State agencies prep for winter storm, boost emergency response

AUSTIN, Texas — State emergency response resources have been implemented ahead of winter weather.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management announced Saturday that the agency and it’s state partners have begun mobilizing state resources for the upcoming weather.

“TDEM and our state agency partners are prepared for upcoming winter weather impacts and Texans are urged to take personal preparedness measures ahead of time,” said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. “I urge all Texans to stay informed, take proactive measures to protect their families, and follow guidance from local authorities as this winter weather event approaches.”

TDEM is increasing the level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center (SOC) to Level II (Escalated Response) at 7:00 a.m. on Monday.

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TDEM has requested representatives from the following Texas Emergency Management Council agencies report to the SOC on Monday and ensure their resources are mobilizing and are ready for immediate deployment:

• Texas Department of Transportation: Winter weather roadway equipment and crews pre-treating and treating roadways; personnel and equipment to assist with traffic control and road closures
• Texas Division of Emergency Management: Incident Management Teams; personnel working with local partners to update warming center maps
• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service: Public Works Response Teams
• Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw crews; motor graders and personnel to assist with snow/ice clearance
• Texas Department of State Health Services: Texas Emergency Medical Task Force Winter Weather Packages including medics and ambulances
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Personnel to provide information on available services through the 2-1-1 Texas Information Referral Network; Coordinating with long term care providers across the threat area
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster assessment and recovery agents
• Texas Animal Health Commission: Coordinating animal resource needs
• Texas Department of Agriculture: Coordinating agricultural resource needs
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordinating with utility providers across the threat area
• Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers to patrol Texas roadways
• Texas Parks & Wildlife Department: Game Wardens to support local law enforcement; high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists
• Texas National Guard: High-profile vehicles and personnel to support stranded motorists
• Texas Department of Information Resources: Monitoring technology infrastructure
• Texas Education Agency: Monitoring school district needs across the state
• Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Texas VOAD): Coordinating of volunteer organizations across the state

People can find winter weather resources, safety tips, warming center information, and current road conditions online in the Texas Disaster Portal located at tdem.texas.gov.