Emergency Response Guide in Texas
The sheer size and geographic diversity of Texas means that no other state in the Union is exposed to a larger frequency and variety of natural disasters. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires and even earthquakes all occur in the Lone Star state. The most recent disasters included Jarrell Tornado in 1997, Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and the Texas winter storm in 2021.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Texas had more disasters with economic damages exceeding $1 billion than any other state. Since 1980, extreme natural events have cost Texans over $343 billion. The human toll is heavy too. Since 1960, natural disasters in Texas have claimed over 2330 lives.
The frequency and severity of Texas natural disasters puts disaster preparedness high on a priority list for everyone. Every Texan should have an emergency preparedness plan that at the very least includes a detailed action plan and an emergency kit.
