Kids Say the Darndest Things, Like “Be Prepare, Y’All!”
Commissioner Dawn Buckingham Joins Comical Kiddos in Unboxing a Family Disaster Preparedness Evacuation Kit Just in time for Back to School Tax Free Weekend – August 11-13
AUSTIN — Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., joined by some of Texas’ cutest kids, is reminding families that “Back to School” planning should also include being prepared for disasters. In a new video release, Commissioner Buckingham helped children unpack a list of items they may need in case of an evacuation. The comical and educational video provides inspiration to help Texans build a family emergency go-bag when preparing students to head back to school.
“From fires to floods, being prepared and staying prepared can help you protect your family in case a disaster strikes,” Commissioner Buckingham said. “Including your children in your planning and preparations helps ensure the next generation will be ready for potential severe weather events. Plus, you just never know what they’ll say!”
Watch these comically clever kiddos help Commissioner Buckingham unbox a preparedness go bag:
Whether excessive heat waves, powerful tornadoes or damaging hurricanes, it is important to be prepared to evacuate. Texas has had 372 declared disasters since 1953. Of Texas’ total declarations, more than 30% happened in August or later. Evacuations are more common than most may think, and few disasters come with a lot of warning time.
The GLO’s disaster preparedness outreach coincides with the Texas Comptroller’s Back to School Sales Tax Holiday Weekend, August 11-13, when Texans can save on many items they may include in their family’s go-bag, such as clothing, baby diapers, and face masks. For a complete list of eligible items, visit TxTaxHoliday.org.
The GLO encourages all Texans to prepare for hurricane season by doing the following:
- Know Your Risk - Sign up for your community’s emergency warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- Make Your Evacuation Plan - Check with local officials about updated evacuation shelters for this year. Know where your family will meet up if you are separated and where you will stay. Pack a “go bag” including items you need to take with you if you evacuate. A “go bag” should be easy to carry and kept in a place where you can grab it quickly. Check with drivetexas.org to find routes near you. To find a shelter near you, download the FEMA app at fema.gov/mobile-app.
- Gather Supplies - Plan for your entire household including children, people with disabilities or access/functional needs, and pets.
- Secure Documents - Remember to secure copies of important personal documents. Filing for government assistance requires documentation. Be sure to keep documents in a secure location and take them with you if you need to evacuate. Place these documents in a waterproof bag and back them up on cloud storage or a thumb drive.
Download the GLO's Disaster Evacuation Checklist for more information. Texans can follow along on social media, watch the GLO’s preparedness tips on YouTube, and find resources for family and pet preparedness at www.recovery.texas.gov/preparedness.
###
More Press Releases