In the event of an emergency, the city is prepared with numerous processes and procedures. In the structure of Emergency Management for the city, the mayor serves a the Director of Emergency Management. Bruce Clawson serves as the Coordinator for Emergency Management, as well as the Director of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The Mayor manages city resources and provides timely, prompt notification to the public of danger that may adversely impact the population within the city. Notification to the public is delivered in many forms.

Emergency Siren System  |  Emergency Classification Levels & Responsibilities  |  Hurricane Preparedness and Responsibilities
Hurricane Evacuation Kit  | Avian Flu | Related  Links  |  Helpful Numbers

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The Emergency Siren System with 16 sirens alerts the City of Texas City and the City of La Marque to possible dangers. Dangers may be a chemical spill, accidental chemical release, or weather related situations- such as tornados.

When the sirens sound, the public should tune to 530 AM radio for current information on the emergency, or tune to Channel 16 on their cable television stations for the most current information as it becomes available. You may also want to use any major television station in the Houston area for updates. The situation is often fluid and up-to-date information can be obtained by using these stations as they often have live broadcasts of the event.

A telephone ring-down system alerts the public at home with a recorded message of emergencies. Approximately 2,600 homes may be notified in less than ten minutes.

The EOC is activated when the Mayor deems it necessary or a level 3 incident occurs. All necessary resources meet in the EOC to manage resources to assist the public and to manage the situation by deploying personnel to areas that need aid.

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Emergency Classification Levels and Responsibilities

There are four levels of incident management and response to industrial accidents that the public should be aware of.

Level I: An incident has occurred and can be controlled by facility personnel. The situation is under control

Level II: An incident has occurred the situation is not under control but is confined. The incident is confined to a small area or to a fixed-site and does not pose a threat of spreading to a larger area or off-site. The Texas City Fire Department is on site and providing assistance.

Level III: An incident has occurred the situation is not under control and protective action may be necessary for the surrounding or offsite area. Additional IMAS aid may be needed. The EOC is activated, the Siren warning is given to the Public, Channel 16 and Radio Station 530 AM are constantly updated informing the Public of the status of the incident. You may also want to use any major television station in the Houston area for updates. The situation is often fluid and up-to-date information can be obtained by using these stations as they often have live broadcasts of the event.

Level IV: An incident has occurred and the situation is not under control. Actions by more than first responders or facility personnel are necessary. An incident involving a severe hazard or a large area which poses an extreme threat to life and property and will probably require an evacuation; or an incident requiring the expertise and resources of the I.M.A.S., neighboring cities, county, state, federal, or private agencies/organizations.

When you hear the emergency sirens:
Go indoors; shut all windows and doors; turn off the air conditioning. Turn on the radio to 530 AM or TV Cable Channel 16 for information. Stay off the telephone. You may also want to use any major television station in the Houston area for updates. The situation is often fluid and up-to-date information can be obtained by using these stations as they often have live broadcasts of the event.

Know the Siren Signals
High - low - high - low - high - low - high - low - high - low: Go Indoors
Single frequency continuous tone: All Clear

Siren Tests
Siren tests are performed every Wednesday at noon.

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Hurricane Terms:

Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are a real possibility for an area
Hurricane Warning: A hurricane is expected within 24 hours -- Begin precautionary action at once

Things To Do When There Is A Hurricane Warning:

• Listen for weather updates and stay informed.
• Keep portable radio and flashlight on hand - with fresh batteries.
• Clear your yard of all loose objects.
• Moor your boat securely.
• Store drinking water in clean containers.
• Shutter, board or tape windows
• Plan a flood-free evacuation route, and know where to go.
• If Ordered To Evacuate - OBEY IMMEDIATELY! Take your Hurricane Evacuation Kit. Let friends and neighbors know where you are going.
• Do not enter evacuated areas until local officials have issued an "all clear."

Hurricane Evacuation Kit

In the event of an emergency, you should keep your hurricane evacuation kit ready to go within hours. Some suggested items to keep on hand:

• Battery-operated radio
• Battery-operated flashlight
• First aid kit
• 2-week supply of medicine
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Extra clothing
• Lightweight folding chairs/cots
• Personal items including books and toys Infant necessities
• Important papers (valid ID)

Remember, there is no smoking, alcoholic beverages, weapons or pets allowed in public shelters. If you have any questions, call the Emergency Management office at (409) 643-5840.

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The following brochures are available in PDF format for download and printing. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required. To get a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader,

• Emergency Preparedness: Hurricanes & Floods
• Emergency Preparedness: Family Emergency Plans
• Emergency Preparedness: Tornadoes
• Emergency Preparedness: Hazardous Material
• Emergency Preparedness: Galveston County Weather
• Emergency Preparedness: Hurricane Evacuation Tips
• Hurricane Tracking Chart

The following links are in HTML format:

• Disaster Public Education Links
• Evacuation Tips For Galveston County
• Hurricane Links
• Hurricane Tracking and Storm Evacuation
• Disaster Preparedness Guide
• FEMA Booklet: "Are you ready?"
• FEMA Map Center
• Article: "Disaster Recovery"
• Hurricanes and Flooding
• Emergency Preparedness Guide for Members of the Public with Disabilities
• Hurricane Booklet
• Hurricane Statistics

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Helpful Telephone Numbers

City of Texas City Emergency Management                                  BC Clawson 409-643-5840

© 2004 City of Texas City -- An All-America City. All Rights Reserved.
1801 9th Avenue North | P.O. Box 2608 | Texas City, Texas 77592-2608 |  (409) 948-3111
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Last updated:  May 22, 2007