Office Of The Governor Participates In Multi-Agency State Planning Meeting On Coronavirus And Emergency Response
The Office of the Governor (OOG) today joined other state agency representatives for a meeting at the State Operations Center to discuss the current state of the coronavirus (COVID-19) as well as the state's emergency response plans. The meeting, hosted by the Office of the Governor, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), was the first in a series of twice-weekly meetings that will address state emergency planning documents and strategies.
During the inaugural meeting, representatives of the Emergency Management Council discussed ways to reinforce the precautionary strategies Texas is already implementing to safeguard communities and protect public health. The representatives also reviewed the purpose, scope, and organization of the State Emergency Management Plan, the state emergency management structure, and each Emergency Management Council agency's area of responsibility within the Emergency Support Functions.
The meeting included a discussion of ways to achieve consistent communication between local and state agencies and private sector partners. Upon conclusion of the meeting, agencies were charged with reviewing their own operational plans so they can continue to operate efficiently and provide services in the event of an emergency.
Additionally, as the lead agency responding to COVID-19, DSHS answered questions from other agencies, which ensures the State of Texas has a unified approach to planning for and responding to this event. For up-to-date information from DSHS, visit: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
The following agencies participated in today's meeting:
Texas Division of Emergency Management
Texas Department of State Health Services
Office of the Governor
The American Red Cross
Texas Department of Agriculture
Texas Department of Public Safety
Office of the Attorney General
Public Utility Commission of Texas
State Auditor's Office
Texas Animal Health Commission
The Texas A&M University System
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Texas Department of Insurance
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Texas A&M Forest Service
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Texas Animal Health Commission
Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
Texas Department of Transportation
Texas Education Agency
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Texas Medical Board
Texas Military Department
Texas Office of Court Administration
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)
The Salvation Army
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
University of North Texas System
University of Texas System
Texas Tech University System