Planning and Preparedness

Planning and Preparation 

Basic preparedness plans should be in place at home, at work and at school, and each family member or employee should understand the plan. When a disaster strikes, there may be only a few seconds to react and find shelter.

It is important for you and / or your family to have an emergency survival kit prepared in case of an emergency. Please visit our Quick Links section on the right of this page for more information on emergency survival kits and preparedness plans that can be downloaded, emailed or printed. 

Communication

The first step in preparedness is to ensure you have a reliable method of receiving weather information, including television, radio and NOAA weather radio, plus a back-up system if one goes out. We strongly encourage you to find mobile apps and technology that provide severe weather and emergency notifications. All of the major DFW television media offer news and weather related apps targeted to the region that you can download for free. Another great resource for weather monitoring is the National Weather Service's Facebook and Twitter pages that are updated before and during severe weather events. Battery-powered equipment and extra batteries should be part of the plan. Choose a person to telephone outside your city to let others know you are safe.

The National Weather Service has created a video that shows multiple ways to receive warnings. The National Weather Service: Ways To Get Warnings. 

Shelter

For home, work, or school, shelter areas should be designated, whether they are in basements below ground level, ground level windowless rooms, or interior hallways on the lowest floor. Protect yourself from flying debris with thick blankets, sleeping bags or mattresses.

If you are in a vehicle, mobile home or portable classroom, move quickly to a strong building for shelter. If there is no shelter, lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression.

Do not take shelter in a structure with a high, wide roof such as an auditorium, gym or shopping mall.

Meeting place

Choose a place for family members to meet if your neighborhood and home are damaged or destroyed. 

Please visit our Citizen Action Center to submit questions, requests, and receive informational emails.