Hitchcock Police Department Planning and Preparedness

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The Galveston County Office of Emergency Management’s Planning Division is responsible for a number of planning activities aimed at enhancing the County’s preparedness for disasters and emergencies. 

GCOEM develops contingency plans that guide Galveston County’s response to natural and man-made emergencies, from extreme weather to hazardous material incidents. Each plan focuses on three components of a disaster: preparedness, initial response, and recovery. The purpose of these plans is to keep Galveston County safe and, following a disaster, to return residents to their daily routines as quickly as possible.

When a plan is activated, GCOEM coordinates the skills of County, city, state, federal, and non-governmental agencies, to ensure the plan is effectively carried out. Large-scale countywide emergencies, like a transit strike or a coastal storm, can require the collaboration of dozens of agencies and thousands of emergency responders. Smaller incidents, such as localized power outages or water main breaks, may only require a handful of agencies to complete restoration.

GCOEM reviews, tests, and revises these plans as intelligence and resources change. The agency enlists subject matter experts from all County agencies, including law enforcement and fire departments, and other non-city groups to advise on aspects of each plan. GCOEM works to inform the public of the potential hazards, in an effort to make sure Galveston County residents know how to avoid disasters or act in the event of a disaster. GCOEM encourages residents to educate themselves and others about emergency preparedness.

Hurricane Evacuation Information

Texas Department of Transportation has published the following printable tri-fold evacuation guides. Choose and download the one for your area.


Animals in Disaster
Disaster Supply Checklist for Pets

Every member of your family should know what he or she needs to take when you evacuate. You also need to prepare supplies for your pet. Stock up on non-perishables well ahead of time, and have everything ready to go at a moment’s notice. Keep everything accessible, stored in sturdy containers (duffel bags, covered trash containers, etc.) that can be carried easily.

If you reside in an area prone to certain seasonal disasters, such as flooding or hurricanes that might require evacuation, create a kit to keep in your car.
In your pet disaster kit, you should include:

  • Food and water for at least five days for each pet, bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food.
  • Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container and a first aid kit. A pet first aid book is also good to include.
  • Cat litter box, litter, garbage bags to collect all pets’ waste, and litter scoop.
  • Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets can’t escape. Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time while you are away from home. Be sure to have a secure cage with no loose objects inside it to accommodate smaller pets. These may require blankets or towels for bedding and warmth,  and other special items.
  • Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated and to prove that they are yours.
  • Pet beds and toys, if you can easily take them, to reduce stress.
  • Information about your pets’ feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.

Other useful items include newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items and household bleach.

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