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Think ahead! Visit Rebuild Health: Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District's community health portal for more information on preparing for emergencies.
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.
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!
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:
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.
The Office of Emergency Management
The City of Abilene Office of Emergency Management develops, maintains, and implements a local community plan for mitigating, managing and recovering from major emergencies and disasters.
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
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.
Assisted Living Facilities & Nursing Homes
Only electronic copies of emergency plans submitted to the City of Abilene Office of Emergency Management will be accepted. Please email plans to Vincent Cantu.
Documents
- Abilene Hazards Analysis (PDF)
- Disaster - A Deaf Hard of Hearing Guide for Emergency Preparedness (PDF)
- Emergency Action Checklist (PDF)
- Emergency Supply List (PDF)
- FEMA Citizen Preparedness Guide (PDF)
- How to Shelter in Place (PDF)
- Lista Escencial De Emergencia (PDF)
- Prepare Family Documents for Emergencies (PDF)
- West Central Texas Council of Governments Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update (PDF)