Heightened Hurricane Preparedness For 2019 Hurricane Season
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:
WHEREAS, Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas in 2017, and many affected jurisdictions are still recovering; and
WHEREAS, other hurricanes have produced significant damage and have caused or threatened loss of life in Texas and nearby states; and
WHEREAS, as these past storms demonstrated, hurricanes pose a serious threat to Texans, producing heavy winds, storm surges, torrential rains, inland flooding, and tornadoes; and
WHEREAS, all Texans, particularly Gulf Coast residents, must be aware of the dangers that hurricanes present and remain vigilant, especially between June 1 and November 30 when hurricanes are most likely to occur; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 285, which was passed by the 86th Legislature and signed into law on June 10, 2019, and which becomes effective September 1, 2019, will require a gubernatorial proclamation to be issued each year about hurricane preparedness; and
WHEREAS, the 2019 hurricane season is already underway and the most dangerous time in Texas for hurricanes is late summer, making it appropriate to issue a proclamation consistent with the spirit of Senate Bill 285 at this time;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas, do hereby proclaim the need for heightened hurricane preparedness during the 2019 hurricane season. I urge all Texans, including residential and commercial property owners, to ensure that their property and communities are prepared for the 2019 hurricane season. It is important to remain mindful of the dangers presented by hurricanes, to stay informed about current threats, and to take steps toward preparedness.
State agencies should review and update their hurricane preparedness plans. All Texas municipalities and counties, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Texas Education Agency, the Office of the Comptroller, the Texas Department of Insurance, and the Department of State Health Services should, to the extent practicable, conduct community outreach and education activities on hurricane preparedness to help Texas residents prepare for hurricane season.
Planning and preparation by all potentially affected residents can greatly reduce loss of life and property. Families should designate a safe place to meet in case of evacuation, develop an emergency plan for communicating with relatives and friends in other areas, and assemble a “readiness kit” of important supplies. Everyone should heed all warnings, information, and instructions provided by local officials as well as emergency management personnel.
Together, we can continue to make a difference.
In accordance with the statutory requirements, copies of this proclamation shall be filed with the applicable authorities.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 10th day of July, 2019.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor