LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – At the direction of Gov. Greg Abbott, the Texas Division of Emergency Management has deployed resources across the state to respond to potential flood threats.
RELATED LINKS
drivetexas.org – Check real-time road conditionstexasready.gov – Disaster supply checklists, weather safety infotdem.texas.gov/prepare – Hazards preparedness tipstexasflood.org – Real-time flood info
State emergency officials emphasized that avoiding complacency is critical during severe weather events.
“We cannot overstate it enough that complacency is what turns things like this into really dangerous situations,” said Wes Rapaport, chief of media and communications for the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Rapaport said staff members are working around the clock to provide Texans with safety information and equipment.
“At the direction of the governor, we have entered 24-hour operations here at the State Operations Center,” Rapaport said. “And we’ll continue to have folks here day in and day out available from multiple different state agencies, working around the clock to ensure that the resources are where they need to be, that local officials have what they need to respond, and that Texans stay safe throughout the duration of this incident.”
State emergency assets deployed
State response resources have been activated and staged in areas of concern, Rapaport said.
“So, we have staged swift water rescue boats in the area of concern,” Rapaport said. “We also have high-profile vehicles, those Humvees from the Texas National Guard, to assist with any flood rescues or stranded motorists. We also have some law enforcement support from the Department of Public Safety and the Texas Parks and Wildlife with game wardens and Highway Patrol troopers to provide their personnel and their equipment, helicopters and vehicles as well.”
Emergency planning and overnight driving risks
Officials stressed that residents must also take personal precautions to stay safe.
“We need Texans to make an emergency plan and be prepared and know who you’re going to contact if something happens in your community,” Rapaport said. “Know how you’re going to evacuate if ordered to do so by local officials, or hunker down in place if ordered to do so by local officials.”
Rapaport warned that nighttime conditions increase the hazards of traveling during storms.
“One of the big concerns that we have with overnight storm activity is that it’s dark,” Rapaport said. “And so it’s hard to see what is coming. It’s harder to see water on the roadway. It’s harder to tell how high water might be. So, it’s really important that you heed that message of turn around, don’t drown.”
Residents are advised to monitor real-time conditions, choose alternate routes when facing water on roads, and assemble an emergency go-bag containing food, water, clothing, batteries, chargers, a flashlight, and a weather radio.
“We know folks in West Texas are a resilient bunch,” Rapaport said. “And it’s really important that people understand when is the time to put your hand up and say, okay, Mother Nature’s going to win this one. I need to pay attention, and I need to act accordingly.”
Officials also recommend enabling emergency alerts on mobile devices and keeping ringers set to loud overnight.
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