EMCs, Fire Officials Promote WarnCentralTexas.org As Part Of Wildfire Safety

Williamson County Emergency Management Director Jarred Thomas explains that a first aid kit, a flash light, and emergency document holder all belong in a “go kit” along with other items…

The national “Ready, Set, Go!” program tells residents to reduce wildfire risk by taking earlier actions, such as clearing brush from around homes and packing evacuation “go kits” which contain items such as important documents, medications and food. It also states residents should remain aware of wildfire news and information.

“In Central Texas, residents can receive immediate emergency information directly from emergency responders by registering for alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org,” said Williamson County Emergency Management Director Jarred Thomas. “These warnings often provide incident information and instructions such as when it’s time to ‘Go!’, or evacuate your home.”

Thomas was one of several fire and emergency management officials from the CAPCOG ten-county region who recently encouraged residents to prepare for the 2018 wildfire season during a press conference in May.

The officials promoted two national preparedness programs and stated each can be enhanced by the regional Warn Central Texas program.

Austin Fire Department’s Lt. Steve Gibbon said 449 wildfires already have occurred in the Austin area in 2018 and as development continues throughout the region it is important to promote the Firewise USA program which teaches communities to work together to reduce wildfire risks.

“All of our residents should adopt the Firewise USA practices,” Gibbon said.  “In this region’s case, that also includes telling your neighbors to sign up for local warnings through WarnCentralTexas.org.” The WarnCentralTexas.org alert system is provided by CAPCOG and serves the ten-county region.

• Learn about Ready, Set, Go!
• Learn about Firewise USA