Governor Abbott Receives Briefing On State Of Disaster
Following yesterday’s declaration of a state of disaster in Bosque, Clay, Denton, Eastland, Gaines, Montague and Van Zandt counties, Texas Governor Greg Abbott today visited the Texas State Operations Center (SOC) to receive a briefing on state resources being dispatched to areas impacted by inclement weather. The Governor’s visit follows an elevated activation of the SOC to enable the rapid deployment of state resources announced on Friday, May 4th and a declared state of disaster by Governor Abbott on Monday, May 11th.
“A variety of agencies have come together as a team to ensure our fellow Texans weather this storm, just as we have in every other challenge we’ve ever faced,” Governor Abbott said. “I’m proud of the first responders across the State of Texas who have protected life as we’ve faced these challenges. We will continue to work collaboratively with local officials to do everything we can to keep the people of Texas, their families and their communities safe.”
During the briefing, Governor Abbott was informed of the latest developments in the state’s coordinated response to this tragic weather event including search and rescue missions, ongoing medical assistance, local cleanup efforts, power/utility issue resolution and providing shelter to those who have lost their homes.
Attendees at the Governor’s briefing included the Department of Public Safety (DPS), DPS Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas Education Agency, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Military Forces, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.
With the current forecast indicating a possible continuation of inclement weather, the SOC – in coordination with the Texas Emergency Management Council – is continuing to monitor weather conditions and coordinate with the National Weather Service.
View Governor Abbott’s disaster declaration.
For safety tips related to tornadoes, thunderstorms and flooding, see: http://dps.texas.gov/dem/ThreatAwareness/weather_aware_severe.htm
The American Red Cross has also established the following website for individuals in impacted areas: https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php