Greg Abbott Proclaims ‘Flood Awareness Week in Texas’

The Texas Floodplain Management Association (TFMA) announced that Governor Abbott has signed a Proclamation declaring the week of May 23-27, 2016, as "Flood Awareness Week in Texas." TFMA and Texas Elected Officials chose this important week to recognize the past significant flooding events that the state experienced on Memorial Day in 2015. The hope is that each Texas community will recognize and participate during Flood Awareness Week.

A press release by the National Weather Service in San Angelo noted that flooding and flash flooding have threatened Texans' safety, property and occupations throughout history and can occur any time of the year. Also, in just the past two years, Texas has seen flood events of extraordinary levels.

"As we approach the first anniversary of the tragic flooding of Memorial Day weekend in 2015, and after last month's storms, it is imperative that Texans unite and prepare for potentially sudden and violent acts of Mother Nature," said the release. "Flash flooding is the No. 1 cause of weather-related damage, and sadly, Texas often leads the nation in flood-related deaths, many of which are preventable."

While dangerous floods and flash floods are possible throughout the year, they often have a higher frequency during spring and summer thunderstorms, tropical storms and hurricanes. Intense rainfall or slow-moving storms that track over the same areas can cause a rapid rise of water, and flash floods can develop within minutes.

"It is crucial that Texans understand and respect the power of water," said the release. "Planning and preparing are the keys to reducing loss of life and property. Texans should be familiar with the implications of flood watches and warnings; assemble a 'preparedness kit' of supplies; develop a communication strategy for reaching friends and family members in case of emergency; and designate a meeting place in case of evacuation."

Greg Abbott stated, “At this time, I encourage all Texans to be informed and prepared for floods and flash floods and to be mindful of signs and barriers warning of flood dangers. Always 'Tum Around, Don't Drown'--you could save your life or the life of a loved one. Therefore, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim May 23-27, 2016, to be in Texas, and urge the appropriate recognition whereof. In official recognition whereof, I hereby affix my signature this 6th day of May 2016.”

The TFMA and NWS officials are asking the public to share this information during Flood Awareness Week so that it can reach as many Texans as possible.

"Hopefully, Texans will take this opportunity to recognize the importance of understanding personal flood risks and the need for family preparedness," stated the press release. "With so many precious lives lost to flooding, TFMA and officials also want to stress flood safety, including Turn Around, Don’t Drown!  With the public’s help, this proclamation will assist the TFMA in educating the public and hopefully help save lives and property when future floods occur."

Here are a few suggested ideas from TFMA to participate in Flood Awareness Week:

1) Encourage Texans to get involved at home and in a work environment.                           

2) Encourage everyone on Wednesday, May 25, to wear blue in honor of Flood Awareness Week. TFMA would like to see some of the “Blue” partners in action, so post pictures with this hashtag: #TexasFloodWeek.

3) Also, tweet and post any Flood Safety/Flood Awareness Tips on personal social media pages.

4)  Remind citizens of recent flood events that have occurred within the community with pictures/facts.