Gov. Perry: Emergency Response Starts with Individual Preparedness
Urges Texas families to prepare for 2013 hurricane season
AUSTIN – As part of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, Gov. Rick Perry is urging Texans to prepare their families and homes for the 2013 hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 through the end of November. The governor today was joined by Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw and State Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd at the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) State Response Activation Exercise to assess the readiness of state emergency management personnel and resources.
“As a new hurricane season begins tomorrow, the most important element of emergency response starts with the individual. Everybody in Texas, particularly those along the coast, needs to have an emergency plan, an emergency supply kit and an evacuation route in place before a hurricane strikes,” Gov. Perry said. “We use these annual exercises to help us keep our system razor-sharp and ready for action at the first sign of trouble. Through practice, simulation and repetition, we’ve honed one of the most effective and efficient emergency response teams in the country.”
“Hurricanes are a devastating force of nature, and today’s exercise demonstrates the extensive resources necessary to meet such a threat to the state,” Director McCraw said. “The state stands ready to assist our local partners in the event a storm threatens Texas. Since early planning and preparations can greatly increase the protection of life and property, it is imperative that residents also begin taking precautions now.”
May 26 – June 1, 2013, is National Hurricane Preparedness Week. All Texas families are strongly encouraged to develop an emergency plan that designates a place to go in case of evacuations, and compile a readiness kit of important supplies, including medication, non-perishable food items and water.
For more information on how Texans can prepare their homes and families for emergencies, please visit http://www.texasprepares.org/ and http://www.211texas.org/.
For hurricane season updates in Texas, please visit http://governor.state.tx.us/hurricane.
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