Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state disaster response resources as East and Southeast Texas prepare for heavy rains and possible flash flooding this weekend. The preventative measures aim to ensure the safety of citizens and aid local officials in their flood response efforts.
Emergency Resources Activated
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In a statement, Governor Abbott underlined the need for preparation, adding, “Texas is deploying emergency response resources in advance of severe weather.” As significant rainfall and flash flooding risks begin this weekend, I authorized the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads and search and rescue teams to assist local governments in responding during the heavy rains and storms. To keep themselves and their loved ones safe, Texans should monitor the weather, prepare an emergency plan, and follow the advice of state and local officials. Remember to turn around; don’t drown.
The National Weather Service predicts that heavy rain will begin Sunday and may continue throughout the night, providing a risk of flash flooding in the impacted areas. To deal with this, the state has deployed multiple emergency response teams, including:
- Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads from the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1).
- Game Warden Search and Rescue Boat Teams from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
These teams are prepared to help with rescue efforts and respond rapidly to flood-related crises.
Encouraging Preparedness
Governor Abbott advised Texans to take preemptive measures to safeguard their safety amid the impending severe weather. We encourage residents to:
- Follow instructions from local officials.
- Create an emergency plan.
- Prepare an emergency supply kit.
Additional resources for preparation include:
- TexasFlood.org for flood information.
- DriveTexas.org for road condition updates.
- TexasReady.org for flood safety guidelines.
- tdem.texas.gov/prepare for general preparedness tips.
Texas is implementing thorough preparations to prevent the effects of excessive rains and probable flash flooding by integrating state and local resources. We encourage residents to remain vigilant, prioritize safety, and stay informed during weather changes.