As Hurricane Beryl approaches Texas, Acting Governor Dan Patrick is urging residents to make final preparations. The state’s disaster declaration has been expanded to include 81 more counties, bringing the total to 121. This means that residents in these counties are eligible for assistance and resources in the event of a disaster.
The newly added counties are Anderson, Angelina, Austin, Bastrop, Bell, Bowie, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Caldwell, Camp, Cass, Chambers, Cherokee, Collin, Colorado, Comal, Dallas, Delta, Ellis, Falls, Fannin, Fayette, Fort Bend, Franklin, Freestone, Galveston, Grayson, Gregg, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Hays, Henderson, Hill, Hopkins, Houston, Hunt, Jasper, Jefferson, Kaufman, Lamar, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Limestone, Madison, Marion, McLennan, Milam, Montgomery, Morris, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Newton, Orange, Panola, Polk, Rains, Red River, Robertson, Rockwall, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Travis, Trinity, Tyler, Upshur, Van Zandt, Walker, Waller, Washington, Williamson, and Wood counties.
The state government is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of its residents. Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to increase the readiness level of the State Emergency Operations Center. This means that emergency management agencies in the state are working around the clock to prepare and deploy resources as needed.
Currently, Texas has over 2,000 responders and 850 assets ready and deployed to respond to the anticipated impacts of Hurricane Beryl. These responders are trained professionals who are equipped to handle emergency situations and provide assistance to those in need.
To stay informed and prepared, Texans are encouraged to visit the TDEM Disaster Portal or Texas Hurricane Center webpages for storm information. These resources provide updates on the hurricane’s progress, safety tips, and information on evacuation routes if necessary. Additionally, the website TexasReady.gov and tdem.texas.gov/prepare offer valuable storm safety and preparedness information for residents.
It’s important for residents in the affected counties to take this hurricane threat seriously and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This includes securing loose items around their homes, stocking up on essential supplies, and having a plan in place for evacuation if required.
In times of natural disasters, it’s crucial for the government and residents to work together to mitigate the impact of such events. By staying informed, being prepared, and following the guidance of emergency management agencies, Texans can better protect themselves and their communities from the potential dangers posed by Hurricane Beryl.
