In Texas, we hope for the best, but prepare for the worst, and Texans can be assured that no state is more prepared than ours to handle the full spectrum of threats, including man-made and natural disasters.
Our emergency response team in Texas is second to none, an effort that speaks to the dedication and abilities of our emergency planners, the courage of those who willingly head into danger while everyone else flees, and the essential generosity of our citizens.
The strength of Texas' proven ability to prevent, protect, respond and recover from disasters is a result of leveraging local elected officials (mayors and county judges). There are 3 individuals responsible for the safety of the citizens of the State of Texas: the Governor, the county judge and the mayor. The asset of well-equiped, highly trained first responders protect and support their communities.
» Under Governor Perry’s leadership, Texas has adopted the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which provides a standard operational picture to manage incidents effectively for local, state and federal governments.
» More than 1,300 multi-agency emergency exercises have been conducted in Texas since 2002 to test emergency plans, procedures, training, equipment and facilities and identify necessary improvements.
» Multi Agency Command Structures have been established in communities across the state to improve communication and coordination during times of disaster.
» Working with local officials and health care associations, Texas has established a system to identify people with and without disabilities who have access or functional needs during evacuations, their categories of medical needs, and the types of transportation and sheltering these individuals require. Using a point-to-point sheltering system, vehicles are assigned to designated host communities, and the state can track critical these vehicles via GPS as they evacuate.
» Based on lessons learned from Hurricane Rita, Governor Perry has fostered greater cooperation between the state and private sector. A Fuel Team comprised of representatives from the refining, supply, terminal and transportation sectors coordinates fueling increases in both evacuation areas and evacuation routes. The state has also leveraged partner distribution systems at Wal-Mart, HEB, Home Depot and others to provide ice, water, prescription medicine, food, clothing and emergency materials.
» Texas does not wait for the storm to hit before evacuation orders are recommended to local officials. Before the 2008 Hurricane Season, contra-flow plans for major highways were examined, and procedures were developed to determine the optimum timing to implement contra-flow in order to improve the success of evacuations. Additionally, comfort stations have been established along evacuation routes to provide assistance to evacuees should their vehicles become disabled.
» The Rapid Response Task Force assists local jurisdictions with continuity of operations, including Immediate Mass Care, Health and Medical, Search and Rescue, and Communications functions.
» The Public Works Strike Team supports an impacted jurisdiction, providing assistance with assessments of critical infrastructure such as water/wastewater facilities, storm drains, bridges, building inspections and generator installations.
News & Announcements
Wednesday, April 16, 2014 Austin, Texas Press Release
Gov. Perry Authorizes Additional Disaster Recovery Funds for City of West
Gov. Rick Perry today granted the City of West's request for an additional $4.8 million in disaster grant assistance for recovery efforts related to the fertilizer plant explosion that occurred in April 2013. The grant will help West repair and rebuild infrastructure damaged or destroyed by the blast and assist with other important projects in the affected area.
Sunday, March 23, 2014 Austin, Texas Press Release
Gov. Perry Directs State Resources to Respond to Houston Ship Channel Oil Spill
Gov. Rick Perry has directed all necessary state resources to assist with the cleanup of oil that has spilled into the Houston Ship Channel after a collision between vessels yesterday. The Texas Division of Emergency Management is ensuring the coordination of the multiple state resources responding to this incident, and the governor has been briefed by TDEM Chief Nim Kidd on the ongoing cleanup efforts.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Austin, Texas Press Release
Statement by Gov. Perry on National Guard Reductions
There are many ways to balance the federal budget, but this decision to eliminate the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team's headquarters risks Texas' ability to properly respond to hurricanes, floods, wildfires and other natural disasters, and is short-sighted. Over the past decade, the Texas Guard has responded to more than 150 disasters in Texas and surrounding states, saving countless lives and helping families in distress. The Texas Guard also plays a vital role in our nation's War on Terror.
Thursday, March 13, 2014 Austin, Texas Press Release
Gov. Perry Appeals Denial of Presidential Disaster Declaration for Winter Storms
Gov. Rick Perry today appealed President Barack Obama’s denial of a major disaster declaration for 15 Texas counties following severe winter storms December 5-9, 2013. The declaration would have provided federal public assistance for recovery efforts.
Tuesday, February 04, 2014 Austin, Texas Press Release
Gov. Perry Renews Proclamation Declaring Liquefied Petroleum Gas Emergency
Gov. Rick Perry today renewed the proclamation declaring a liquefied petroleum gas emergency, waiving certain state licensing and permitting regulations for out-of-state carriers and operators. This waiver applies only to liquefied petroleum gas trucks and operators meeting all certification, permitting and licensing requirements of the federal government and another state whose governor has declared or declares a liquefied petroleum gas emergency.