As the impending hurricane season looms ahead for the Lone Star State, Gov. Greg Abbott has taken proactive steps to raise awareness about the dangers and equip Texans with the necessary tools to safeguard themselves and their communities.
In a proclamation issued this week, Abbott officially designated May 26 to June 1 as Hurricane Preparedness Week in Texas. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the governor emphasized the critical importance of readiness in the face of potential devastation.
“With hurricane season approaching, it is crucial for all Texans to be prepared for the potential of devastating and powerful storms that may reach our shores,” he said. “This Hurricane Preparedness Week, Texans are encouraged to learn more about safety measures and make an emergency plan to protect themselves and their loved ones from the destructive power of hurricanes.”
In tandem with the proclamation, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has intensified its efforts to bolster preparedness across the state. Per the governor’s proclamation, TDEM has reviewed emergency management planning documents to ensure they are updated and tailored to address the specific needs of local communities in the event of a hurricane.
Additionally, a full-scale annual hurricane exercise, engaging partners from various levels of government and the private sector, has been planned to enhance coordination and response capabilities, according to the governor’s press release.
The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially spans from June 1 to November 30, presenting a window of heightened vulnerability for Texas and other coastal states.
“Specifically, we should identify floodplains and dangerous areas; develop an evacuation plan; stockpile disaster supplies such as food, water, medicine, and lights; ensure that our finances are in order; retrofit buildings for gale force winds; and communicate with vulnerable neighbors,” Abbott’s proclamation read.
The Texas Hurricane Center provides a comprehensive collection of proactive steps to undertake before, during, and after a hurricane strikes. Texans can access additional hurricane safety tips and preparedness information through TexasReady.gov and tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
“I encourage all Texans to learn about preventative measures and implement them before the hurricane season. By doing so, we will stave off the worst eventualities and bolster the safety and security of this great state,” Abbott said in the proclamation.
The importance of disaster preparedness was recently highlighted when a series of storms severely damaged the Houston and Dallas areas, leaving millions without power and many Texans struggling in the wake of such dire weather.