Emergency Preparedness

Make a plan

Creating an emergency plan helps you know what to do, where to go, and how to stay in touch during a crisis. Take time to discuss meeting places, communication methods, and special needs with your household so everyone is ready to act quickly.

Build a kit

A well stocked emergency kit gives you the supplies you need when everyday resources are disrupted. Include essentials like water, food, medications, important documents, and items for pets so your family can remain safe and comfortable during an emergency.

72 Hour Emergency Kit Essentials:

• Water (1 gallon per person per day)  

• Non-perishable food (protein bars, canned goods)

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio  

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First aid kit, necessary medications

• Phone chargers and power bank  

• Important documents (ID, insurance) in a waterproof case or Ziploc bag  

• Cash and local maps

• Pet food/ supplies  

• Blankets or warm clothes  

*WBAP AM 820 is the official Primary Entry Point (PEP) and Local Primary (LP‑1) station for the Dallas–Fort Worth Emergency Alert System (EAS). Tune in for official emergency updates during any hazard.

Extreme Heat

• Prepare:
  • Monitor local alerts and heat index values
  • Identify cooling centers via 2-1-1 and local listings
  • Wear light, breathable clothing; use sunscreen, hats; limit outdoor activity to early morning or evening

• During:
  • Avoid peak sun hours; rest in shade or air-conditioned places
  • Recognize heat illness signs (cramps, exhaustion, confusion, no sweating) and response by cooling down and hydrating
  • Call 9-1-1 immediately for suspected heat stroke

• For pets and vulnerable groups:
  • Provide shade, extra water, and cooling spaces
  • Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles

Flooding

• Prepare:
  • Monitor weather on AM 820 and sign up for emergency alerts
  • Keep storm drains clear and follow flash-flood safety notices
  • Plan evacuation routes; designate an out-of-area contact and meeting spot

• During:
  • Follow evacuation orders immediatly 
  • Never walk or drive through flood water, even shallow water is dangerous

• Recover:
  • Avoid contact with flood water, it's often contaminated 
  • Wait for official clearance before reentering
  • Report flood hazards and call utilities if needed 

Tornado

• Prepare:
  • Sign up for emergency alerts and monitor AM 820
  • Identify a safe shelter: an interior, windowless room on the lowest floor (bathroom, closet, interior hallway).
  • Develop a household tornado plan – include pets, alternate exits, first aid, and shutoff points.
    
  • Prepare pets supplies and keep leashes/creates easily accessible.

• During:
  • If a tornado warning is issued, take shelter immediately and stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Protect your head and neck with your arms or by covering yourself with a mattress or blankets.
  • If outdoors and no shelter is available, lie flat in a low area (ditch) and cover your head.
  • If you’re in a vehicle, try to reach a nearby building for shelter. Never stop under an overpass, as winds and debris make it extremely dangerous.

• Recover:
  • Listen for updates from emergency personnel before leaving shelter
  • Watch for debris, damaged power lines and structural hazards
  • Report damage or hazards to local officials and check on your neighbors.
    

Severe Storms (Lightning, Hail, Strong Winds)

• Prepare:
  • Monitor local media outlets for weather updates
  • Sign up for emergency alerts
  • Identify a safe interior space away from windows on the lowest floor
  • Trim trees, secure outdoor items, and use surge protectors 

• During:
  • Go indoors
  • Stay away from windows and avoid using electronics that are connected to an outlet
  • Caught in a vehicle? Pull over safely, lie low, and cover your head.

• Recover:
  • Avoid hazards like downed power lines or debris
  • Report problems to utility or local officials