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

Texas Division of Emergency Management Increases Readiness of State Operations Center, Activates Additional State Emergency Response Resources for Rain and Flood Threats

AUSTIN - The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has increased the readiness level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response) and activated additional state emergency response resources as the state prepares for continued heavy rainfall and flash flooding threats this week.

“TDEM and Texas Emergency Management Council agencies are prepared to support needs of local officials as rain and flooding threatens the area along the Interstate-35 corridor as well as East and Southeast Texas,” said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. “TDEM continues to urge Texans to plan for hazardous travel conditions and stay weather aware this week.”

TDEM has assembled the following agencies at the Texas State Operations Center to coordinate the state's emergency response in support of local officials:

• Texas Department of Transportation
• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas Department of State Health Services
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
• Texas Animal Health Commission
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Public Utility Commission of Texas
• Railroad Commission of Texas
• Texas Department of Public Safety
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
• Texas National Guard
• Texas Education Agency
• Texas Department of Information Resources
• Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Texas VOAD)

Additionally, TDEM activated an additional number of state emergency response resources to support flood response operations:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Swiftwater Boat Squads
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens and boat squads
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Tactical Marine Unit and helicopters with hoist capabilities
• Texas National Guard: Personnel and high profile vehicles

These resources are deploying in addition to state emergency response resources activated over the weekend. TDEM has also placed a number of resources on standby in anticipation of supporting any requests for assistance from local officials.

Overnight, Texas A&M Task Force 1 supported first responders in Bexar County with searches of flooded vehicles to ensure no-one was trapped inside.

Texans are encouraged to make an emergency plan, stock an emergency supply kit for vehicles, and follow instructions from local officials and emergency response personnel.

Texans can check road conditions at DriveTexas.org and access flood safety tips at TexasReady.gov.

‍