Disaster declaration in Texas because of Tropical Storm Alberto: counties affected and what to do
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration in response to the arrival of Tropical Storm Alberto. Here are the affected areas.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for some counties in the state due to the arrival of Tropical Storm Alberto.
“Tropical Storm Alberto poses an imminent disaster threat, including severe and widespread property damage, injuries, and loss of lives due to widespread flooding, life-threatening storms, damaging winds and heavy rains,” the governor said in a statement.
Among the counties that will be affected are the following: Aransas, Atascosa, Bandera, Bee, Bexar, Brazoria, Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, Fort Bend, Frio, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Harris, Hidalgo, Jackson, Jefferson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, Kinney, Kleberg, La Salle, Lavaca, Live Oak, Matagorda, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Nueces, Orange, Real, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Webb, Wharton, Willacy, Wilson, Zapata and Zavala.
In addition to the disaster declaration, the governor has also authorized the use of all available resources of the state government and its various offices that will be necessary to address the situation.
READ ALSO: Stonehenge painted orange by climate activists before summer solstice
READ ALSO: When could tropical storm ‘Alberto’ hit Texas?
What to do when Tropical Storm Alberto arrives in Texas
The governor has urged Texans to follow the guidelines of state and local officials to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
In addition to monitoring alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS), it is important to prepare an emergency kit, as well as check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators, and storm shutters.
The emergency kit should include the following:
- Drinking water
- Non-perishable foods
- Battery or Hand Crank Radio and NOAA Weather Radio with Tone Alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Additional batteries
- Whistle (to call for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Wet wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal hygiene)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and backup battery.
It is also important to put together a family emergency plan to decide how you will communicate with each other, where you will go, and what you will do in case of an emergency. It is also advisable to review insurance policies to ensure you have adequate coverage for your home and personal property under these circumstances.