Municipalities and Wildfire Disasters

Only YOU can prevent forest fires – Smokey Bear

On August 14, 2023, Governor Abbot issued a disaster declaration for wildfire activity for 191 of our 254 counties.  Staying safe during disaster conditions requires a combination of preparedness, communication, evacuation planning, and effective response strategies. Here are 6 areas for municipalities to consider:

1. Preparedness:

1. • Community Education: Educate residents about wildfire risks, prevention measures, evacuation routes, and emergency contact information.
   • Wildfire Mitigation: Implement fire-resistant landscaping practices, create defensible spaces around homes and buildings, and encourage the removal of flammable materials.
   • Building Codes: Enforce strict building codes that mandate fire-resistant construction materials and designs for new structures in high-risk areas.
   • Emergency Kits: Encourage residents to create emergency kits containing essentials like food, water, medications, clothing, important documents, and first aid supplies.
   • Early Warning Systems: Install and maintain alert systems that provide timely warnings to residents through sirens, text messages, phone calls, and social media.

2. Communication:

• Emergency Alerts: Establish clear protocols for issuing emergency alerts to residents through various channels, including mobile apps, social media, and local news outlets.
• Public Information Officers: Designate individuals or teams responsible for providing accurate and timely information to the public, media, and relevant agencies.
• Multilingual Communication: Ensure information is available in multiple languages to reach diverse populations within the community.

3. Evacuation Planning:

• Evacuation Routes: Identify and mark primary and alternative evacuation routes, considering different scenarios and traffic patterns.
• Evacuation Centers: Establish safe evacuation centers equipped with basic necessities, medical facilities, and accommodations for pets and people with special needs.
• Traffic Management: Coordinate with law enforcement to manage traffic flow during evacuations, preventing gridlock and ensuring safe passage.

4. Response Strategies:

• Emergency Operations Center (EOC): Activate an EOC to centralize communication, coordination, and decision-making among various departments and agencies involved in the response.
• Resource Deployment: Deploy firefighting crews, equipment, and aircraft to effectively combat wildfires and prevent their spread.
• Mutual Aid Agreements: Establish mutual aid agreements with neighboring municipalities and agencies to share resources during large-scale emergencies.
• Air Quality Monitoring: Keep track of air quality to protect vulnerable populations, issuing advisories to limit outdoor activities when necessary.

5. Recovery and Rehabilitation:

• Assessment: Assess the extent of damage to infrastructure, homes, and natural resources to guide recovery efforts.
• Community Support: Provide counseling services, financial assistance, and resources to help affected residents recover physically and emotionally.
• Infrastructure Repair: Prioritize repairing critical infrastructure, utilities, and roads to facilitate the return of residents.
• Long-Term Planning: Engage in long-term planning to reduce future wildfire risks through improved land management, zoning regulations, and collaboration with experts.

6. Continual Improvement:

• After-Action Reviews: Conduct thorough evaluations after each wildfire event to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in emergency response and communication.
• Training and Drills: Regularly train personnel and conduct emergency drills to ensure all stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities during a disaster.

Remember that each municipality’s approach may vary based on its unique circumstances, but the key is to establish a comprehensive, well-coordinated, and adaptable strategy that prioritizes the safety and well-being of the community.

Please do not rely on this article as legal advice. We can tell you what the law is, but until we know the facts of your given situation, we cannot provide legal guidance. This website is for informational purposes and not for the purposes of providing legal advice.