It is no secret that the State of Texas is prone to a multitude of natural disasters, including tornadoes, wildfires, floods, and more.
The Texas General Land Office (TGLO) says that Texas is the United States’ most disaster-prone state, with over 372 federal disasters declared since 1953. As such, the organization has identified several ways that residents can prepare for disasters in order to protect themselves and their loved ones.
When it comes to tornadoes, one of the state’s more common natural disasters, the organization recommends that people know the difference between the various types of warnings that may be issued by the Emergency Alert System and officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the face of severe weather.
While a “tornado watch” only indicates the favorability of conditions for tornado formation, a “tornado warning” indicates that a tornado has been sighted or scene on radar and people should immediately take shelter. The rarely used “tornado emergency” means that there is an imminent severe threat to human life and/or catastrophic damage.
When taking shelter from a tornado, people indoors should move to an interior room free of windows. A person caught outdoors without any shelter should lie in a low area such as a ditch and cover his head.
Similar to tornadoes, people can prepare for winter storms through knowledge of the different types of alerts that are issued. A “winter storm warning” is issued when there is hazardous winter weather such as heavy snow or freezing rain. Winter storm warnings are usually issued between 12 and 24 hours before an event is expected to occur.
A “winter storm watch” alerts the public to the possibility of severe winter weather and is usually issued between 12 and 48 hours in advance. Finally, a “winter weather advisory” is issued for “accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.”
The TGLO advises people to weatherize their homes for winter by using weather stripping, insulation, and caulking. It is also a good idea to keep on hand extra supplies such as gas, medication, food, and batteries in the event of a loss of power.
Those who find themselves in a wildfire situation can protect their land and property by establishing a 30-foot barrier around their property free of combustible materials. People are also advised to have a water hose that can reach any area around the house and be prepared to relocate animals and evacuate the area if a threat is imminent.
In the event of a flood, the most common disaster in the state according to the Texas Department of State Health Services, residents are advised to have emergency supplies in place, develop an evacuation plan, keep gutters and drains clear of debris, and stockpile sandbags, plywood, and plastic sheeting to prepare for such events. Texans are also advised to purchase flood insurance, keep a catalog of all of their possessions, and keep important documents such as insurance policies safely stored.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has created a disaster supply checklist so people can build their own emergency kit complete with everything that they will need in the event of a disaster.
