Emergency Management

Severe Weather Preparedness

Be Prepared for Severe Weather!

For more information, visit ready.gov/severe-weather & community.fema.gov

Preparing for Severe Weather

Know the risk. Storms can occur year-round and at any hour. They can cause powerful winds, hail, flash flooding, or tornadoes.
Sign up for CodeRED or other warning systems, such as the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio emergency alerts. Learn how to sign up for CodeRED.
Strengthen your home. Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home. Consider buying surge protectors for your appliances & electronic devices. Secure outside furniture.
Make an emergency plan so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from a thunderstorm.

If you are under a thunderstorm warning:

When thunder roars, go indoors!
Pay attention to alerts & warnings
Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet
Avoid running water during a storm

A THUNDERSTORM WARNING means current storm conditions can turn worse, including heavy rain, hail, and strong winds. Seek shelter immediately!

Stay Safe during a Hail Storm

Get indoors immediately. Hailstones vary in size, but even small ones pose a danger to anything or anyone caught in a storm.
Secure windows. Once indoors, close all drapes, blinds, or shades to prevent broken window glass and hailstorms from entering your home.
Take precautions if driving. Stay in your vehicle & pull over safely. Turn your back to windows or cover yourself with a blanket to protect yourself from broken glass.
Sign up for CodeRED or other warning systems, such as the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio emergency alerts. Learn how to sign up for CodeRED

After Severe Weather or Hail Storm:

Evaluate the condition of your roof to identify any damage & prevent further deterioration
Watch for fallen power lines & trees
Listen to authorities & weather forecasts for information

Turn around - don’t drown! Flash flooding may occur during or after a severe weather event - always listen to weather forecasts & local news.

Tornado Preparedness

Be Prepared for Tornadoes!

For more information, visit ready.gov/tornadoes

Preparing for a Tornado

Know the signs, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar like a freight train.
Sign up for CodeRED or other warning systems, such as the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio emergency alerts. Learn how to sign up for CodeRED.
Identify & practice going to a safe shelter. If you do not have access to a storm shelter, the next best protection is a small, interior or windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
Build an emergency supply kit. Have your own food, water, and other supplies to last for several days. Don’t forget medications or pet supplies.

If you are under a tornado or severe weather warning:

Go to a safe shelter immediately
Stay away from windows, doors & walls
Do not go under an overpass or bridge
Watch for flying debris
Follow instructions of state & local officials

A TORNADO WARNING means a tornado is in the area - seek shelter immediatley!

Free Programs

Be Prepared Before Severe Weather Hits

Sign up for CodeRED Alerts

Enroll in Abilene-Taylor County's emergency alert program and receive inclement weather advisories, evacuation notices, & more. To sign up:

Text ABITAYTX to 99411
Sign up at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/5B6524CD675E

Get Assistance After an Emergency Event

Register with the STEAR Program

The STEAR Program is a free registry that provides local emergency management planners & responders with information related to your needs during an emergency.

Who should register? People with disabilities, people who are medically fragile, & people with limited mobility, communication barriers, or require additional assistance. To register:

Visit stear.tdem.texas.gov
Or call 2-1-1 for assistance

Your Resource During a Disaster

Download the FEMA App

Take charge of disasters with the FEMA app, your free personalized disaster resource. Receive real-time weather alerts, send notifications to loved ones, locate emergency shelters in your area, & more.

For more information, visit fema.gov

Download the app:

Warnings, Watches & Advisories

Know Your Terms

Winter Storm Warning

Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.

Winter Storm Watch

Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the event is expected to begin.

Winter Weather Advisory

Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle & sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not taken, could lead to life-threatening situations.

Emergency Operations Plan

The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)

The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is consistent with and complements a comprehensive emergency management system for the state of Texas and the United States. Mission accomplishment will reduce the vulnerability of our citizens to injury and loss of life, and lessen the loss of property and damage to the city. This can be achieved by providing a system for the mitigation of, preparedness for, response to, and recovery from natural or man-made hazards, and terrorist threats.

Local Emergency Management

Local Emergency Management

The Mayor of each incorporated municipality and the County Judge of each county is designated as the Emergency Management Director for each such political subdivision. As the Governor’s designated agents, the Mayor and County Judge may exercise the powers, on an appropriate local scale, granted the Governor by the Texas Disaster Act of 1975.

Emergency Management Coordinator

The Mayor and County Judge may designate an Emergency Management Coordinator to serve as an assistant to the presiding officer of the political subdivision for emergency management purposes. Political subdivisions may establish inter-jurisdictional agreements to manage and mutually benefit from local emergency management programs (Abilene and Taylor County, 1994).

Program Costs

Federal dollars routed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered by DEM under the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) are received locally (typically $42,000 annually) to help offset program costs.