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Be Prepared for Winter Weather!
For more information, visit ready.gov/winter-weather
What You Should Know
- Know what to do before, during, & after a winter storm
- Listen to local officials
- Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, & in the car
- Stay off the road during and after a winter storm
- Have a carbon monoxide alarm in place, especially if using alternative heating devices
- Use safe heating devices.
Prepare Now for Winter Weather
- Know your area's risk for winter storms. Extreme winter weather could leave communities without utilities or other services.
- Prepare your home with insulation, caulking & weather stripping. Protect pipes & test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors.
- Pay attention to weather reports. Sign up for CodeRed alerts. The EAS & NOA Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Don't forget medicine, pet needs, & extra batteries.
- Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water & snacks.
- Learn the signs & basic treatments for frostbite & hypothermia.
Survive During Winter Weather
- Stay off roads
- Stay indoors & dress warmly
- Prepare for power outages
- Use generators outside only
- Listen for emergency information & alerts
- Check on neighbors
- Look for signs of frostbite & hypothermia
Knowing the Signs of Hypothermia & Frostbite
For more information, visit ready.gov/winter-weather
Frostbite
- Causes loss of feeling & color around the face, fingers & toes
- Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin
- Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.
Hypothermia
- An unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency
- Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness
- Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first (chest, neck, head & groin). Keep dry & wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head & neck.
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)
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Vincent Cantu
Emergency Management CoordinatorPhone: (325) 676-6683
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Nate Lester
Deputy Emergency Management CoordinatorPhone: (325) 676-6525