Emergency Management

    Emergency Management Badge

    Mission Statement

    The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is responsible for the overall emergency preparedness programs of the City of Live Oak. The emergency management plan is designed as an all hazards plan that covers all natural and man-made hazards, and includes terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.

    Emergency Management Contact Information:

    • Mayor Mary M. Dennis - Director
      (210) 653-9140
    • Rafael Luna - Emergency Management Liaison
      (210) 653-9140 ext 2379
      rluna@liveoaktx.net
    • Bexar County Office Of Emergency Management
      Michael Morlan - Deputy Chief Of Emergency Management
      (210) 335-0300
      (201) 206-8760
      BCOEM@Bexar.org
    • Live Oak Non-Emergency Dispatch Center
      (210) 653-0033

    Office of Emergency Management

    The Office of Emergency Management is located within the Fire Department facilities at:
    8001 Shin Oak Drive
    Live Oak, Texas 78233


    National Preparedness is September each year.
    2022 National Preparedness theme was
    “A Lasting Legacy”

    The Life you’ve built is worth protecting. Prepare for disasters to create a lasting legacy for you and your family.


    What disasters might affect Live Oak?

    The following statistics illustrate why emergency preparedness is so important:

    • Texas ranks #1 in the nation for tornado occurrences.
    • Texas ranks #1 in the nation for flash flooding occurrences.
    • Texas leads the nation in railroad accidents.
    • Texas has more hazardous materials transported over our highways than any other state.
    • Texas ranks #2 in the nation for hurricane occurrences.
    • Texas has over 250,000 miles of underground pipelines carrying various products, many of which are hazardous.
    • Texas experiences persistent droughts every few years.
    • Wildfires claim thousands of acres of vegetation every year. 

    How can you be prepared for an emergency?

    The key to surviving a major disaster or emergency is to be prepared. Unfortunately, most disasters occur without warning and leaving very little reaction time. It is critical that every citizen and business owner develops a Disaster Plan and knows how to help protect their family and property from a potential disaster.

    We encourage everyone to review the material contained within this web site to learn more about emergency preparedness. Links to several other emergency preparedness websites are offered on the Agency Links webpage located in the menu at left.

    In addition, the OEM Coordinator is available to discuss your concerns and help develop your emergency plans. Many brochures and planning checklists, on an assortment of emergency topics, are available by visiting the OEM office. Coloring books are also available to help teach children how to safely react in the event of an emergency.

    The OEM Coordinator is also available to present programs to any group of citizens or businesses regarding preparedness. The Coordinator can also assist with arranging other programs such as crime prevention and fire prevention.

    Important Links:

      Administration

      How does the City of Live Oak prepare for an emergency?

      In addition to your own personal plan, the City of Live Oak has an emergency management program as required by Live Oak City Ordinance #1375, dated June 24th, 2008. In accordance with the Texas Disaster Act of 1975, the responsibility for emergency preparedness rests with the senior elected official – the Mayor - who holds the title of Director of Emergency Management. An Emergency Management Coordinator manages the overall program on a daily basis.

      The Office of Emergency Management, or OEM, is responsible for identifying all potential hazards to our citizens and the business community. The OEM is responsible for creating a hazardous mitigation study which is the basis of our preparedness program. The Coordinator also oversees evacuation planning, direction and control, which includes establishing and maintaining the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), located within the Fire Department facility.

      The City’s emergency management plan is composed of a Basic Plan and twenty-two (22) functional annexes covering various subjects such as Communications, Evacuation, Fire & Rescue, Law Enforcement, Hazard Mitigation, and Terrorism. The OEM Coordinator has developed these plan annexes in conjunction with other key department heads such as the Police and Fire Chiefs.

      The State of Texas has an outstanding emergency preparedness program handled by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). This agency is part of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and their offices are located in Austin, Texas, three (3) stories underground, beneath the Headquarters of the Department of Public Safety building on North Lamar Ave. Included within their underground offices is the State Operations Center (SOC) which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. During a crisis, a representative of every State agency arrives at the SOC to coordinate and direct operations. There are 24 District Coordinators (DCs) located at various district DPS offices including the office in San Antonio. In addition to the coordinators, each DPS Captain or Lieutenant in charge of that office is designated the Chairperson of the local Disaster District Committee or DDC.

      In the event of a major incident or an actual disaster, the Mayor has the authority under the Texas Disaster Act to declare a “State of Emergency” or sign an actual “Disaster Declaration.” Once signed by the Mayor, the City’s emergency plans are activated giving the Mayor all of the powers of the Act. Some examples of these powers include establishing curfews; ordering both voluntary and mandatory evacuations, implementing wage and price controls and, if necessary, restricting utility usage.

      In a disaster the City would first utilize our resources, then call on mutual aid resources from surrounding jurisdictions, the County, and then to the local DPS for State assistance. The Mayor, as Director, can request whatever assistance is needed - including asking the Governor for the deployment of the Texas National Guard.

        Agency Links

        The following links and provided to various other emergency management agencies of the Federal, State, and other organizations.

          Floodplain Management

          Flooding in Live Oak

          Flooding in our city is caused by three sources: the West Salitrillo Creek, East Salitrillo Creek, named Tributary of Cibolo Creek. Flooding in all three areas can come with little warning.

          Floods are also dangerous. Even though they appear to move slowly (three feet per second), flood waters two feet deep can knock a man off his feet and float a car.

          Your property may be high enough that it was not flooded recently. However, it can still be flooded in the future because the next flood could be worse. If you are in the floodplain, the odds are that someday your property will be damaged.

          Live Oak has a few areas of roadway that are susceptible to flood during heavy rains, posing a threat to safety and property. Some portions of Live Oak are designated as being in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Heavy rains in 1998 caused flooding and damage to buildings in these areas. However, your property need not be located in the SFHA to sustain flood damage. When drainage courses or storm drains become clogged, they will backup and overflow causing property damage to even upland structures.

          To find out whether or not your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, or if you have any questions about the flood hazard in Live Oak, please contact the City of Live Oak by phone at (210) 653-9140 ext. 2261, in person at 8001 Shin Oak, Live Oak Texas, or by email at gmartel@liveoaktx.net. The City can provide information about the location of your property in relation to the flood zone and information about obtaining an Elevation Certificate. Flood maps are maintained for the City and flood safety and flood preparedness information can also be obtained. To help you learn more about the flood hazard in Live Oak, and what you can do about it, the City has available online more information to assist you in being prepared for flooding. Please learn more about Flood Insurance because homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover you for flood damage. You can also learn more about What You Can Do to keep your life and property safe in a flood. Also, learn about the Floodplain and Regulations that help protect you from losses in a flood situation.

          To help you get an idea of where the highest risk of flooding in Live Oak, excerpts from the National Flood Insurance Rate Map are also available online.

          Resources


          Notice To Residents Regarding The Special Flood Hazard Area

          The Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) is the area subject to inundation by an l00-year flood, as shown on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) compiled by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This notice is designed to make you more aware of local flood hazards, the need to keep flood insurance in force, and other topics related to flood preparedness.Please take a few minutes to review all of the items presented and determine what actions you may need to take in order to protect yourself.

          This notice gives you some ideas of what you can do to protect yourself.

          What You Can Do:

          • Rake up and bag leaves as often as possible before storms. Leaves clogging storm drains are the primary source of most flood occurrences. Do not dump or throw anything into drainage ditches or streams—it is a violation of the City Ordinances. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and plug channels and outfall structures. Blocked drainage ways simply cannot carry water, and when it rains the water has to go somewhere. Every piece of litter contributes to flooding.
          • Clean drains around your home, including roof gutters, downspouts, drain inlets, pipes. Drainage ditches and driveway culverts.
          • Always check with Live Oak’s Development Services (210-653-9140 ext. 2244) before you build on, alter, regrade, or fill on your property. Permit(s) may be required to ensure that projects do not cause problems on other properties.
          • If you do not have flood Insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage from floods.
          • Get at least three quotes on flood insurance.

          During A Flood Watch:

          • Listen to the radio for news; bring outdoor belongings indoors. If time permits, move valuable possessions to the upper floors or to safe ground. Be prepared to evacuate and if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
          • Report local flooding or severe runoff to the City (210-653-9140) or Police Department (210-653-0033).

          During A Flood—Flood Safety:

          • Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
          • Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Don’t drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out. Please Remember the Texas Department of Public Safety’s theme, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
          • Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the City of Live Oak and City Public Service (210-353-4357)
          • Have your electricity turned off by the Power Company. Some appliances, such as television sets, keep electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. Don’t use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned, and dried.
          • Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in places you typically wouldn’t find them.
          • Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.
          • Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.

          For more information, contact the City of Live Oak at 210-653-9140, ext. 2261.


          Notice To Lending Institutions and Real Estate and Insurance Agents

          Lending, Insurance, and Real Estate Professionals:
          Re: Flood Insurance Rate Map Zone Determinations

          Although the lender makes the final determination, the City of Live Oak can provide you with Flood Insurance Rate Map information useful in making flood zone determinations for any particular property within the City. As a public service, the City of Live Oak will provide you with the following information upon request:

          Whether a property is in or out of the Special Flood Hazard Area as shown on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) of the City.

          • Additional flood insurance data for a site, such as the FIRM zone and the base flood elevation or depth, if shown on the FIRM.
          • Copy of completed Elevation Certificates and Letters of Map Revision (LOMR) information if available.
          • A handout on the mandatory purchase of flood insurance requirements to assist people who need a mortgage or loan for a property in the Special Flood Hazard Area.

          When contacting the City to obtain flood zone information, please be prepared to provide the street address. You may call the City Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for assistance.

          Request Flood Insurance Rate Maps from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) by calling 1-800-358-9616, or visit the FEMA Map Center Service at https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance-rate-map-firm

          If you have any questions or inquiries regarding the City’s Floodplain Management Program, please feel free to contact the City at 210-653-9140 Ext. 2261 or fax to 210-653-2766.

          The City of Live Oak
          ATTN: Floodplain Manager
          8001 Shin Oak
          Live Oak, Texas


          Flood Insurance

          Homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage from floods, so if there is a possibility that your belongings may be flooded, flood insurance must be purchased to cover this eventuality. The City of Live Oak participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Live Oak’s participation makes available federally backed and reasonably priced insurance available to its citizens. All properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) are required to purchase flood insurance. Since 25% of flood damage occurs in properties not in a high-risk zone, it may also be a good idea to purchase flood insurance even if you are not in a SFHA. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers federally backed flood insurance in communities that comply with the minimum standards for floodplain management. The NFIP imposes a 30-day waiting period after the purchase of flood insurance, so it is important to purchase flood insurance before the beginning of the rainy season to protect your home in the event of a flood. NFIP policies can also help provide funding to assist bringing structures into current building standards to reduce the risk of flood damage.

          Live Oak’s participation in the NFIP is determined by the City’s work in managing its floodplain in ways that meet or exceed standards set by FEMA. When communities go beyond the minimum standards for floodplain management, the NFIP's Community Rating System (CRS) provides discounts off flood insurance premiums for policyholders in that community.

          To get more specific information about Flood Insurance, go to FloodSmart.gov: Insurance Center or FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program.

          There are now 1500 communities receiving flood insurance premium discounts based on their implementation of local mitigation, outreach, and educational activities that go well beyond minimum NFIP requirements. While premium discounts are one of the benefits of participation in CRS, it is more important that these communities are carrying out activities that save lives and reduce property damage. These 1500 communities represent a significant portion of the Nation's flood risk as evidenced by the fact that over 67% of the NFIP's policy base is located in these communities. Communities receiving premium discounts through the CRS cover a full range of sizes from small to large, and a broad mixture of flood risks including coastal and riverine. See Community Rating System (CRS) Brochure for more information.


          Floodplain Understanding and Regulations

          Maintaining safety and preventing flood damage in the City of Live Oak requires that the government and the residents work together to keep the city prepared for a flood.

          Do not dump or throw anything into drainage ditches or streams: it is a violation of our City’s ordinances and can be a source of flood occurrences in Live Oak. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and plug channels and outfall structures. Blocked drainage ways simply cannot carry water, and when it rains the water has to go somewhere. Every piece of litter contributes to flooding. It also helps to clean drains around your home, including roof gutters, downspouts, drain inlets, pipes, drainage ditches and driveway culverts. If you discover a drainage course that is not functioning properly, please contact the City of Live Oak at 210-653-9140, ext. 2261.

          Please obtain permits before building: development in the City of Live Oak is carefully regulated and any construction that takes place, inside or outside the building, requires permits from the City. In the Special Flood Hazard Areas, special rules apply that require new developments be protected from flood damage, elevating the structure’s lowest level above the base flood elevation. They must also be anchored to prevent lateral movement in the case of flooding. These rules also apply to any substantial improvements to buildings or repairs to any substantially damaged buildings. A substantial improvement is defined as an improvement or repair worth 50% of the original building’s value. If you have any questions about permits or whether you need permits, call the City’s building department at 210-653-9140 ext. 2244.

          Recognize the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains: Although the Special Flood Hazard Area in Live Oak covers over only a small portion of the City, many of those acres are preserved as natural open space areas. Understanding and preserving these areas provides many benefits to the city, including flood protection. These areas spread out floodwaters, reducing their velocity and thus erosion damage, as well as collecting silt and sediments from upstream. They also act as a non-damaging location for floodwaters to drain to, thus reducing property damage. Furthermore, these areas add to the beauty of our town and give an opportunity for wildlife to grow for mutual benefit.

          What You Can Do

          Floods can happen suddenly. The most important part of flood safety is to prepare before the floods happen. It is too late to learn and prepare when the disaster has already struck.

          Before a flood:

          • If you do not have Flood Insurance, talk to your insurance agent.
          • To prevent significant flood damage to your building, you can retrofit it. Retrofitting can take the form of flood proofing the lower portions of the house, or elevating the house above the base flood elevation. For more information about retrofitting, look at the resources at FEMA’s online library, or the Universal City Public Library. You can also contact the Public Works Department at 210-653-9140, ext. 2221 for more guidance on this issue.
          • Rake up and bag leaves as often as possible before storms. Leaves clogging storm drains are the primary source of most flood occurrences.
          • Clean drains around your home, including roof gutters, downspouts, drain inlets, pipes, drainage ditches and driveway culverts.
          • During a flood watch, tune in to local television or radio for news.
          • Bring outdoor belongings indoors, and if time permits, move valuable possessions to the upper floors of your home. Use sandbags as a temporary measure to help reduce flood damage to your home. Call the Police Department (210-653-0033) or 911 for immediate assistance.
          • Be prepared to evacuate, and don't hesitate to evacuate if so advised.
          • Report local flooding or severe runoff to the Public Works Department (210-653-9140, ext. 2221), or the Police Department (210-653-0033).

          During a flood:

          • During a flood, tune in to KKYX radio station, 680 AM. This station will broadcast emergency information in the event of flooding or other citywide emergencies.
          • To report flooding, call the Public Works: 210-653-9140, ext. 2221, or the Police Department: 210-653-0033.
          • Do not walk through flowing water; 6 inches of moving floodwater can knock you off your feet.
          • If you are in a car, do not drive through flooded areas. A mere two feet of moving floodwater can drag vehicles away, and as little as six inches of water will short out most cars.
          • Be careful of downed power lines and displaced animals in the water, especially rattlesnakes & rats.
          • Watch your step for debris underfoot, like broken glass.
          • Always use flashlights to inspect areas, never matches or open flames because of the potential for gas leaks.

          The following resources can provide valuable information on preparing for a flood, what to do in the event of a flood, and what actions to take after the flood:

          The Universal City Public Library also has documents that can give you information about FEMA, FIRM, flood insurance, flood preparation, retrofitting, and many other topics.

            Preparedness

            The businesses located within the City of Live Oak are a vital part of our community. Whether you are involved in retail sales, services, or a profession, you are an important part of our City. As such, the safety of your employees and customers, in the event of a serious emergency or an actual disaster should be your number one concern.

            In the event of a disaster are you prepared? Here are some questions for you to consider.

            • Do you have adequate insurance on your building? The contents?
            • What if you lost your business records?
            • What about computer records and data? Do you have a back-up system?
            • What about your loss of income?
            • What about your employees?

            A disaster like a tornado or an accidental fire could totally destroy your business. Your business could be undamaged but in a disaster area without electricity, telephone service, and customers. A major incident could force you to be closed for days or even weeks.

            There have been many studies following major disasters and statistics have shown that many businesses, especially smaller ones and family owned businesses never recover from a disaster and never reopen. The reasons for this are usually quite simple. The business lacked a disaster plan and in many cases sufficient insurance coverage. Larger companies and business like big box stores have disaster plans in place and are prepared in case there is a disaster.

            As a business owner or manager here are some more questions to consider:

            • Do you have a disaster plan or continuity plan as they sometimes are called?
            • Is there an evacuation plan in case of fire? What about accountability?
            • What is the safest location in the building in case a tornado warning is issued?
            • Are your supervisors and employees trained in emergency procedures?
            • Do they know what to do in case of a fire, a bomb threat, and criminal activity like dealing with an armed robbery attempt?
            • What about something simple like a broken water pipe? Are supervisors and employees knowledgeable of water shut off valves along with electrical panels?

            A business continuity plan or disaster plan, whichever name you want to use, is designed to keep you, your employees, and in many cases your customers’ safe in the event of a serious incident or an actual disaster. Having a plan can save lives and possibly your business.

            A business disaster preparedness plan checklist is available and can be downloaded by clicking on the link below:

            Business Disaster Preparedness Plan Checklist

            This checklist will take you through the basic steps in developing a plan from determining your potential hazards, developing a plan, training, handling emergencies, and finally recovery actions.

            A sample business disaster plan is also available and can be downloaded by clicking on the link below:

            Sample Business Disaster Plan

            The Office of Emergency Management is available to help any business owner with preparing and putting a plan together to suit the needs of your company. In addition training is available from the police department on crime prevention issues and from the fire department on the use of fire extinguishers, basic first aid, how to conduct fire drills, and other topics. The Office of Emergency Management also has many brochures and checklists available on dealing with many issues such as severe weather events, hazardous materials accidents, and other subjects.

            The City’s emergency management plan consists of a Basic Plan and Twenty-Two (22) functional annexes that cover various subjects. The basic plan is an overview of our emergency preparedness program and a copy is available for public inspection in the Office of Emergency Management during normal business hours.

            The basic plan can also be downloaded as a word document at the link provided below.

            Basic Emergency Management Plan

            The Twenty Two (22) functional annexes are as follows:

            1. Warning
            2. Communications
            3. Shelter & Mass Care
            4. D – Radiological Protection
            5. Evacuation
            6. Firefighting & Rescue
            7. Law Enforcement
            8. Health & Medical
            9. Public Information
            10. Recovery
            11. Public Works & Engineering
            12. Utilities
            13. Resource Management
            14. Direction and Control
            15. Human Services
            16. Hazard Mitigation
            17. Hazardous Materials Response
            18. Rescue
            19. Transportation
            20. Donations Management
            21. Legal
            22. Terrorist Incident Response

            Each of the above annexes is assigned to a specific department, functional area, or a specific city staff member. The annexes outline basic requirements for the functional area however specific tasks dealing with these areas are outlined in departmental standard operational procedures or guides.

            Disasters can be traumatic for many adults, but they can be very frightening for our children and may cause serious issues for months following the event. In a disaster children may have to leave their home and their daily routine. Most young children are used to getting up in the morning, going to school, playing with their friends, and then going to sleep – in their own bed. A major emergency or a disaster can change all of this. Older children and even teenagers can be traumatized as well following a disaster as they have a better idea of what happened and may remember the events for a longer time.

            In the event some kind of major incident occurs from a residential fire to a major disaster like a tornado touchdown, parents need to provide reassurance and guidance based on the age of their children. It is important to explain things to them on their level. Try to let them know things will be OK.

            It is important to keep the family together if possible, however this isn’t always a good idea either depending on the situation and the options available. Grandparents, other relatives, and family friends are some possible options for younger children following a disaster. Moving the family away from the disaster area may be a good idea, especially if the outlook for recovery is going to be long-term. These are extremely important and sometimes difficult decisions that have to be made following an event and families sometimes have little time to make them.

            This actually is an issue that should be addressed in your family disaster plan ahead of time. What are the family options? Generally speaking it will be easier to plan for this without being in a crisis.

            Following any major disaster many state and federal agencies respond to assist with damage assessment and recovery operations, and part of the assistance involves crisis counseling for individuals, children, families, and the emergency responders. Anyone involved in a disaster will be encouraged to contact these agencies following the event. In many cases counselors will be available at local shelters and notices will be posted in many places.

            The Office of Emergency Management has numerous brochures on this subject and some are available in both English and Spanish. In addition some can be downloaded from various web sites such as the American Red Cross. See Agency Links by clicking this link.

            Are you prepared for a disaster? Take the following Disaster Preparedness Quiz to find out:

            Disaster Preparedness Quiz

            The most important thing a citizen can do regarding emergency preparedness is to have a Family Disaster Plan. This concept is not something new and it really is a continuation of fire prevention. Fire departments across the nation promote fire safety issues such as having smoke detectors, testing them on a regular basis and changing the batteries, having an escape plan along with a family meeting place outside the home, and having a practice fire drill. The “Family Disaster Plan” carries this one step further and actually being prepared for a fire should be part of your Family Disaster Plan.

            In the event of a major incident or an actual disaster, families may fall into one of three categories. They are:

            • Directly affected.
            • In directly affected.
            • Not affected at all.

            Needless to say the lucky ones escaped without any damage and their homes and property is outside of the disaster area. Other folks may not be so lucky! Those citizens directly affected by a disaster may have lost everything to a tornado or a flood. Those in directly affected may have received only minor damage or none at all but are close to the disaster area that they may be without electricity, gas, telephone service, and even water. Depending on the extent of the damage these citizens may be forced to leave their homes as well due to the lack of services. In some cases debris may clog the street and these citizens may not be able to leave the area.

            This highlights the necessity for having a Family Disaster Plan, which includes having some basic supplies on hand. Following any type of major incident or a disaster, emergency personnel will be overwhelmed and they will concentrate their efforts on firefighting, search and rescue operations, and treating the injured. Those citizens in directly affected may need to survive on their own and families should include this in their family plan. Generally speaking families should be able to manage on their own for 72 hours.

            Many people may already have a fire escape plan and are prepared for some emergencies. They have some basic necessities already on hand like flashlights, a portable radio, extra batteries, first aid supplies, and may be some food items. If so you are off to a good start! A checklist for creating a plan and the supplies can be downloaded by clicking on the item below.

            Family Disaster Plan Checklist

            A very important part of your family disaster plan is communications and the ability to keep in touch for all members of the family. In addition, other family members living elsewhere or even in another state may be trying to get in touch with you.

            If a disaster occurs during the daytime the family is normally separated. Mom and Dad are at work and Johnny and Susie are away at different schools. Following a tornado your home is located within the disaster area and no one is able to get there. Where is everyone going to go? Where are you going to meet? How are you going to communicate with each other? If you have an answer to each of these questions you're in good shape. Maybe! If one of your answers was to use your cellular phone that may not solve your problem at all. Your cell phone may or may not work. Cellular towers in the area may be damaged and they may become overloaded with calls so no one is getting through. Land lines may work however in some cases these can be overloaded as well with emergency calls and other people calling their relatives. Chances are your communications plan isn’t working too well at this point.

            Here is a tip. Local lines maybe swamped with telephone calls but long distance is available. If you dial “1” to get on long distance you may be able to make a call to a friend or relative that lives outside of the immediate area and is in another area code. As part of your family disaster plan select a relative or a friend that lives in another state or area code and if family members become separated and are unable to contact each other, everyone then calls “Aunt Sally” in Dallas and tells her where they are.

            All families should have a meeting place outside of the home in case of fire, i.e. by the mailbox or the big tree in the front yard, but also other locations nearby. This could be a friends’ house, a church or school, or some other location that everyone can get to.

            In closing the Office of Emergency Management has numerous brochures and checklists on creating a family disaster plan in addition to the checklist available on-line.

            In the event of a serious emergency or an actual disaster, citizens may have to evacuate their homes or they may be asked to shelter in-place for several hours because of a hazardous condition. Citizens may not be directly affected by an incident but could be without electricity or other services because of the incident. While this may be a major inconvenience to some of us, citizens with disabilities, access issues, or those with other functional needs may be faced with a life-threatening situation. These categories include:

            • Citizens who are mobility impaired.
            • Citizens who are blind or hearing impaired.
            • Family members who are mentally challenged. (Adults or children)
            • Citizens with special medical needs such as being on continuous oxygen.
            • Citizens without transportation.

            In the event of an evacuation, some of these individuals may require assistance and in some cases, citizens may not have transportation especially at certain times of the day. These individuals may not have a physical impairment however the lack of transportation places these citizens in a separate special category that must be addressed.

            The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) along with local officials across the state have placed a great deal of emphasis on citizens with disabilities, access issues, or those with other functional needs. This is especially true along the Texas Gulf Coast during hurricane evacuations. Locally the City of Live Oak started a program several years ago to help our citizens. The main issue initially is simply to identify these individuals and where they reside in the community.

            The Office of Emergency Management has a voluntary program to allow citizens who have a disability, access issues, or some other type of functional need to come forward and complete an enrollment form to join the program. Only limited information is required and enrollment forms are available at the Fire Station during normal business hours or you can download the form below.

            STEAR Login (texas.gov)

            The Office of Emergency Management has created a database to identify these citizens by the various areas of the City, such as the Woodcrest or Retama Hollow Subdivisions. Using this method we can determine who lives within an area should some type of emergency occur nearby.

            For additional information on this important program citizens should contact the Office of Emergency Management.

            Report Power Outages to CPS Energy
            Call: (210) 353-HELP (353-4357)

            The loss of power is always a major inconvenience for everyone! Power outages are typically caused by severe weather, traffic accidents and sometimes equipment failure. In addition rolling blackouts may occur due to a major malfunction or when power requirements exceed the available power supply within the power grid.

            The majority of the power grid in the State of Texas is controlled by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). On rare occasions, when demand exceeds the capabilities of the grid, ERCOT directs providers to reduce their load in order to prevent a major blackout. When this occurs, CPS Energy has a small window of time to reduce power and rolling blackouts may occur quicker than the media can spread the word.

            As a reminder, the City of Live Oak does not handle power outages. Please DO NOT contact the Live Oak Dispatch Center regarding outages unless you have an emergency relating to the outage such as downed wires or if a nearby transformer has blown, is smoking or is on fire. In addition, the City cannot provide portable generators, battery packs, oxygen tanks or refill your existing oxygen tank. This is why it is very, very important that citizens who have special needs plan ahead before a problem arises.

            How should you prepare for a power outage?

            The following tips will help you be prepared for a power outage:

            • Flashlights and extra batteries.
            • Use candles and matches with care.
            • Purchase a battery powered radio with extra batteries
            • Turn off any appliances such as stoves, coffee makers, etc. that were on at the time of the outage. If you leave your home before the power is restored this appliance could cause a fire.
            • Consider unplugging appliances to avoid damage caused by a power surge. Power surges occur when power is restored.
            • Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed. These units will maintain a safe temperature for a short time provided you don't let the cold air out.
            • Keep a reliable thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer. In the event of a lengthy power outage, you will be able to determine the exact temperature once the power is restored.
            • Enroll in CPS Energy’s Critical Care program to minimize potential risk to customers who use electrically-operated medical equipment and/or whose physicians have verified that continued electric and/or gas service is critical to the occupant’s health.
            • Consider purchasing a battery pack or portable generator.

            It could never happen here in the United States! That was the feeling of many Americans until one day in 1993 a bomb went off in the parking garage of the World Trade Center in New York City. It was the first recorded terrorist attack in the United States however sadly we didn’t take it that seriously. Then later on after that incident was behind us another terrorist attack occurred that was very similar but it came from a very different source. Early one morning, in America’s Heartland, a bomb destroyed the federal building in Oklahoma City. This attack wasn’t from a foreign country but came from within the U.S.

            A few more years passed by, however during this time frame the nation took the threat of terrorism more seriously. Many new programs began and security issues became more vigilant at airports and along the U.S. border. Many federal agencies became involved in security concerns across the nation and various plans were developed. The possible use of weapons of mass destruction came to light. The use of chemicals like nerve agents; bio-hazards like anthrax or smallpox; and even the possible use of nuclear weapons were suggested. Many third world countries were making threats along with various terrorist factions around the world. In addition many acts of terrorism were occurring in different nations, and in many cases Americans were the target along with our military personnel stationed overseas.

            During this time frame emergency management officials at all levels of government feared another terrorist attack would occur in the United States and many federal dollars were spent on specialized equipment and training for first responders. As time went by the feeling was not if an attack would occur, but where and when. On the morning of September 11th, 2001, we learned the answer to both questions along with how! It wasn’t another bomb or some type of weapon of mass destruction, but commercial airliners, full of innocent people. These airplanes became missiles as they were flown into the World Trade Center Towers along with the Pentagon. A fourth plane crashed into a field – its target may have been the White House or The Capital. No one knows for sure.

            Since that fateful day, still referred to as 9-11 many actions have been taken by various agencies of the federal, state, and local governments. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created and many federal agencies were joined together. Their initial responsibility was to create a national and comprehensive plan to deal with security around the nation. Many State governments established a similar office and reorganized some of their departments to handle this new threat. Terrorism became a household word along with several others.

            The City of San Antonio along with Bexar County and all of the other municipalities within the county began working together to establish new plans and procedures to deal with terrorism. New plans were prepared and thousands of federal dollars were spent on equipment and training for all emergency responders. This is now a continuing process for all new personnel in law enforcement, the fire service and the emergency medical service.

            What about the City of Live Oak and our citizens. The City is located within a major metropolitan area and we have a lot of military installations nearby, including Randolph AFB. Were also within 200 miles of the border! In addition we have numerous “soft” targets such as the theater, and the shopping centers. Large numbers of people gather at these locations at different times and these locations could become a target for an act of terrorism.

            As for the citizens of Live Oak, what should you do to be safe in your home or at work? Here are some suggestions. First of all don’t panic! Some terrorist’s hope we will do just that and it is actually part of their plan. The most important thing a citizen can do is to simply be prepared and know what to do in an emergency. Be alert and aware of your surrounding both at work and around the City. If you see something that doesn’t look right or if you have a “bad feeling” about something, notify the police and leave the area. Citizens who live near a well site or the CPS substation and notice someone within the secure fenced area who is not in uniform or does not have an official vehicle may seem out of place. Call the police and have an officer investigate. To assist you a checklist is available by clicking on the following:

            Terrorism Fact Sheet

            In closing the region is generally well prepared, and there is an excellent working relationship between all of the jurisdictions within Bexar County and even more so in the Randolph Metrocom. Mutual aid agreements exist between all of the Metrocom City’s for law enforcement and fire and EMS. As an example, in the event of a structure fire within the City of Live Oak citizens will quickly notice fire apparatus from Converse, Selma, or Universal City on the scene along with Live Oak fire trucks. Automatic agreements are in place to send equipment immediately from the other jurisdictions on certain calls. In addition, the fire departments have formed an organization known as the Combined Emergency Services Organization (CESO) and they have established a hazardous materials response team. Law enforcement agencies are quick to respond to assist each other and officers from several departments have formed a regional Emergency Response Team (ERT) and can be dispatched quickly when needed anywhere in the area. Another name for the ERT is SWAT – short for Special Weapons and Tactics.

            Citizens desiring to learn more about the fire or police department are encouraged to contact the respective departments. The police department does hold a Citizens Police Academy from time to time and citizens can attend weekly classes over a period of weeks to learn about the department and law enforcement procedures.

            The Office of Emergency Management is always willing to conduct a class preparing a disaster plan for neighborhood groups, organizations, church groups, or just a couple of families who want to learn how to make a plan.

              Warning Systems

              Warning Systems:

              Note: This section contains an in depth review of the various warning systems that are available to the City of Live Oak in the event of an emergency. Please take a few minutes and read this section carefully.

              General

              In the event of a serious emergency or an actual disaster it is essential that every jurisdiction have a warning system(s) in place that is capable of alerting all of their citizens and the business community, in a timely manner, of the incident, and provide necessary instructions to insure their safety.

              The problem is there is NO one system that is perfect as you will see as we outline all of the available systems. In order to resolve some of the problems the federal government has updated the nations warning system and created the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).

              The City of Live Oak is very fortunate in that we are part of a large metropolitan area - the City of San Antonio. We have all of the major TV networks, many radio stations, and a major newspaper along with several small neighborhood papers. The best source in getting information to the general population is through these major media outlets and most of them have the capability of monitoring emergency radio traffic that deals with serious incidents such as accidents, major fires, hazardous materials accidents, and law enforcement issues like hostage situations. In addition, the media does an excellent job in keeping the public informed when severe weather threatens.

              In addition to the media, the following warning systems are available:

              • The Emergency Alert System (EAS) for radio and television.
              • The Emergency Notification System (ENS) (Reverse 9-1-1).
              • The Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS).
              • The National Weather Service - NOAA Weather Radio.

                Weather Awareness

                  Power Outages

                  Report Power Outages to CPS Energy

                  Call: (210) 353-HELP (353-4357)

                  The loss of power is always a major inconvenience for everyone! Power outages are typically caused by severe weather, traffic accidents and sometimes equipment failure. In addition rolling blackouts may occur due to a major malfunction or when power requirements exceed the available power supply within the power grid.

                  The majority of the power grid in the State of Texas is controlled by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). On rare occasions, when demand exceeds the capabilities of the grid, ERCOT directs providers to reduce their load in order to prevent a major blackout. When this occurs, CPS Energy has a small window of time to reduce power and rolling blackouts may occur quicker than the media can spread the word.

                  As a reminder, the City of Live Oak does not handle power outages. Please DO NOT contact the Live Oak Dispatch Center regarding outages unless you have an emergency relating to the outage such as downed wires or if a nearby transformer has blown, is smoking or is on fire. In addition, the City cannot provide portable generators, battery packs, oxygen tanks or refill your existing oxygen tank. This is why it is very, very important that citizens who have special needs plan ahead before a problem arises.

                  How should you prepare for a power outage?

                  The following tips will help you be prepared for a power outage:

                  • Flashlights and extra batteries.
                  • Use candles and matches with care.
                  • Purchase a battery powered radio with extra batteries
                  • Turn off any appliances such as stoves, coffee makers, etc. that were on at the time of the outage. If you leave your home before the power is restored this appliance could cause a fire.
                  • Consider unplugging appliances to avoid damage caused by a power surge. Power surges occur when power is restored.
                  • Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed. These units will maintain a safe temperature for a short time provided you don't let the cold air out.
                  • Keep a reliable thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer. In the event of a lengthy power outage, you will be able to determine the exact temperature once the power is restored.
                  • Enroll in CPS Energy’s Critical Care program to minimize potential risk to customers who use electrically-operated medical equipment and/or whose physicians have verified that continued electric and/or gas service is critical to the occupant’s health.
                  • Consider purchasing a battery pack or portable generator.