Preparing for a Disaster

Preparing for Disasters Texas is the most disaster-prone state in the country, with 374 federal disaster declarations since 1953. In a single year, we see a wide variety of natural disasters. The General Land Office works closely with local governments around the state to help communities stay ready. We promote preparedness through our “Don’t Ignore Your Risk” public outreach initiative. It encourages Texans to know their risks and prepare their families. Watch the “Don’t Ignore Your Risk” campaign video. Download the GLO’s Disaster Evacuation Checklist to learn how to build an evacuation kit – or “go bag” – and be prepared for emergency situations. Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, joined Texas children for an educational “ Back to School ” video that outlines what items are key for an emergency go-bag. Kids’ Hurricane Preparedness Go Bag Unboxing with Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, Image Preparedness Quick Guides Hurricanes and Floods Protect your valuables and important documents. Build a disaster evacuation kit. Purchase flood insurance. Take steps to flood-proof your home. Create a family evacuation plan. Wildfires Learn and practice evacuation routes. Follow instructions from local authorities. Prepare your ranch by downloading our Wildfires and Your Livestock evacuation checklist . Create a fire-resistant zone around your property. Find an outdoor water source. Tornadoes Sign up for your local warning system. Identify a sturdy shelter or small interior room. Do not enter a damaged building until cleared to do so. Winter Follow weather reports, freeze warnings, and alerts closely. Gather enough supplies for several days, per person. This includes pet supplies. Only use generators and grills away from doors and windows. Don't heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven. Pet Preparedness Assemble a separate emergency kit for your animals. Bring copies of all pet records and documentation. Ensure your pet is microchipped. Create a list of your livestock and a way to identify them. PSAs and Kids’ Resources Commissioner Dawn Buckingham Recruits the San Antonio Missions Baseball Team and a Roster of Abuelitas to Help Texans Be Prepared! Kids Hurricane Preparedness Go Bag Unboxing with Commissioner Dawn Buckingham Pet Preparedness Unboxing with Commissioner Dawn Buckingham Don't Ignore Your Risk - Flood Insurance (PSA) Build Your Go-Bag With Boone Kids Coloring Page Weather Websites National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service Safety Tips NOAA - Watches, Warnings or Advisories for Texas LCRA Flood Operations Report Corpus Christi Weather Houston Weather Brownsville Weather Lake Charles, LA (Southeast Texas) Weather U.S Geological Survey app to let users locate stream gauges and water conditions near them Federal Disaster Assistance Once there is a federal disaster declaration, residents of impacted counties can register for individual assistance by visiting  https://www.disasterassistance.gov/   or calling 1-800-621-3362. You can also email FEMA from the  Disaster Assistance webform. Resources Figuring Out FEMA FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is a readily accessible facility or mobile office where applicants may visit for information about FEMA or other disaster assistance programs. There are two ways to find a DRC near you: Use the DRC Locator to find addresses and DRC details. Find info like the hours of operation, services offered, and driving directions. Text  DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 . Example: DRC 01234. Using this option doesn’t add you to any messaging service. It’s just like doing a search on the Web. (Standard text rates may apply.) Avoid Fraud In the wake of a of fraud. Confirm the identity of housing charity workers before engaging. Report suspicious activity.