Hurricane Preparedness Week

05/06/2019 03:29 PM CDT

Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation raising awareness about the dangers of hurricanes and the precautions Texans can take as hurricane season approaches.

Each May, Texans set aside a week to raise awareness of the destructive force hurricanes can bring to communities, neighborhoods, and local economies. The Texas coastline and inland communities are at a greater risk of hurricanes during the six month period that runs from June through November. As a result, we as Texans must come together and prepare for these potentially life-threatening forces of nature.

Hurricanes are powerful and destructive forces that can inflict immense damage on our communities and pose a serious threat to the lives and property of Texas citizens. Consequently, we must remain vigilant during hurricane season and stay aware of the potential for severe weather that can accompany tropical systems.

Hurricane Harvey was one of the worst disasters in U.S. history and proved to be the largest disaster response ever executed in Texas. Hurricane Harvey was an inestimable tragedy for many Texans and its destruction taught us that practicing preparedness for severe weather must become a priority in our households and communities.

There are no substitutes for having emergency supplies and a well-prepared emergency plan in place. Before the 2019 hurricane season begins, take the time to sign up for emergency alerts, review plans for shelter and evacuation, build your emergency kit, check your insurance coverage and document your property, strengthen your financial preparedness, harden your home, and develop a plan to keep in touch with your loved ones.

At this time, I encourage all Texans to remain mindful of the dangers presented by hurricanes, to stay informed about current threats, and to take steps toward preparedness. Together, we are ready!

Therefore, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim May 5–11, 2019, to be Hurricane Preparedness Week.

GREG ABBOTT
Governor

Read the proclamation

Governor Greg Abbott Extended The State Disaster Declaration In May 2019 For Texas Counties Affected By Hurricane Harvey

05/07/2019 10:06 AM CDT

Governor Greg Abbott extended the State Disaster Declaration for Texas counties affected by Hurricane Harvey.

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:  

WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on August 23, 2017, certifying that Hurricane Harvey posed a threat of imminent disaster for Aransas, Austin, Bee, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, DeWitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kleberg, Lavaca, Liberty, Live Oak, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, Waller, Wharton and Wilson counties; and

WHEREAS, the disaster proclamation of August 23, 2017, was subsequently amended on August 26, August 27, August 28 and September 14 to add the following counties to the disaster proclamation: Angelina, Atascosa, Bastrop, Bexar, Brazos, Burleson, Caldwell, Cameron, Comal, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Jasper, Kerr, Lee, Leon, Madison, Milam, Montgomery, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Washington and Willacy; and

WHEREAS, on September 20, 2017, and in each subsequent month effective through today, I issued proclamations renewing the disaster declaration for all counties listed above; and

WHEREAS, due to the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Harvey, a state of disaster continues to exist in those same counties;

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby renew the disaster proclamation for the 60 counties listed above.

Pursuant to Section 418.017 of the code, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.

Pursuant to Section 418.016 of the code, any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or any order or rule of a state agency that would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor.  However, to the extent that the enforcement of any state statute or administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement would impede any state agency’s emergency response that is necessary to protect life or property threatened by this declared disaster, I hereby authorize the suspension of such statutes and rules for the duration of this declared disaster.

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 7th day of May, 2019. 

GREG ABBOTT
Governor

View a PDF of the proclamation

GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of the Office of the Governor · P.O. Box 12428 · Austin TX 78711-2428 · 800-843-5789