Texas Emergency Preparedness: Complete Disaster Survival Guide

Everything's bigger in Texas—including the variety of natural disasters residents must prepare for. From Gulf Coast hurricanes to Panhandle blizzards, Tornado Alley twisters to scorching summer heat, the Lone Star State experiences nearly every type of severe weather. This comprehensive guide covers all the threats Texas families face and exactly how to prepare for each one, wherever you live in this vast state.

Tornado Preparedness: Texas is Tornado Country

Texas leads the nation in tornado occurrences, averaging 140+ tornadoes annually. The state sits squarely in Tornado Alley, where warm Gulf moisture meets cold northern air masses, creating perfect conditions for severe storms. Peak tornado season runs from March through June, with a secondary peak in fall.

Understanding Tornado Risk by Region

North Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth): High tornado risk, particularly April-June. Urban sprawl makes population exposure significant. Tornadoes here can be large, long-track EF3-EF5 events.

Central Texas (Waco, Austin): Moderate to high risk. The Hill Country provides some topographic shielding, but tornadoes still occur regularly in spring.

West Texas: Lower frequency but open terrain means less warning time. Dust storms can obscure approaching tornadoes.

Panhandle: High risk with peak activity May-June. Supercell thunderstorms produce large, photogenic tornadoes that can be deceptively fast.

Gulf Coast: Tornadoes often accompany hurricanes and tropical systems with little warning—sometimes just minutes compared to 15-20 minutes for traditional tornadoes.

Tornado Warning Signs

• Dark, greenish sky
• Large hail (especially without rain)
• Loud, continuous roar like a freight train
• Rotating wall cloud
• Cloud of debris at ground level
• Sudden calm after a thunderstorm, followed by rapid wind shift

Texas Tornado Shelter Options

Most Texas homes lack basements due to the high water table and expansive clay soils. Your shelter options:

Interior room: Small, interior room on the lowest floor—bathroom, closet, or under stairs. Get under sturdy furniture. Cover yourself with mattress or thick blankets.

Storm shelter: Underground or above-ground FEMA-rated safe rooms provide near-absolute protection. Cost ranges from $3,000-$10,000 installed. Some Texas counties offer rebates.

Public shelters: Know locations of nearby community shelters, especially if you live in a mobile home (ALWAYS evacuate mobile homes during tornado warnings).

During a Tornado Warning

1. Move immediately to your shelter location
2. Get away from windows, doors, and outside walls
3. Get as low as possible—under furniture or in bathtub
4. Cover your head and neck with arms or padding
5. Keep shoes on to protect feet from debris afterward
6. Do NOT open windows (myth—this doesn't help)
7. Stay sheltered until the warning expires or all-clear given

Hurricane Preparedness: Gulf Coast Texas

The Texas Gulf Coast stretches 367 miles from Louisiana to Mexico, exposing millions of residents to hurricane threats from June through November. Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, and the Rio Grande Valley all face significant hurricane risk. Major landfalls include Hurricane Harvey (2017), Ike (2008), and the deadliest U.S. natural disaster ever—the 1900 Galveston Hurricane.

Hurricane Categories and Expected Impact

• Category 1 (74-95 mph): Power outages, downed trees. Coastal flooding 4-5 feet above normal.
• Category 2 (96-110 mph): Extensive damage to roofs and siding. Flooding inland. Power out days to weeks.
• Category 3+ (111+ mph): Devastating structural damage. Storm surge potentially catastrophic. Evacuation essential for surge zones.

Harvey's lesson: Category doesn't tell the whole story. Harvey made landfall as Category 4 but caused most damage as a stalled tropical storm dropping 60+ inches of rain over Houston. Flooding, not wind, is often the deadliest hazard.

Texas Hurricane Evacuation

Texas uses contraflow (opening all highway lanes for outbound traffic) during major evacuations. Know your zone and route:

• Zone A (highest risk): Barrier islands, immediate coastline
• Zone B: Low-lying coastal areas
• Zone C: Further inland but still surge-vulnerable

Evacuation timing: Leave early—24-48 hours before landfall minimum. During Hurricane Rita (2005), traffic jams stranded motorists for 20+ hours, and more people died evacuating than from the storm itself. If you wait until mandatory orders, roads may already be gridlocked.

Inland Texans: Prepare to host evacuees. Your friends and family from the coast may need shelter with you.

Post-Hurricane Dangers

• Floodwaters contain sewage, chemicals, and debris—avoid contact
• Downed power lines may energize standing water
• Generator exhaust kills—NEVER run generators indoors or in garages
• Snakes and fire ants displaced by flooding may be aggressive
• Mold begins growing within 24-48 hours in flooded structures

Winter Storm Preparedness: Learning from Uri

The February 2021 winter storm exposed Texas's vulnerability to extreme cold. While the state has improved grid weatherization, the fundamental reality remains: Texas homes are built for heat, not cold, and extended freezing temperatures can be deadly when power fails.

Winter Storm Risks by Region

Panhandle: Regular winter storms, ice, and blizzard conditions. Most winter-prepared region but still vulnerable to power outages.

North Texas: Ice storms more common than snow. Ice accumulation on roads, trees, and power lines causes widespread outages.

Central/South Texas: Less frequent but more catastrophic when storms hit. Infrastructure and residents less prepared. Austin, San Antonio, and Houston suffered significantly in 2021.

Rio Grande Valley: Rare freezes devastate citrus crops and catch residents unprepared. Homes lack heating systems entirely.

Preparing for Extended Cold Without Power

Assume you may lose power for 3-7 days during a major winter storm. Prepare accordingly:

Heating Alternatives

• Propane/kerosene heaters: Require ventilation. Never use grills or generators indoors.
• Fireplace: Ensure chimney is clean and flue opens. Stock firewood or manufactured logs.
• Single room strategy: Heat only one room, seal doors with towels, hang blankets over windows
• Layering: Wear multiple layers, hat, and warm socks even indoors

Protecting Pipes

Burst pipes caused billions in damage during Uri. Prevention steps:

• Know your main water shutoff location
• Insulate exposed pipes (especially in attics and exterior walls)
• Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow warm air circulation
• Let faucets drip during extended freezes (moving water resists freezing)
• If pipes freeze, shut off water immediately to minimize burst damage
• Keep water heater area warm if possible

Winter Driving in Texas

Most Texans have limited experience driving in ice and snow. Key points:

• Stay home if possible: Texas roads are often untreated, and other drivers are inexperienced
• Bridges and overpasses freeze first: Ice forms on elevated surfaces before ground-level roads
• Reduce speed dramatically: 4WD doesn't help you stop on ice
• Increase following distance: 8-10 seconds minimum on icy roads
• Don't pump ABS brakes: Apply steady pressure and let the system work

Extreme Heat: Texas Summers

Heat kills more Texans than any other weather phenomenon. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F statewide, with heat indexes reaching 110-115°F when humidity is factored in. The Texas grid is increasingly stressed during summer peaks, making power outages more likely when air conditioning is most needed.

Heat Illness Recognition

Heat cramps: Muscle pain or spasms during heavy exercise. Stop activity, move to cool place, drink water with electrolytes.

Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, cold/pale/clammy skin, fast/weak pulse, nausea, fainting. Move to cool area, apply cold compresses, sip water. Seek medical attention if vomiting or symptoms worsen.

Heat stroke: Body temperature 103°F+, hot/red/dry skin, rapid/strong pulse, confusion or unconsciousness. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. This is life-threatening. Cool the person by any means available. Do NOT give fluids.

Surviving Heat Without AC

During power outages or if you lack air conditioning:

• Go to public cooling centers (libraries, malls, community centers)
• Stay on lowest floor (heat rises)
• Use battery-powered fans with wet towels
• Take cool (not cold) showers or baths
• Apply ice or cold packs to pulse points (wrists, neck, temples)
• Wear loose, light-colored, cotton clothing
• Avoid using oven or stove (adds indoor heat)
• Stay hydrated—drink before you feel thirsty
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine (increase dehydration)

Protecting Vulnerable People

Check on elderly neighbors, young children, those with chronic conditions, and outdoor workers frequently during heat waves. Never leave children or pets in vehicles—interior temperatures can reach 130°F+ within minutes, even with windows cracked.

Flash Flooding: Turn Around, Don't Drown

Texas flash flooding kills more people than tornadoes. The state's terrain—hard-packed soil, limestone, urban sprawl, and sudden elevation changes—creates perfect conditions for rapid, deadly flooding. Hill Country flash floods are particularly violent, with walls of water sweeping down normally dry creek beds.

Texas Flooding Facts

• "Flash Flood Alley" runs through the Hill Country and Central Texas
• Low-water crossings claim multiple lives every year
• Six inches of moving water can knock you down
• Twelve inches of water can float most vehicles
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks
• Half of all flood deaths occur in vehicles

Flood Safety Rules

NEVER drive through flooded roads. You cannot judge water depth or road integrity. Roads may be washed out beneath murky water. "Turn around, don't drown" saves lives.

During flash flood warnings:

• Move immediately to higher ground
• Avoid walking through moving water
• Stay away from streams, rivers, and drainage channels
• If trapped in rising water, call 911 and get to highest point possible
• If vehicle is swept into water, escape through window if doors won't open

Flood Insurance

Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flooding. NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) policies have a 30-day waiting period—don't wait until hurricane season or heavy rains are forecast. Private flood insurance may offer better rates or higher limits.

Wildfire Preparedness

Texas wildfire risk is increasing. Extended droughts, rural-urban interface expansion, and climate conditions create dangerous fire weather, particularly in West Texas, the Panhandle, and rural areas statewide. The 2011 Bastrop County Complex Fire destroyed over 1,600 homes.

Creating Defensible Space

• Zone 1 (0-30 feet): Remove dead vegetation, keep lawn mowed, trim trees so lowest branches are 6-10 feet from ground, remove debris from gutters and roof
• Zone 2 (30-100 feet): Reduce vegetation density, create spacing between trees and shrubs, remove ladder fuels (vegetation that allows fire to climb from ground to trees)
• Zone 3 (100-200 feet): Thin trees, remove dead wood, create fuel breaks

Wildfire Evacuation

When evacuation orders come, leave immediately. Wildfires move faster than you expect. Before leaving:

• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and close-toed shoes
• Grab emergency kit and important documents
• Close all windows and doors (don't lock—firefighters may need access)
• Remove flammable items from around house
• Turn on exterior lights for visibility through smoke
• Leave sprinklers running if time permits

Drought and Water Conservation

Drought is a recurring Texas reality. Extended dry periods stress water supplies, increase wildfire risk, and can lead to mandatory restrictions. West Texas communities have faced severe water shortages, and even major cities implement restrictions during drought.

Water Storage for Drought

• Store emergency drinking water: minimum 1 gallon per person per day
• Consider rainwater harvesting systems for non-potable use
• Know alternative water sources (wells, nearby lakes, etc.)
• Install water-efficient fixtures to reduce daily consumption
• Have water purification supplies (filters, tablets, bleach)

Regional Preparedness Priorities

Gulf Coast (Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi)

• Primary threats: Hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, heat
• Know evacuation zones and routes
• Flood insurance essential
• Prepare for extended power outages
• Hurricane shutters or plywood for windows

North Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth, Wichita Falls)

• Primary threats: Tornadoes, ice storms, extreme heat
• Storm shelter or safe room highly recommended
• Winter storm supplies including alternative heat
• NOAA weather radio essential

Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Waco)

• Primary threats: Flash flooding, tornadoes, heat, winter storms
• Never cross flooded low-water crossings
• Be prepared for both heat and cold extremes
• Wildfire awareness in Hill Country areas

West Texas (Midland, El Paso)

• Primary threats: Extreme heat, drought, dust storms, wildfires
• Extra water storage critical
• Vehicle emergency kit for remote travel
• Dust storm (haboob) driving skills

Panhandle (Amarillo, Lubbock)

• Primary threats: Tornadoes, winter blizzards, wildfires, extreme temperatures
• Most weather-variable region in Texas
• Storm cellar highly recommended
• Winter vehicle kit essential

Rio Grande Valley

• Primary threats: Hurricanes, extreme heat, rare freezes
• Hurricane evacuation routes often congested
• Prepare for heat-related emergencies
• Border communities may have unique resource challenges

Texas Emergency Resources

Official Resources

• Texas Division of Emergency Management: TDEM.Texas.gov
• DriveTexas: Road conditions (DriveTexas.org)
• ERCOT: Power grid status (ERCOT.com)
• Texas A&M Forest Service: Wildfire information (TFSWildfires.tamu.edu)

Emergency Contacts

• Emergency: 911
• Texas Poison Center: 1-800-222-1222
• Texas 211: Dial 211 for local services and assistance
• FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362

Alerts and Notifications

• Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone
• Sign up for local county emergency alerts
• Follow @ABOREMTWD (Austin), @ReadyHarris (Houston), etc. on social media
• Have a NOAA Weather Radio as backup

Build Your Texas Emergency Kit Today

Texas's diverse threats require comprehensive preparation. Don't wait until a storm is forecast—supplies sell out quickly, and meaningful preparation takes time. Use our calculators to determine exactly what your family needs:

• Water Storage Calculator – Essential for any Texas emergency
• Food Storage Calculator – Plan your emergency food supply
• Power Runtime Calculator – Size backup power for your needs
• Generator Fuel Calculator – Stock adequate fuel for extended outages
• Heating Fuel Calculator – Prepare for winter storm heating needs
• Emergency Kit Calculator – Build a comprehensive emergency kit

Whether you're a longtime Texan or new to the state, taking preparedness seriously protects your family from the Lone Star State's full spectrum of natural disasters. Start today—your future self will thank you.