follow these flood preparedness and safety tips during severe weather events:

Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information here: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
Build an emergency supply kit. For more information on how to build a kit, visit: https://www.ready.gov/kit
Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect so the time to buy is well before a disaster. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider 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 and always observe road barricades placed for your protection. Remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown.

For more flood safety tips, visit ready.gov.

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