Disaster Preparedness Resources
September is recognized as National Preparedness Month to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning now and throughout the year. Use this page as a resource to help you be prepared.
The importance of preparing ourselves for disaster is universal. Emergencies can happen anywhere - at home or at work - and everyone must take action to prepare for emergencies in case something unexpected happens. However, the truth is there's no one-size-fits-all solution to being prepared so we've created an information repository that contains different resources and tools to help you respond to and effectively cope with emergencies and their consequences.Be prepared, have a kit, make a plan and always stay informed.
- Do You Know the Hazards That Face Your Community?
- Preparedness Planning and Supplies
- Disaster Community Partners
- Preparing and Responding to Underserved Communities
- Have You Got a Plan to Protect Your Pet During a Disaster or Emergency?
- Drought
- Extreme Weather
- Be Prepared for all Types of Fire
- Flooding
- Hurricanes
- Tornadoes
- Federal and State Programs and Resources
- Emergency Management Acronyms
Do You Know the Hazards That Face Your Community?
In Texas, there are many hazards that affect people daily. Based on historical data, the top 5 in order are:
- Severe Coastal Flooding
- Hurricanes/Tropical Storms/Depressions
- Drought
- Hail
- Riverine Flooding
Since 2013, the Texas Geographic Society has been producing a hazard risk assessment for the state of Texas. It includes information on historical and future risks associated with a variety of natural hazards in Texas. It is being published along with 254 County-based reports: one for each of the 254 Texas counties. Taken together, these 255 reports are the CHAMPS’18 Reports. These reports have been released in open MS-Word and MS-Excel formats. All of the content is copy-able, editable and easily usable in whatever way you would like to use it.
The research needed to create these reports comes from a combined effort between the Texas Divison of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the State Hazard Mitigation Team (SHMT). These reports are reviewed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and used in the preparation of the State of Texas 2018 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.
Also, be sure to check out ADT's Interactive Disaster Map to learn more about natural disasters affecting your county to help you better prepare. With your safety in mind, this interactive map allows you to explore the history of natural disasters in any part of the country. Simply input your ZIP code and you'll see the likelihood of every type of storm or natural disaster ranging from hurricanes and earthquakes to wildfires and tornadoes.
Preparedness Planning and Supplies
A key way to cope with a disaster is to have a plan. Because your family may not be together when a disaster strikes, it's important to create a plan together in advance and practice it frequently. It might sound difficult or time-consuming, but its actually very easy if you break it into steps.
Step 1: Build an emergency supply kit for your home and automobile
- Essential supplies to put in your survival kit from the American Red Cross.
- Make sure your kit is stocked with these suggestions from Ready.gov.
- Want to know the 10 most important items to start with? Check out these suggestions from littlethings.com
- Prefer to purchase a kit already assembled? Here are the top 10 best survival kits suggested by bestsurvival.org
- Why you need a car emergency kit (and what to pack) is a great resource from Efficient GOV.
- Heavy.com provides detailed reviews for 5 Best Emergency Car Kits.
- It's important to be prepared financially to make rebuilding your life easier. Consider these suggestions from Ready.gov.
- knowhat2do.com is a great source of preparedness and planning information for Texas.
Step 2: Plan effectively for you and your family in case of an emergency. Once you have a plan, practice it frequently and adjust as needed
- Ready to start the process? Review these steps from Ready.gov.
- Do you like to use templates? Review these templates in English and Spanish by the American Red Cross.
- Kids are especially vulnerable during a disaster. The American Red Cross has resources to keep them safe.
- Mobility, hearing, learning, or seeing disabilities can create specific needs. Use these steps from the American Red Cross to prepare.
- Seniors need a personal support network of people who will check on them. Do you know seniors in your neighborhood that might need your help? Check out these 7 tips for creating a support network from the American Red Cross.
- Interested in the larger picture of preparing a community? Review this replication manual by Ready Community.
- Build a communication plan and reduce the anxiety of trying to locate family members and loved ones after disaster.
Step 3: Know important information to stay safe
- Review the hazards that can affect your community and tailor your planning for those hazards.
- Identify how you will become informed during events, whether through local radio, TV, Texas Emergency Alert System, or online resources.
- Remember that electricity and mobile connections might be limited so prepare with an NOAA weather radio.
- Call 2-1-1 not 9-1-1 for individuals who need assistance and evacuation help during a disaster.
- If you're not sure what the difference is between a weather watch vs. a warning, read this great article by WeatherWorks.
- Want to hold a community preparedness event? American Red Cross has a toolkit to help you!
- Find an extensive information repository from OneStar Foundation.
- Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) is a California program that can be duplicated anywhere. Disasters impact children and youth across Texas. When they prepare and practice for an emergency, it improves their ability to take immediate action.
- Prefer to use apps to help you prepare? The American Red Cross has an app for that.
- Timing your return after evacuation is extremely important to you, your family and first responders. Become educated by reading this article from the Texas Tribune.
- Preparedness Information in Spanish from the Texas Department of Emergency Management.
- September is National Preparedness Month!
- West Nile Virus in Texas is an article from the Texas Health and Human Services Department. Become educated and reduce your risk!
- Check out these guides for Avoiding Contractor Fraud, Renter’s Rights after a Disaster, Flood Insurance, and Clearing Title.
Miscellaneous Disaster Supply and Services Information
- Chemical Emergency Preparedness
- Flu Safety
- Texas Historical Commission stands ready to help property owners, local officials, and state and federal agencies in communities that may be impacted by weather events.
- Visual + Effective Communication of Emergency Information YouTube Video
- Natural Disaster Response: What Role Can You Play, [email protected], the online Master of Social Work program at the University of Southern California
Disaster Community Partners
The effects of natural and manmade disasters have become more frequent, far-reaching, and widespread. As a result, preserving the safety, security, and prosperity for all Texans is becoming more challenging. Our traditional approach relies heavily on the government, however, today’s changing reality is affecting the capabilities of all levels of government.
Here at Keep Texas Beautiful, we are proud to work with many impactful organizations across the state and nation. We feel partnerships contribute to our reach and opportunities to make a difference. The importance of strong partners across diverse organizations are critical during disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Every disaster start and ends in a community and successes come from community support and the relationships created before and immediately after the disaster.
Disaster Response and Relief
- Adventist Community Services volunteers assist individuals, families and communities through expertise in donations management through multi-agency warehouses, feeding, chain saw teams, debris cleanup and mucking out, temporary roofing, spontaneous volunteer reception centers and in-home repair as part of long term recovery.
- Austin Disaster Relief Network is comprised of over 185 greater Austin churches and thousands of trained volunteers that offer relief following crisis through a variety of support services such as emergency housing and transportation, emotional and physical care and connecting individuals with vital resources.
- Catholic Charities disaster response teams mobilize quickly and effectively to aid those experiencing or recovering from disasters. Their work begins with direct relief efforts to meet immediate needs and continues, sometimes for many years, with long-term relief efforts that help individuals and families rebuild their lives.
- Children's Disaster Services provides volunteers specifically trained to respond to traumatized children. They set up child care centers in shelters and disaster assistance centers across the nation.
- Church World Service and their donors, supporters and partners reach families reeling from disaster, accompanying them through every stage of the disaster cycle.
- Coalition of Disaster Responders is a group of top-shelf, integrity-based first responders capable of handling large scale property losses and recovery efforts. There are currently 20 coalition companies and 6 associate companies with combined resources of up to 15,000 units of portable equipment, 250 units of large equipment and over 600 certified disaster relief technicians.
- Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) educates people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. Using their training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event and can take a more active role in preparing their community.
- OneStar Foundation believes in building a stronger nonprofit sector for a better Texas. Find their list of Disaster Network Partners here.
- For more than 100 years, H.E.B. has demonstrated its commitment to communities in crisis by donating financial support, emergency supplies, drinking water and food, as well as providing efficient ways for customers to assist those affected by a natural disaster. Find the latest resources on preparedness and information on store closures during hurricane season here.
- International Orthodox Christian Charities supports communities with clean-up after natural disasters. They also have clean-up buckets available for $20.
- Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services understands that while each disaster creates its own unique circumstances and special needs, Salvation Army disaster relief efforts focus on seven core areas: disaster training, food service, emotional and spiritual care, emergency communication, disaster social services, donations management and recovery.
- Samaritan's Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people during immediate response and in rebuilding efforts.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides communities and responders with behavioral health resources that help them prepare, respond, and recover from disasters.
- Texas General Land Office is the lead agency for administering over $90 billion in HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) which are a special appropriation from Congress.
- State of Texas Plan for Disaster Recovery
- Find out more about their Partial Repair and Essential Power for Sheltering (PREPS) pilot program that provides basic repairs to single-family owner homes.
- Community Development and Revitalization
- The Long-Term Road to Recovery provides an overview of the entire process for the CDBG-DR
- United Way plays a key role in helping people from all walks of life rebuild. From ensuring our first responders can act swiftly to leading long-term recovery, United Way has the experience, networks and capacity to address even the most devastating events.
Education
- Building Community Lifelines - FEMA has a complete implementation tool kit to help you build a lifeline during emergency response.
Preparing and Responding to Underserved Communities
In emergency preparedness, a major goal is to be able to reach every person in a community. To do this, you must be able to get information to community members quickly. To do that, you need to know which groups are underserved, where the people in these groups live and work, and the best ways they receive information.
Combining maps of underserved communities with hazard analysis maps can help government and nongovernment organizations create community-based information campaigns ahead of disasters.
Of equal importance is reaching people who may be hesitant to share personal information due to fears their information will be shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement or other federal agencies. Having a trusted community partner share the right information, such as evacuation routes and available shelters and resources is critical to helping non-English speaking and immigrant communities.
After defining and locating underserved communities and understanding their hazard risks, the next step is to reach out and discover what type of preparedness information is needed. This is best done through established community groups, translation services, or other unique targeted intervention strategies such as churches or fairs. Outreach should always be done in person in addition to electronic forms of outreach to make sure all members of a population are being reached.
Community Partners
- ARISE is a community-based program that works with colonia families to strengthen their communities. Located in four colonias in South Texas, each ARISE center responds to the specific needs of the community: Child Development, Adult Education, Youth Leadership, Cultural Events, Social Justice.
- bcworkshop is a community design center with a mission to improve the livability and viability of communities.
- Their Disaster Recovery Guides program helps to get legally-accurate, easy to understand information into five languages. The guides will cover four topic areas: flood insurance, renters’ rights, title clearing, and contractor fraud.
- The Disaster Recovery Leadership Development program provides Houston residents with the ability to shape the future of Houston by having a say on housing recovery dollars.
- Find out more about all their disaster recovery programs here.
- Community Action Partnerships promises to change peoples lives, improve communities and make Texas a better place to live. They care about the entire community and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
- Gulf Coast Community Services Association combats poverty-related conditions.
- Harris County Housing and Community Resources provides one-stop-shopping services for rental property, financial assistance and emergency shelter information.
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) connects public and private resources with underinvested places and people working to access opportunities.
- LUPE founded by César Chávez and Dolores Huerta and rooted in the belief that members of the low-income community have the responsibility and the obligation to organize themselves.
- For 7 decades, the RAND Corporation has used rigorous, fact-based research and analysis to help individuals, families, and communities be safer and more prosperous.
- Review their podcast on remaking a school system in the wake of a natural disaster.
- Read this periodical about improving disaster resilience among older adults.
- Continuing critical medical care is essential following a natural disaster, understand how direct-to-consumer telemedicine can help.
- RAPIDO takes a holistic approach that enables communities to recover from disasters within months instead of years.
- The Disaster Recovery Housing report mixes policy, technical building information and a program comparison report that details post-disaster housing pilot programs and challenges.
- Texas Appleseed is a public interest justice center that works to change unjust laws and policies that prevent Texans from realizing their full potential. Dedicated work in disaster recovery fair housing.
- Lessons from Texas is a whitepaper about how natural disasters reveal and highlight systemic inequalities in the communities affected and in the federal, state, and local systems set up to respond and rebuild.
- Texas Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides grant funding to state and territories to provide families with financial assistance and related support services. Tracks 85% of low-income families. This information is important to follow-up with these families after a disaster.
- Texas Association of Community Action Agencies (TACAA) alphabetical listing by headquarter city.
- Texas Housers is a low-income housing information service that develops model solutions to Texas' critical housing and community development problems. They serve as a watchdog over government housing programs to maximize dollar allocation to low-income and colonia communities.
Education
- Center for American Progress whitepaper titled "A Disaster in the Making: Addressing the Vulnerability of Low-Income Communities to Extreme Weather".
- City of Houston whitepaper on "Public Health and Disaster Preparedness of Vulnerable Populations."
- Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security has released new guidance on how state and local governments can ensure that their emergency preparedness, response, and recovery programs don't discriminate. Addition to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
- Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) reduces the impact of disasters through research-based education. It is a collaborative multi-state effort by Extension Services across the country to improve the delivery of services to citizens affected by disasters.
- Surviving a Disaster Course is an educational program that helps teach survival steps during and immediately following a disaster. Contains: instructor Guide, instructor notes, downloadable PowerPoint slides, participant hand out that can be localized, video, participant input survey and instructor feedback.
- FEMA - "Building Partnerships to Strengthen Preparedness throughout Diverse Communities".
- FEMA PrepTalks are given by subject matter experts and thought leaders to spread new ideas, spark conversation, and promote innovative leadership for the issues confronting emergency managers.
- Government Technology - "How to Include Diverse and Vulnerable Populations in Emergency Preparedness."
- PreventionWeb - Poverty and Inequality
Have You Got a Plan to Protect Your Pet During a Disaster or Emergency?
To most pet owners their cat or dog is an integral part of their family. If you take the time to prepare your human family for natural disasters or major accidents, then you should prepare the members of your furry family too. The probability of your pet surviving a catastrophe depends on whether you have a well-defined plan to protect him. It's a great idea to take frequent selfies with your pet to prove ownership if you are separated.
Evacuating with your pet
Do not leave your pets behind if you evacuate your home and be sure that while in transit you transport your pets properly. If you are going to an evacuation center then be sure they accommodate pets or seek out an alternate location that is safe for your entire family. Plan ahead and know which evacuations centers accept pets.
Disaster plans are not just for pets
If you have other animals in your care, such as livestock, ensure you also have a plan ready.
Have an emergency kit that includes animal identification, records/documents, important contact numbers and first aid. If you can and it is safe for you to do so, move your animals to a designated safe place.
If you have no choice but to leave your livestock behind, leave them enough food and clean water for 72 hours before evacuating. They will need shelter and protection from the elements.
Be Informed and Prepare With These Resources
Drought
Drought is the consequence of a natural reduction in the amount of precipitation expected for a given area or region over an extended period of time, usually a season or more in length. Two-thirds of Texas counties are in an arid or semi-arid climate and are almost always in varying stages of drought. For precipitation, these counties normally depend on large, but infrequent tropical systems that move out of the Gulf of Mexico in late summer and early fall or by springtime Pacific systems that move easterly over these counties.
According to Dallas News, due to the rainy end of 2018, Texas began 2019 with its highest water supply in more than 25 years - and more than 98 percent drought-free. Less than 2% of Texas is experiencing moderate drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
2019 has been a great reprieve but it's good to keep in mind the history of drought in Texas as illustrated in the exhibit below which shows the percent of the state that was under various intensities of drought from January 1, 2010, to April 1, 2016.
From November 2010 to June 2015, more than half of the state was in some level of drought;
From April 2011 to February 2012, 100% of the state was in some level of drought; and
In October-November 2011, approximately 90% of the state was in Exceptional Drought (D4 – the highest level).
Many different entities and organizations are responsible for drought preparedness and planning in Texas. The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) was signed into law in 2006. The Western Governor's Association described the need for NIDIS as a drought early warning system and is a benchmark for research and planning resources.
For Texas: National Integrated Drought Information System
Extreme Weather
Extreme Heat
All of Texas is vulnerable to extreme heat but most particular in West Texas and in large metropolitan areas, such as Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston since they have an abundance of concrete which absorbs and then radiates solar energy. This effect is known as urban heat island and can be dangerous to those without functioning air conditioners.
The map below shows the number of 100 degree-days recorded in 2011 nationally. Virtually all of Texas is highlighted as receiving at least 25 100 degree days, more than half the state had at least 55 and a significant area had more than 70 100 degree-days that year.
Source: https://nca2014.globalchange.gov/highlights/report-findings/extreme-weather
Though extreme heat is the least costly of all weather-related hazards in terms of property and crop losses, it is expected to replace riverine flooding as the most deadly, killing more than 100 people over the 5-year forecast period according to the Texas Geographic Society.
Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning. Older adults, children, and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat. Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.Be Informed and Prepare With These Resources
National Weather Service
Ready.gov
Hail
According to the Insurance Journal, Texas has a hail problem!! They advise that if you live in hail-prone areas you should have your roof inspected for hail vulnerability; determine the age of your roof and consider and upgrade, if needed; install wind shutters; remove cars and furniture from open areas before an event; and read your homeowners policies to understand what is covered and what is not.
In April 2016, a hailstorm in San Antonio caused between 1.36 and 2 Billion dollars of damage. It was the most expensive hailstorm on record in Texas.
According to the Department of Public Safety, all regions have suffered from losses. Hailstorms were the third most costly weather-related hazard in the 21 year base period statewide. In four of six regions, hailstorms did more property damage than any other weather-related hazard.
In Region 1, 54% of property losses were from hailstorms;
In Region 4, 66% of property losses were from hailstorms;
In Region 5, 47% of property losses were from hailstorms; and
In Region 6, 48% of property losses were from hailstorms.
With an average cost of roughly $500 million a year and regular occurrences in all regions, hailstorms have been a constant and persistent hazard in Texas.
Be Informed and Prepare With These Resources
- National Weather Service Hail Awareness
- Safeco Insurance Hailstorm Preparedness
- State Farm 4 Keys to Staying Safe in a Hailstorm
Lightning
Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas ranks among the top states for lightning fatalities each year. Lightning can occur up to 10 miles away from a storm and may be conducted through a number of surfaces including the ground. A direct strike is not necessary for severe injury or death to occur. Individuals in the general vicinity of a strike may experience minor to significant side effects from a strike, such as brain or cardiac damage. Always seek immediate shelter when storms approach. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
Be Informed and Prepare With These Resources
American Red Cross
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Weather Service
Ready.gov
Texas Department of Public Safety
Winter Storms
Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms and blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds.
In the panhandle, extreme cold means days below zero Fahrenheit. In the Rio Grande Valley, it means temperatures below freezing long enough to damage citrus crops. The passage of a winter cold front with a drastic drop in temperature heralds the arrival of a cold wave, usually referred to as a “blue norther.” The map below shows the expected annual minimum temperatures across Texas.
When dealing with the impacts of these temperatures on people, it is important to consider the wind-chill effect. Wind chill is a measure of how cold the wind makes real air temperature feels to the human body. Since wind can dramatically accelerate heat-loss from the body. For instance, a 30° day with a 30-mph wind would feel just as cold as a calm day with 15° temperatures.
Source: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
Be Informed and Prepare With These Resources
- American Red Cross Winter Storm Safety
- FEMA How-to Prepare Your Organization for a Winter Storm
- National Weather Service Winter Preparedness
- Winter Storm Information Sheet
Be Prepared for all Types of Fire
Home Fires
Did you know that if a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape? During a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives. Learn what else to do to keep your loved ones safe!
Be Informed and Prepare With These Resources
American Red Cross
National Fire Protection Association
ADT Resources
Wildfires
Wildfire is a serious risk throughout the state of Texas. Some regions can be expected to experience wildland fires whenever localized drought conditions are in place. In the semi-arid climate of West Texas, wildland fires are most common in the spring and summer months, but they can occur at any time during the year. The eastern part of the state contains pine plantations where the largest density and most hazardous fuels in the state exists. Fires burning here under drought conditions are extremely hard to contain. They require multiple fire-fighting resources and threaten all homes in its vicinity. The “Hill Country” in Central Texas has the potential for highly damaging wildfires due to a combination of rapid population growth, topography and densely covered, highly volatile, ash-juniper trees.
Be Informed and Prepare With These Resources
American Red Cross
- Checking Your Home After a Fire
- Cleaning Up After a Fire
- How to Prevent Wildfires
- Wildfire Relief
- Wildfire Safety
Ready, Set, Go!
Texas Department of Public Saftey:
Flooding
Texas has 367 miles of open Gulf shoreline, of which 293 miles are open for public use. The coastline runs from just west of the mouth of the Sabine River in the most southeastern part of the state to Boca Chico, near the mouth of the Rio Grande River in the most southern part of the state. The Texas Gulf Coast consists of a system of barrier islands and peninsulas, which provides protection for numerous bays and inlets from oncoming waves.
Precipitation
Average annual precipitation decreases from over 55 inches in Beaumont to less than 10 inches in El Paso. Except for the wetter, eastern portion of the state, evaporation exceeds precipitation for most of Texas, yielding a semi-arid climate that becomes arid in Far West Texas. Relative humidity varies throughout the state, depending on rainfall and evaporation rates, but generally decreases from east to west. Most of the state’s precipitation occurs in rainfall.
Riverine Flooding
Riverine Flood risks are calculated in Hydrologic and Hydraulic (H&H) studies. Hydrologic elements calculate how much water is expected in a given system (either coming into the system from contributing waterways or from precipitation within a catchment area) and hydraulic element calculate how that water can be expected to flow through the system (based on the capacity of different parts of the system to move water through).
Though local in their immediate impacts, riverine flooding damages are widely dispersed in Texas and have killed and injured more people than any other weather-related hazard. The number-one cause of deaths from flooding is people driving their cars into water going over roads. Source: 2018 Community Hazard and Mitigation Planning System
Dam and Levee Failure
One issue that contributes to the risk of flooding is the potential failure of dams and levees. A dam failure could cause mass fatalities, mass structural damage and/or a potentially cascading event if populated and/or industrial area are located near and downstream of the dam structure.
The best location for major dams is the lowest portion of the watershed where a narrow channel exists, which can reduce dam construction costs. In Texas, this combination of factors is best met where the drainage off the Llano uplift meets the coastal plains. Indeed, the highest concentration of major reservoirs occurs in this band shown on the map below.
Riverine Flooding is a persistent and dangerous hazard in Texas. There were 3,870 reports of Riverine Flooding impacts over the 12-year base period (22 times as many as for Hurricane/Tropical Storms/Depressions).
Severe Coastal Flooding or Storm Surge
This type of flooding is caused by hurricane-level tropical storm events. The nature of the damage it produces, and the way to mitigate for it, are more similar to Riverine Flooding than to Hurricane/Tropical Storms/Depressions. To manage storm surge planning and response in Texas, the Gulf coast is divided into five basins. These basins are used in estimating storm surge likelihood and extent. They are also used as the basic geographic units for preparing hurricane evacuation plans.
Source: Derived from the storm surge basin analysis in the NOAA/SLOSH Program
The map below shows expected inundation areas associated with Hurricane storm surges based on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind intensity category (1 through 5) of the storm. These storm surge footprints are the worst-case storm surge scenarios (Maximum of Maximums = MOM) for each level of storm under perfect storm conditions. The predominance of red near the northern Gulf Coast illustrates the area most at-risk from this hazard.
Source: Coastal Flood Loss Atlas (CFLA) v3.01: developed by FEMA Region VI
Severe Coastal Flooding risk in Texas is extreme. Though localized in coastal regional and periodic in nature, when these events occur, the impacts can be devastating and expensive. The average annual historical dollar losses when calculated over the 12 years that data were collected on this hazard, were $864 million. The statewide forecast annual dollar losses for Severe Coastal Flooding are $1.1 billion. The total forecast dollar losses for the 5-year forecast period are $5.6 billion – the highest for any single weather-related hazard.
All coastal counties in Texas are equally likely to be hit with coastal flooding. If these events hit the upper Texas Gulf coast, they will inundate larger areas that are the most populated and developed of all the Texas coastal regions. Hits in this area will cause more damage, loss of life and injury.
Hurricanes and the Severe Coastal Flooding that accompany them are capricious in their timing, strength and locations of impact. Actual losses could be higher or lower due to the capriciousness of the storms that create them. All areas along the coast need to mitigate and otherwise prepare for Severe Coastal Flooding and be ready to deal with the damages they create.
Be Informed and Prepare With These Resources
American Red Cross
FEMA
- Fact Sheet: Build Back Safer and Stronger
- Manual: Protecting Your Home and Property from Flood Damage
- Manual: Answers to Questions About Substantially Damaged Buildings
- Manual: Protecting Building Utility Systems from Flood Damage
- Manual: Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards
- Texas Flood Journal and Maps
- National Flood Insurance Program - The Benefits of Flood Insurance Versus Disaster Assistance
Hurricanes
Hurricanes that impact Texas start when warm tropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean warm the air above them to rise into the upper atmosphere where they condensate: producing rain. These areas of relatively low pressure, if they are free from interfering or sheering forces, become self-perpetuating engines drawing in moist hot air from just above the water and driving it up into the atmosphere. Cyclonic (counter-clockwise) circulation quickly begins and rain bans spin-out from spiraling walls of wind that surround a central area of low barometric pressure (the “eye”). Such storms can grow to a thousand miles in diameter and sustain winds near the eye that approach 200 miles an hour.
The map below shows the number of times Hurricanes/Tropical Storms/Depressions have crossed into Texas counties between 1842 and 2010. Events are counted only if the center of the storm crossed the county boundary. The bottom 20% had zero storm tracks cross them. Harris County (highlighted) is ranked in the Top 20% of compared to other Texas counties. This map illustrates that once Hurricane TS/Ds make landfall, they frequently move inland, sometimes far inland. Counties well away from the coast are not immune from the impacts of Hurricane TS/Ds.
Source: This map was produced from the International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship dataset collected by NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC).
Risk Summary
A review of the historical record shows that damaging Hurricane TS/Ds hit Texas every 1.3 years (an annual average probability of 75%).
Hurricanes have been the most expensive natural hazard in Texas. Together with the Severe Coastal Floods that accompanies them, these hazards caused approximately $28 billion in losses over the 21-year base period.
Be Informed and Prepare With These Resources
American Red Cross
FEMA
- Flood Map Service Center - Search by Address
- Hurricane Playbook - Step by step instructions for conducting a tabletop exercise designed to help organizations teste their plans, policies and procedures for responding to a Hurricane.
- National Flood Insurance Program
- National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center
- National Storm Surge Hazards Maps
- National Weather Service - Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources
Texas Department of Public SafetyTornadoes
A tornado is a dark, funnel-shaped cloud containing violently rotating air that develops in climate conditions that, in the United States, are generally unique to the central and southern Plains and the Gulf states. The rotating winds of tornadoes can attain velocities of 300 mph, and its diameter can vary from a few feet to a mile. A tornado generally travels in a northeasterly distance at speeds of 20 to 40 mph and usually covers anywhere between one and more than 100 miles.
With an average of 139 (1953-2004) tornadoes touching down each year, Texas ranks first in tornado occurrences. Historically, Dallas County has had the highest Tornados impacts of any county in Texas over this base period.
The probability of tornadoes recurring in Dallas County is high. May is the most active month for tornadoes in Texas, followed by April. Dallas/Fort Worth and the surrounding area is the area that sees the most tornadoes in Texas, and their most active month is May.
Be Informed and Prepare With These Resources
American Red Cross
FEMA
- PrepareAthon! - Prepare your Organization for a Tornado
- PrepareAthon! - Organizational Tabletop Exercise
- Tornado fact sheet
- Taking Shelter from the Storm - Building a Safe Room for Your Home or Small Business
Ready.gov
- Tornado facts, preparing for, survive during, be safe after
- Tornado Safety Tips from the Texas Department of Public Safety
Federal and State Programs and Resources
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance Programs
FEMA may provide three types of assistance, following natural disasters: Individual Assistance, Public Assistance and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Individual Assistance (IA) is provided by FEMA to individuals and families who have sustained losses due to disasters
- Homeowners and renters in designated counties who sustained damage to their homes, vehicles and personal property may apply for disaster assistance.
- Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses, and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other serious disaster-related expenses.
- Disaster assistance grants are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, food stamps and several other programs.
- FEMA will provide reimbursement of at least 75 percent of eligible costs, with the state and local governments sharing the remaining 25 percent of costs. Eligible entities include state governments, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations, such as schools and public utility districts.
- Although funds are awarded to government entities and certain private nonprofits, the Public Assistance program is intended to benefit everyone — neighborhoods, cities, counties and states. Public Assistance dollars help clean up disaster-related debris, repair roads and bridges and put utilities and water systems back in order.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides grants to states and local governments for projects intended to lessen the impact of natural hazards through safer building practices. Individual homeowners and businesses may not apply directly to the program; however, a community may apply on their behalf.
- Damage Assessment Operations
- Debris Management Guide
- Debris Removal and Demolition
- Direct Assistance for Limited Home Repair
- Direct Leasing Options
- Direct Temporary Housing Solutions
- Housing Support for Manufactured Housing Units and Travel Trailers
- Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide
- Individual Disaster Assistance
- Help After a Disaster
- Recovery Support Functions
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has played a critical role in the Federal Government’s response to and recovery from national disasters. With its experience and expertise in promoting affordable housing and sustainable community development, HUD has provided valuable guidance and essential funding to state and local governments on long-term disaster recovery. Through its network of Public Housing Authorities, the National Housing Locator, and other national housing resources, HUD has provided interim housing options to bridge the path from sheltering of disaster victims to permanent housing solutions.
- English and Spanish guides and resources to build community resiliency
- Community Resilience Planning Guide - English
- Community Resilience Planning Guide - Spanish
- Community Resilience Data Workshop - Officials from local, state, and federal governments joined together on 10/25/2018 in a workshop to identify and prioritize resiliency documentation and resource needs
- Alerting Under Imminent Threat: Guidance on alerts issued by outdoor siren and short message alerting systems.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.
Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) coordinates the state emergency management program, which is intended to ensure the state and its local governments respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters, and implement plans and programs to help prevent or lessen the impact of emergencies and disasters.
TDEM implements programs to increase public awareness about threats and hazards, coordinates emergency planning, provides an extensive array of specialized training for emergency responders and local officials, and administers disaster recovery and hazard mitigation programs in the State of Texas.
*** As of May 2019, the Legislature passed legislation to transfer TDEM to the Texas A&M University System to allow for better coordination. You can read more here.
The State of Texas Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) outline the capabilities to provide support, resources, program implementation, and services that are most likely needed to save lives, protect property and the environment, restore essential services and critical infrastructure, and help victims and communities return to normal following domestic incidents.
Emergency Management Acronyms
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ARC - American Red Cross
ARCCC - Accident Response Capabilities Coordinating Committee
ASPEP - American Society of Professional Emergency Planners
CAT - Crisis Action Team
CBD - Chemical and Biological Defense
CCC - Crisis Coordination Center
CDC - Centers for Disease Control (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
CDRG - Catastrophic Disaster Response Group
CDRTF - Commander, Disaster Relief Task Force
CERT - Community Emergency Response Team
CM - Crisis manager
COG - Continuity of government
COGEMT - Continuity of Government Emergency Management Team
DAC - Disaster Application Center
DAC - Disaster Assistance Center
DAE - Disaster Assistance Employee
DEM - Director of Emergency Management
DEMT - Director, Emergency Management Team
DEO - Director of Emergency Operations
DEPS - Domestic Emergency Planning System
DERF - Defense Emergency Response Fund
DEST - Domestic Emergency Support Team
DEST - Domestic Emergency Search Team
DMAT - Disaster Medical Assistance Team
DMORT - Disaster Mortuary Team
DRTF - Disaster Relief Task Force
EACT - Emergency Action and Coordination Team
EAL - Emergency action level
EARM - Emergency Assessment Resource Manual
EBS - Emergency Broadcast System
EC&EG - Exercise Control and Evaluation Group
ECC - Emergency control center
ECG - Exercise Control Group
ECHOS - Emergency Center Historic Operations System
ED - Exercise Director
EDC - Emergency Dispatch Center
EDO - Emergency duty officer
EEEC - Emergency Exercise Evaluation Criteria
EEMT - Energy Emergency Management Team
EENET - Emergency Education Network [FEMA]
EICC - Emergency Information and Coordination Center [FEMA]
EM - Emergency management
EM - Emergency manager
EMAC - Emergency Management Advisory Committee
EMC - Emergency Management Center
EMCC - Emergency Management Coordination Committee
EMCCS - Emergency Management Coordination Committee Secretariat
EMG - Emergency Management Guide
EMI - Emergency Management Institute
EMI SIG - Emergency Management Issues Special Interest Group (TRADE)
EMS - Emergency Management System
EMT - Emergency management team
EMT - Emergency medical technician
ENN - Emergency Notification Network
EOC - Emergency operations center
EOCN - Emergency Operations Communications Network
EOD - Explosive ordnance disposal
EOF - Emergency operations facility
EOL - End of life
EOP - Emergency operations plan
EP - Emergency plan
EPA - United States Environmental Protection Agency
EPC - Emergency Press Center
EPCRA - Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
EPD - Emergency Planning Districts
EPG - Exercise Planning Group
EPI - Emergency Public Information
EPIP - Emergency Plan Implementing Procedures
EPLO - Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer
EPP - Emergency Preparedness Procedures
EPZ - Emergency planning zone
ERAA - Emergency Readiness Assurance Appraisal
ERAP - Emergency Readiness Assurance Plan
ERC - Emergency Response Center
ERD - Emergency Response Division
ERL - Emergency response levels
ERO - Emergency Response Organization
ERPG - Emergency Response Planning Guide
ERPG - Emergency response planning guidelines
ERT - Emergency Response Team
ERT-A - Emergency Response Team (Advanced Element)
ERT-N - National Emergency Response Team
ERTF - Emergency Radiation Treatment Facility
ERTS - Emergency Radiation Treatment Staff
ESC - Emergency Support Center
ESF - Emergency support function
ESO - Emergency Support Office
EST - Emergency support team
ETS - Emergency Telecommunications Services
FHA - Fire Hazards Analysis
FNARS - FEMA’s National Radio System
FSN - FEMA Switch Network
HAZMAT - Hazardous materials
HAZWOPER - Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response
HHS - United States Department of Health and Human Services
HHSEOC - HHS Emergency Operations Center
HMEC - Hazardous Materials Emergency Coordinator
HMI - Hazardous Material Incident
HMIX - Hazardous Materials Information Exchange
HMRT - Hazardous Materials Response Team
HMRU - Hazardous Materials Response United
HMTA - Hazardous Materials Transportation Act
HMTUSA - Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act of 1990
HUD - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
IC - Incident Commander
ICAM - Improved chemical agent monitor
ICC -Incident Command Center
ICC- Interstate Commerce Commission
ICG - Incident Command Group
ICP - Incident Command Post
ICPAE - Interagency Committee on Public Affairs in Emergencies
ICRP - Internal Commission on Radiological Protection
ICS - Incident Command System
ICRP - International Commission on Radiological Protection
ICS - Incident Command System
IDLH - Immediately dangerous to life and health
IDLH - Immediately dangerous to life or health
IEMS - Integrated Emergency Management System
IRF - Incident Response Force
IRR - Initial response resources
IRT - Initial Response Team
IRZ - Immediate Response Zone
ITSD - Information Technology Services Directorate
ITSO - Office of Information Technology Services and Operations
IWG/CT - Interagency Working Group/Office of Counterterrorism
JCC - Joint Coordinating Center
JCS - Joint Chiefs of Staff
JHEC -J oint Hazard Evaluation Center
JIC - Joint Information Center
JMEX - Joint master exercise schedule
JOC - Joint Operations Center (FBI equivalent to DFO)
JPIC - Joint Public Information Center
JTOT - Joint Technical Operations Team
JSOTF - Joint Special Operations Task Force
MAA - Mutual Assistance Agreement/Mutual Aid Agreement
MC - Mobilization Center
MERC - Mobile Emergency Response Center
MERP - Mobile Emergency Response Support
MST - Mountain Standard Time
NAWAS - National Warning System
NBC - Nuclear, Biological, Chemical
NBCCAS - Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Casualty Assessment
NBCWRS - Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Warning and Reporting System
NCA - National Command Authority
NCCEM - National Coordinating Council on Emergency Management (now International Association of Emergency Managers – IAEU)
NCP - National Contingency Plan
NCP - National Oil and Hazardous Substance Pollution Contingency Plan
NCRIC - National Chemical Response and Information Center [CMA]
NCRP - National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements
NCS - National Communications System
NDA - National Defense Area
NEMA - National Emergency Management Association
NEMS - National Emergency Management System
NEMT -National Emergency Management Team
NERC - North American Electrical Reliability Council
NETC - National Emergency Training Center
NFA - National Fire Academy
NFPA - National Fire Protection Association
NGA - National Governors Association
NGO - Non-governmental organization
NIC - National Instrumental Center
NIH - National Institutes of Health
NIOSH - National Institute of Standards and Technology
NMFS - National Marine Fisheries Service
NRC - National Response Center
NRT - National Response Team
NS/EP - National Security Emergency Preparedness
NSA - National Security Area
NSA - National Security Agency
NSC - National Security Council
NSC/DC - National Security Council Deputies Committee
NSC/PC - National Security Council Principals Committee
NSC/IWG - National Security Council Interagency Working Group
NSDD - National Security Decision Directive
NSEP - National Security and Emergency Preparedness
NTIS - National Technical Information Service
NUE - Notification of unusual event
NCW - National Warning Center
NWS - National Weather Service
OC - Operations Center
OCE - Office of Chief Engineer
OEA - Office of External Affairs
OEMT - Operational Emergency Management Team
OEO - Office of Emergency Operations
OEP - Office of Emergency Preparedness
OEP/NDMS -Office of Emergency Preparedness/National Disaster Medical System
OES - Office of Emergency Services
OHMTADS -Oil and Hazardous Materials Technical Assistance Data System
OJT - On-the-job training
OMB - Office of Management and Budget
OPA - Office of Policy and Assessments
OPM - Office of Personnel Management
OPR - Office of Primary Responsibility
PA - Public address
PA - Public Affairs
PA-1 Director, Office of Public Affairs
PAO - Public Affairs Officer
PAT - Public Affairs Team
PAZ - Protective Action Zone
PBT - Performance-based Training
PER - Performance evaluation report
PHS - Public Health Service
PIO - Public Information Office/Officer
PIRG - Public Interest Research Group
PM - Program Manager
PPE - Personal Protective Equipment
PSA - Public Service Announcement
PSAR - Preliminary safety analysis report
PSO - Program Senior Official
PT&E - Preparedness, Training & Exercises
PT&ED - Preparedness, Training & Exercise Directorate
RECWG - Regional Emergency Coordinators Working Group
RER - Reentry recommendation
ROC - Regional Operations Center
ROST - Regional Operations Support Team
RPG - Response Planning Guide
RRP - Regional Response Plan
RRT - Regional Response Team (DOE)
S&H - Safety and Health
SAE - Site Area Emergency
SAR - Safety analysis report/review
SCI - Sensitive compartmented information
SCO - State coordinating officer
SD - Standing directives
SDATE - Special Disaster Assistance Team Employee
SECOM - Security Communications Control Center
SER - Safety evaluation report
SERC - State Emergency Response Commission [SARA of 1986 ]
SERT - Security Emergency Response Team
SFO - Senior FEMA official
SIOC - Strategic Information Operations Center (FBI equivalent to EICC)
SIR - Security incident report
SITREP - Situation Report
SME - Subject matter expert
SRT - Special Response Team
TCP - Traffic control point
TELOS - Test and evaluate local operating systems
TEMP - Transportation Emergency Management Program
TEPP- Transportation Emergency Preparedness Program
TES - Training/Evaluation Standard
US&R - Urban search and rescue
USC - United States Code
USCG - U.S. Coast Guard [DOT}
USD - Under Secretary of Defense
USD(P) - Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
USDA - U.S. Department of Agriculture
USFA - U.S. Fire Administration [FEMA]
USFS - U.S. Forest Service
USFORSCOM - US Army Forces Command
USGS - U.S. Geological Survey
USNRC - U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
USPHS - U.S. Public Health
USPS - U.S. Postal Service
USQ - Unresolved Safety Question
VA - Department of Veterans Affairs
VAMC - Veterans Administration Medical Center
VHA - Veterans Health Administration
WINDS - Weather Information and Display System
ZULU - Greenwich Mean Time (also see GMT)