Current Articles | Categories | Search | Syndication

Galveston-Port Bolivar Prepares for Tropical Storm Edouard 411 Views :: 0 Comments :: :: Local News Tropical Storm Edouard continues to advance toward the Texas coastline with a projected landfall in Galveston County as a strong Tropical Storm or possibly a Category 1 hurricane. The winds in the area are anticipated to exceed 70 mph with the possibility of higher gusts. All of Galveston County will experience tropical storm force winds. Tides are expected to be in the 4 to 6 foot range, which has the possibility of causing minor coastal flooding in low lying areas. Rainfall is expected to be approximately 3 to 5 inches with isolated amounts up to 10 inches. All Galveston County Offices including jury service and the courts will be closed on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Offices will reopen on Wednesday, conditions permitting. Persons living in coastal areas are encouraged to monitor the weather closely. Galveston County is not calling for an evacuation at this time. However if residents feel unsafe or are unsure about their present location, they are encouraged to move to a more secure location. The Office of Emergency Management is activated at this time and will be staffed overnight. Continue to monitor this website or the National Weather Service website and your local news media for the most current information on Tropical Storm Edouard. The GCOEM online storm tracker can be found here. Planning & Preparedness: The Galveston County Office of Emergency Management's Planning Division is responsible for a number of planning activities aimed at enhancing the County's preparedness for disasters and emergencies. Probably the most visible product of those planning activities is the Basic Emergency Plan, the comprehensive, all-hazard plan that coordinates the emergency management activities of Galveston County Government. Although the Basic Plan addresses all phases of emergency management, it is specifically oriented toward preparedness and response activities. The Plan is a policy document developed and maintained by the Planning Coordinator, and signed by the County Judge, local Mayors, and Emergency Management Coordinators, upon review and concurrence. GCOEM develops contingency plans that guide Galveston County's response to natural and man-made emergencies, from extreme weather to hazardous material incidents. Each plan focuses on three components of a disaster: preparedness, initial response, and recovery. The purpose of these plans is to keep Galveston County safe and, following a disaster, to return residents to their daily routines as quickly as possible. When a plan is activated, GCOEM coordinates the skills of County, city, state, federal, and non-governmental agencies, to ensure the plan is effectively carried out. Large-scale countywide emergencies, like a transit strike or a coastal storm, can require the collaboration of dozens of agencies and thousands of emergency responders. Smaller incidents, such as localized power outages or water main breaks, may only require a handful of agencies to complete restoration. GCOEM reviews, tests, and revises these plans as intelligence and resources change. The agency enlists subject matter experts from all County agencies, including law enforcement and fire departments, and other non-city groups to advise on aspects of each plan. A large part of planning is what’s done in addition to coordinating emergency responses. GCOEM works to inform the public of the potential hazards, in an effort to make sure Galveston County residents know how to avoid disasters or act in the event of a disaster. GCOEM encourages residents to educate themselves and others about emergency preparedness. Click Here for Hurricane Evacuation Information Click Here for Special Needs Assistance Click Here to Receive Email Alerts