Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the State Operations Center (SOC) to elevate its readiness level as Tropical Depression Harvey approaches, and the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane and storm surge watch for the Gulf Coast. Starting at 7:00 a.m. today the SOC increased from level IV (normal conditions) to level III (increased readiness) and will be further elevated to level II (escalated response conditions) starting Thursday, August 24th at 7:00 a.m. Additionally, Governor Abbott has made available any and all state resources to assist in preparation, rescue and recovery efforts.

“The state’s emergency personnel are well prepared for the potential impact from Tropical Depression Harvey, and stand ready to assist in the event of any severe weather emergencies,” said Governor Abbott. “As the  State Operations Center increases its readiness levels, I also encourage Texans in the storm’s path to make their own emergency preparations, heed warnings from local officials, and avoid high water areas. I ask that all Texans keep those in the Gulf Coast region in their thoughts and prayers as they prepare for this severe weather event.”

State resources currently engaged in the emergency preparation effort include:

  1. Department of Information Resources
  2. Public Utility Commission of Texas
  3. Railroad Commission of Texas
  4. State Auditor’s Office
  5. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
  6. Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas Task Force One)
  7. Texas A&M Forest Service
  8. Texas Animal Health Commission
  9. Texas Attorney General’s Office
  10. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
  11. Texas Commission on Fire Protection
  12. Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
  13. Texas Department of Agriculture
  14. Texas Department of Criminal Justice
  15. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
  16. Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
  17. Texas Department of Insurance
  18. Texas Department of Public Safety
  19. Texas Department of State Health Services
  20. Texas Department of Transportation
  21. Texas Division of Emergency Management
  22. Texas Education Agency
  23. Texas General Land Office
  24. Texas Health and Human Services Commission
  25. Texas Military Department
  26. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
  27. Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster 

(News release from the Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott)