TDEM Increases Readiness Level of State Emergency Operations Center, Activates Additional State Emergency Response Resources for Rain and Flood Threats

TDEM Increases Readiness Level of State Emergency Operations Center, Activates Additional State Emergency Response Resources for Rain and Flood Threats

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has increased the readiness level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center (SOC) to Level II (Escalated Response) and activated additional state emergency response resources as portions of West and Central Texas prepare for continued heavy rainfall and flash flooding threats heading into the holiday weekend.

“Texas responders remain ready to support local officials in Texas communities as flooding threatens the state over the next couple of days” said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. “As we head into a busy holiday weekend involving travel plans for many folks, Texans are urged to keep personal preparedness as their number one priority.”

According to the National Weather Service, heavy rainfall and flash flooding will continue to threaten West Texas, Central Texas, and the Hill Country over the next couple of days. Texans are encouraged to monitor local weather forecasts from trusted sources and avoid flooded roadways.

TDEM has requested the following agencies report to the SOC and ensure their resources are ready to support local flood response operations:

• Texas Department of Transportation
• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
• Texas Department of Public Safety
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
• Texas National Guard
• Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Texas VOAD)

Additionally, the following state emergency response resources are available to support local flood response operations:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas A&M Task Force 3): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads to assist with flood rescues
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capabilities, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit
• Texas National Guard: High profile vehicles to aid stranded motorists, Blackhawk helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues
• Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
• Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw Crews to assist with clearing of roadways
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as County Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
• Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles

TDEM activated state emergency response resources yesterday ahead of the rain and flooding threat.

Texans are encouraged to make an emergency plan, follow instructions from local officials, and prepare an emergency supply kit. Texans can check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, locate flood safety information at TexasReady.gov, access flood information at TexasFlood.org, and find general preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.‍