Watch the DSHS video:
"Preparing Texas for a Safer Tomorrow"
You will need the Flash player installed
on your computer to watch this video.
Not sure if you have a Flash player?
Click this link to see if you have it installed.
Need to install a Flash player?
Click this button to download the latest version.
Fact Sheets and Brochures
Family Preparedness Brochure ( PDF file, 1.7 mb)
Disasters can strike at any time. There are steps you and your family can take to help minimize risks from known hazards. Planning now can help save lives later. This brochure will help you get informed, make a plan, and get supplies. From DSHS.
Governor's Division of Emergency Management
Public Information And Education page on an all-hazard emergency information site for the State of Texas. Includes hurricane preparedness and planning for emergencies for Texans with disabilities and special health-care needs. Links to Weather And Road Conditions webpages.
Preparedness Today
The possibility of public health emergencies arising in the United States concerns many people in the wake of recent hurricanes, tsunamis, acts of terrorism, and the threat of pandemic influenza. The American Red Cross and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have teamed up to answer common questions and provide guidance on steps you can take now to protect you and your loved ones.
Texas Homeland Security
Information on current terrorist attack threat level, emergency preparedness (including the development of a family safety plan and assembling an emergency supply kit); and how to help make your home, community, and state safer. From the Texas Office of the Governor.
Ready America
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security promotes individual emergency preparedness through the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps. The campaign is designed to educate Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. Includes information on family emergency plans, family communications plans, emergency supply kits, and building a shelter. Also sections for older Americans, people with special needs, and pet owners.
Emergency Preparedness and You
Comprehensive information on bioterrorism agents, diseases, and other threats; preparedness and planning, and training and education. Topics include personal preparedness and preparedness for specific types of emergencies, businesses, and health-care facilities. From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
TexasOnline Texas Emergency Portal. Includes information on: preparing for storms, getting assistance for special needs, evacuating to safety, and accessing government resources.
Prepare.org
A website from the American Red Cross and other community-based organizations. Helps individuals and families prepare for natural and human-caused disasters. One of its key goals is to serve the vulnerable populations: seniors, children, people with disabilities, and owners of animals and pets. Preparedness materials are available in English and multiple foreign languages, as well as large-print versions.
“Are You Ready?” An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
FEMA’s source on individual, family, and community preparedness. Information on how to develop and maintain an emergency communications plan and disaster supplies kit. Other topics covered include evacuation, emergency public shelters, animals in disaster, and information specific to people with disabilities. Provides in-depth information on specific hazards. You can download the full document (pdf, 21MB) or click on links to separate sections. Also available in Spanish.
Texas Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN)
Provides information relating to disaster preparedness, response and recovery for individuals, families, and urban and/or rural communities. Preparing for the Unexpected is an online booklet developed to explain different types of disasters, suggest protective measures for yourself and your family, and offer sources of additional information. A Spanish version of the booklet, Prepárese para lo inesperado, is also available. Texas EDEN is a joint effort between the Texas Cooperative Extension and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Local Texas Emergency and Preparedness Sites
City of Brownsville Office of Emergency Management
Information on current Homeland Security alert levels, local weather, terrorism preparedness, family disaster plan, disaster supplies, family disaster supplies calendar.
Ready South Texas
The City of San Antonio, Bexar County and Comal County are working with the Governor's Division of Emergency Management and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to strengthen local and national security.
North Central Texas Council of Governments
Builds a foundation for lasting partnerships and proactive Emergency Preparedness in North Central Texas through advocacy, information sharing, and collaboration. The department also partners with state and federal agencies that are charged with emergency management mitigation, training, response and recovery responsibilities.
Our Community Prepares
A website designed to help Houstonians prepare before a natural disaster or emergency strikes. Contains information regarding hurricane supply kits, evacuation plans, the 211 Texas system, pets and livestock, special needs, and tips for sheltering in place.
Houston Office of Emergency Management
This office is responsible for coordinating the City of Houston's preparation for and response to emergency situations.
Fort Worth-Tarrant County Office of Emergency Management
This office is responsible for disaster planning for the City of Fort Worth and portions of Tarrant County. This is accomplished by conducting a program of comprehensive emergency management principles.
Galveston County Office of Emergency Management
This office is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive emergency program for Galveston County. This Plan addresses disaster mitigation, planning and preparedness, response to, and recovery.
Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities
PDF file from Prepare.org, a website brought to you by the American Red Cross and other community-based organizations. The site is designed to help you and your family prepare for natural and human-caused disasters.
FEMA for Kids
This site teaches children how to be prepared for disasters and prevent disaster damage. They can also play games, read stories, learn what causes disasters, and become a Disaster Action Kid.
Ready Kids
Ready Kids helps parents and teachers educate children in grades 4-5 about emergencies and how they can help get their family prepared. The site features age-appropriate, step-by-step instructions on what families can do to be better prepared and the role kids can play in this effort. From the U.S. Deparment of Homeland Security
Note: External links to other sites are intended to be informational and do not have the endorsement of the Texas Department of State Health Services. These sites may also not be accessible to people with disabilities.
Public Health Preparedness Home | Return to Previous Page
indicates printer-friendly PDF files. See file viewing information
on Family Preparedness
PDF file, 732 kb) From FEMA.