Emergency Management

Mission

Emergency management is an essential function for any community, including the City of La Marque. Effective emergency management ensures that the community is prepared for, responds to, and recovers from natural or man-made disasters. The City of La Marque's emergency management plan should be designed to identify and assess potential hazards, develop plans and procedures to mitigate the impact of emergencies, and coordinate response and recovery efforts with local, state, and federal agencies.


Responsibilities

In order to ensure effective emergency management, the City of La Marque must focus on several key areas. First, they should conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities in the community. Next, they should develop and maintain emergency response plans that outline specific actions to take in the event of an emergency. These plans should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure their effectiveness. Finally, the City of La Marque should establish partnerships with other local, state, and federal agencies to coordinate response and recovery efforts in the event of an emergency. By prioritizing emergency management, the City of La Marque can help protect the safety and well-being of its residents and build a more resilient community.


  • Coordinating the City’s homeland security efforts with other public safety departments and allied agencies
  • Developing, revising and exercising La Marque’s emergency plan and related plans in coordination with other City departments and allied agencies
  • Developing and maintaining mutual aid agreements with other municipalities and other governmental entities in the county and state
  • Managing the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to provide a coordinated response to disasters and other emergencies
  • Planning, conducting and coordinating disaster preparedness exercises for City personnel and allied agencies

City Liaison

OEM also serves as the City’s liaison to other agencies relative to emergency preparedness matters, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Texas Division of Emergency Management and the countywide multi-jurisdictional Local Emergency Planning Committee.

Communication

The Office of Emergency Management works closely with the Police Department to ensure vital information is communicated to the public as quickly as possible. Emergency information is disseminated in a variety of ways, including:

  • Activation of the CAER Sirens
  • Continuous postings on the City’s website
  • Emergency press releases through the print and broadcast media
  • Recorded messages using the Blackboard Connect system
  • Televised broadcasts on the Texas City/La Marque government access television station, Channel 16.
GCOEM 2022 Disaster Guide Cover
2022 National Weather Service Guide Cover

HURRICANE GUIDE

June 1 marks the beginning of Hurricane Season. Houston/Galveston National Weather Service prepared the HURRICANE & SEVERE WEATHER GUIDE to help Gulf Coast citizens with resources and tips to get us all ready for potential storms. 


Preparing for a hurricane can be a daunting task, but having a comprehensive plan in place can help protect your safety and property. Here's a list of things you may need to prepare for a hurricane:

  1. Emergency kit: This should include non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, medications, and personal hygiene items.

  2. Important documents: These may include personal identification, insurance policies, and any legal documents.

  3. Evacuation plan: If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, it's important to have a plan in place for where you'll go if an evacuation order is issued.

  4. Secure your home: Consider boarding up windows, securing loose outdoor items, and reinforcing garage doors.

  5. Stay informed: Pay attention to weather alerts and have a radio or a way to access information in case of power outages.

  6. Emergency cash: Keep some cash on hand in case power outages make electronic payments impossible.

  7. Gasoline: Keep your car's gas tank full in case of an evacuation.

  8. Pet supplies: If you have pets, make sure you have enough food and water for them, as well as any medications or other supplies they may need.

  9. Batteries and chargers: Make sure you have extra batteries or chargers for phones, laptops, and other devices.

  10. Generator: Consider purchasing a generator in case of power outages, and make sure you have enough fuel to power it.