Preparing for a Disaster

Preparing for Disasters

Texas is the most disaster-prone state in the country, with 374 federal disaster declarations since 1953. In a single year, we see a wide variety of natural disasters. The General Land Office works closely with local governments around the state to help communities stay ready.

We promote preparedness through our “Don’t Ignore Your Risk” public outreach initiative. It encourages Texans to know their risks and prepare their families.

Watch the “Don’t Ignore Your Risk” campaign video.

Download the GLO’s Disaster Evacuation Checklist to learn how to build an evacuation kit – or “go bag” – and be prepared for emergency situations.

Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., joined Texas children for an educational “Back to School” video that outlines what items are key for an emergency go-bag. 

Kids’ Hurricane Preparedness Go Bag Unboxing with Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D.

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Preparedness Quick Guides

Hurricanes and Floods 

• Protect your valuables and important documents.
• Build a disaster evacuation kit.
• Purchase flood insurance.
• Take steps to flood-proof your home.
• Create a family evacuation plan.

Wildfires 

• Learn and practice evacuation routes.
• Follow instructions from local authorities.
• Prepare your ranch by downloading our Wildfires and Your Livestock evacuation checklist.
• Create a fire-resistant zone around your property.
• Find an outdoor water source.

Tornadoes 

• Sign up for your local warning system.
• Identify a sturdy shelter or small interior room.
• Do not enter a damaged building until cleared to do so.

Winter 

• Follow weather reports, freeze warnings, and alerts closely.
• Gather enough supplies for several days, per person. This includes medication, batteries, flashlights, water, and pet supplies.
• Only use generators and grills away from doors and windows.
• Don't heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.

Pet Preparedness 

• Assemble a separate emergency kit for your animals.
• Bring copies of all pet records and documentation.
• Ensure your pet is microchipped.
• Create a list of your livestock and a way to identify them.

Preparedness Partners

Image Department of Homeland Security Disaster Preparedness Ready.gov	Image Texas Division of Emergency Management TDEM.texas.gov
Image FEMA Disaster Preparedness FEMA.gov 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service).	Image National Flood Insurance Program Flood floodsmart.gov (800) 427-4661, TTY (800) 427-5593
Image American Red Cross RedCross.org	Image Texas Department of Insurance HelpInsure.com
Image Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD.gov	Image Small Business Administration SBA.gov  (800) 659-2955
Image Center for Disease and Control Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/	Image Texas Department of State Health Services https://www.dshs.texas.gov