The Texas Division of Emergency Management activated state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe weather and potential flooding expected in the state beginning this week through the next.
According to the National Weather Service, severe storms with damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding are expected to impact large regions of North, Central, and East Texas. Portions of West Texas may experience severe winter weather impacts, including snow.
“The State of Texas has resources ready for swift deployment, and we are fully prepared to address any potential severe weather expected to impact communities across our state,” said Governor Abbott. “As we continue to monitor weather conditions in all areas of the state, Texans are urged to remain weather-aware and heed the guidance of local officials over the course of the week to keep themselves, their loved ones, and their property safe. I thank all of our emergency response personnel who are working around-the-clock to protect their fellow Texans this holiday season.”
TDEM has activated the following resources to support severe weather response operations across the state: Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service: Texas A&M Task Force One — Urban Search and Rescue Packages consisting of 50 personnel and approximately 20 vehicles The following state agencies have placed resources on standby to support severe weather response operations across the state:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service: Texas Task Force 2 Texas Department of Transportation, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Department of State Health Services: Emergency Medical Task Force, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, Public Utility Commission of
Texas,
Railroad Commission of
Texas,
Texas Department of Public
Safety,
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas National Guard, Texas Department of Information Resources
As members of the west Texas community continue to deal with low temperature through the remainder of winter, individuals are encouraged to take safety measures.
Remain indoors if possible. If anyone must go out, dress accordingly, with layered, windresistant clothing, head covering—including your ears— and gloves or mittens to protect the body.
If someone must perform work outside, take frequent breaks to warm up, and avoid overexertion.
Have emergency heating equipment approved for indoor use and appropriate fuel. Gas, kerosene, or propane heaters should not be used indoors because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. I n case of power loss, have emergency lighting, such as flashlights or lanterns, with a supply of batteries or fuel.
Keep an emergency supply of ready-to-eat, non-perishable food, and an emergency supply of water on hand. Ensure you have a manual can opener available.
Listen to your radio or TV for weather and emergency information. Have a batterypowered radio with spare batteries in case your electricity goes out.
If long distance traveling is required, do so in daylight. Have emergency supplies in your vehicle.
Keep a blanket in your vehicle. Consider the use of snow tires or snow chains if appropriate.
Grass fires have taken a back seat for the Hockley and Cochran County’s, however, the fuel for fires is still present with the late moisture the area has received.
Grass fires are common in the wintertime, especially after periods of drought. They can spread quickly and produce dangerous smoke, threatening property, lives and health.
Knowing the proper route and having a backup is key. Determining an evacuation location unless using a local shelter is suggested while also discuss communication plans with immediate family and extended family.
Practice your emergency plan with your family, particularly children and park your car in the direction of escape and keep the windows rolled up to prevent smoke from entering.
Load your family disaster supply kit in the car and keep family photos or other things you plan to take with you nearby.
Don’t let children or other family members stray far from home and if aware of the emergency ahead of time, wear protective clothing, long sleeves and long pants, and keep a handkerchief in your pocket to protect your face.
Leaving the lights on in your home so that fire fighters can see it through dense smoke is suggested and before leaving, notify an out-of-town contact where the planned destination is.