AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the State Operations Center (SOC) to elevate its readiness level as Tropical Depression Harvey approaches, and the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane and storm surge watch for the Gulf Coast. Starting at 7:00 a.m. today the SOC increased from level IV (normal conditions) to level III (increased readiness) and will be further elevated to level II (escalated response conditions) starting Thursday, August 24th at 7:00 a.m. Additionally, Governor Abbott has made available any and all state resources to assist in preparation, rescue and recovery efforts.
“The state’s emergency personnel are well prepared for the potential impact from Tropical Depression Harvey, and stand ready to assist in the event of any severe weather emergencies,” said Governor Abbott. “As the State Operations Center increases its readiness levels, I also encourage Texans in the storm’s path to make their own emergency preparations, heed warnings from local officials, and avoid high water areas. I ask that all Texans keep those in the Gulf Coast region in their thoughts and prayers as they prepare for this severe weather event.”
State resources currently engaged in the emergency preparation effort include:
Department of Information Resources
Public Utility Commission of Texas
Railroad Commission of Texas
State Auditor’s Office
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas Task Force One)
Texas A&M Forest Service
Texas Animal Health Commission
Texas Attorney General’s Office
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Texas Department of Agriculture
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
Texas Department of Insurance
Texas Department of Public Safety
Texas Department of State Health Services
Texas Department of Transportation
Texas Division of Emergency Management
Texas Education Agency
Texas General Land Office
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Texas Military Department
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster