LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Raul Leal,

AUSTIN, TX-  As the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) prepares for the impact of Tropical Storm Don, the agency is encouraging Texans in coastal regions to be prepared before the storm makes landfall.  While evacuations are not anticipated with Tropical Storm Don, TxDOT encourages citizens to use this as an opportunity to review their plans and preparations for the effects of tropical weather, including reviewing evacuation plans. Hurricane evacuation maps are available on TxDOTs website at http://www.dot.state.tx.us/travel/hurricane.htm.

It is important to make a safety plan and review it with family members, particularly for those residing or located in evacuation zones. Those who may be impacted by tropical weather should prepare a survival kit, make a plan and stay informed during the emergency.

All coastal TxDOT districts and support districts are standing by with materials and personnel ready to respond in anticipation of high winds and heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Don. These efforts include pre-staging barricades at low-water crossings and other low-lying, flood-prone areas along the Gulf Coast. Personnel are also currently at work securing construction signage, cones and barricades to prevent these items from becoming projectiles in high winds.

TxDOT is using its dynamic message signs to remind coastal residents that hurricane season is here and to be prepared. During hurricane season, coastal residents are encouraged to not operate their vehicles with less than half a tank of fuel.

The TxDOT Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Austin will shift to 24-hour operations at noon on Friday, July 29.

For information on Texas road conditions, call the Texas Road Condition and Travel Information Line (1-800-452-9292) or visit TxDOTs website: www.txdot.gov. For information on responding to Tropical Storm Don, log on to Texas Online: www.texasonline.com/portal/tol/en/emergency.

The department is also using Twitter and Facebook social media sites to communicate storm preparedness and highway conditions information. For all storm-related information, search the #Don hashtag on Twitter. A new feed, @TxDOTalert, is also available exclusively for emergency-related information.

Locate all TxDOT Twitter feeds at http://www.txdot.gov/news/twitter_feeds.htm and TxDOTs Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TxDOT.

The departments goal before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane is to get people to safety, get them back home safely and assist with the cleanup and recovery. The agency is working with state emergency management and local officials to provide necessary resources and expertise to ensure the safety of all Texas residents.

Important Tips for Tropical Weather Preparations:
1. Keep track of the weather
2. Know your evacuation routes. Keep a hurricane evacuation map and a regular state map in your vehicles at all times.
3. Evacuate with time; do not wait until the last minute. 
4. Keep your vehicles gas tanks full at all times during hurricane season. 
5. Have emergency cash for fuel and other hurricane necessities.
6. Have your emergency supply box ready with flash lights, candles, water, canned foods, medication, first aid kit, and important documents.