Emergency Management

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The Office of Emergency Management provides disaster and emergency preparedness public outreach and education for any organization, class, school, group, facility, neighborhood, etc. within Garland. Preparedness Presentations will be customized to meet the needs and interests of your audience including tips, tools and tailored preparedness considerations as well as specific emergency services Garland offers.    

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severe weather safety

Let's Get Ready Garland! With severe weather and tornado season upon us, do you know where or how to seek the best shelter? 

Emergencies can arise in seconds, and sometimes that’s all the time people have to react and make decisions. Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what’s happening and what you should do.

What You Can Do BEFORE Severe Weather:

  • Make A Plan for you and your family including what actions you will take and how you will receive critical warning messages:
  • Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio with SAME technology (you can program for your county) for immediate, audible indoor warnings
  • Utilize multiple trusted sources for weather warnings and emergency information such as phone applications, local media or radio stations
  • Register for the Garland Alert System
  • Build a Kit and keep emergency supplies in your shelter and vehicle

Tips for Staying Safe DURING Severe Weather:

  • Stay Weather Ready: Continue listening to your NOAA Weather Radio and trusted warning sources
  • Bring your family and pets inside
  • If you hear Outdoor Warning Sirens, seek shelter and seek additional information. If you have a storm or tornado shelter especially in-ground or a basement, these are the safest options. If not, move to an interior room, closet or bathroom with no windows on the lowest level (put as many walls between you and the outside as possible)
  • If possible, get something to cover your head and help protect you from flying debris
  • If traveling, being in a vehicle during a tornado is NOT safe, the best option is to take shelter inside a nearby sturdy building – never try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle. If you are unable to make it to a sturdy building to shelter and no other options exist either lie flat in a low lying area such as a ditch or ravine or get down in your vehicle and cover your head (no place outside is safe from a tornado)
  • Mobile homes and RVs generally are not safe shelter locations. When available use designated shelter locations at the mobile home or RV park. If not available, consider seeking shelter in a nearby sturdy building or with friends, neighbors or familyA info graphic of severe weather hazards including tornado, hail, wind, flooding and lightening. ready_tornado-warning-watch