Texans, Get Ready! Be Prepared to Survive and Recover from a Disaster

Use this disaster preparedness guide to protect yourself and your household during and immediately after a catastrophe by making a disaster plan and a disaster kit. Plan to take care of yourself without outside help for at least 3 days. Special considerations include keeping food safe to eat, sheltering-in-place, and discussing a disaster with children. Created byTexas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, The Texas A&M System.

Click here to view and download the PDF (en Español) – 2410 words

Click here to view and download the PDF for Farmers and Ran

Prepare Your Grab-and-Go Kit

Make a grab-and-go kit so basic items can be accessed easily before a disaster strikes. You can use a backpack or suitcase to carry your kit. Gather the following items on the list to form your kit. Created by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, The Texas A&M System.

Click here to view and download the eBook – 600 words

Maintain Your Health During a Disaster

Emergency situations and disasters can take a toll on your health. Prepare for your health needs in advance by following these easy tips. Created by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, The Texas A&M System.

Click here to view and download the eBook – 690 words

Water Damage Restoration and Clean Up Checklist

After the flood waters recede and the cleanup has been done, most folks want to get back into their homes or businesses and start rebuilding. The problem is that wood that has been submerged in water has likely absorbed a large amount of water. Rebuilding too quickly after a flood can cause continuing problems such as mold growth, insect infestations, and deterioration of the wood and wall coverings. Flood waters are not clean water; therefore, most porous building materials must be removed and replaced with new materials. Use this eBook as a guide during your water damage restoration and clean up process. Created by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, The Texas A&M System.

Click here to view and download the eBook – 1950 words

Return to Normal After a Disaster

Returning to normal after a disaster may pose problems for you and your family. Keep your health a priority. Created by The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, The Texas A&M System.

Click here to view and download the eBook – 620 words

Additional Resources:

Please see the following resources lists – featuring dozens of downloadable PDFs in both English and Spanish – for additional guidance and support in recovering from a natural disaster:

• Additional Disaster Recovery Guides – State and federal guidance for financial security, storm debris, and much more.
• Food and Water Safety – Guidance for residents’ health post-disaster, from cooking without power to water well testing.
• Health & Safety Resources for Disaster Recovery – Resources for children and adults, covering hygiene as well as physical and mental health.
• Disaster Recovery Resources for Animals – Guidance on prioritizing animal care during and after a disaster, with a particular focus on livestock.
• Disaster Recovery Resources for Financial Recovery & Risk Management – Guidance for residents’ financial security post-disaster, from replacing personal documents to receiving disaster assistance funding.
• Restoring Your Home & Belongings After a Disaster – Guidance for residents’ household restoration, from the first day back through the rebuilding process.
• Tree Removal & Recovery – Guidance for residents’ tree care and maintenance – both post-disaster and preventative.

You access all these resources and many more on the Texas Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) website.

Give Life – Donate Blood!

When disaster hits a community, there is often a higher demand for local blood donations. If able, donating blood is a way you can help ensure community health and wellness. View Hill Country blood donation locations below:

• • Austin-area – We Are Blood
  • South Texas Blood and Tissue
  • San Antonio – University Health

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Texas

NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.

• NAMI Central Texas – Serves Austin and Central Texas
• NAMI San Antonio – Serves San Antonio
• NAMI Kerrville – Serves Kerr, Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kimble, & Real counties.
• NAMI Texas Online Programming (Virtual support groups, webinars, and education courses)

Low Cost & Sliding Scale

• Capital Area Counseling – Austin
• River City Advocacy – New Braunfels
• YWCA Counseling and Referral Center – Austin
• Samaratin Center – Central Texas/Austin
• Catholic Charities Central Texas –  Central Texas
• Austin Child Guidance Center – Austin

This list is not exhaustive and you can search for individual therapists and groups that offer low cost and sliding scale options in your area on the Psychology Today search engine.

Farm and Ranch Families: Impact of Mental Health

Farm families face unique stressors, including financial challenges and family-farming relationships that blur the line between their business and personal lives. These stressors can affect the entire family and may lead to physical illness, depression, substance abuse, and suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), farmers and ranchers are more than five times as likely to commit suicide as the general population and are more likely to report substance abuse.

• Rural Response to Farmer Mental Health and Suicide Prevention – Rural Health Info Hub
• Personal Nature of Agriculture – University of Wyoming
• Farmer Stress & Resources – American Psychological Association
• Farm State of Mind: Stronger Together – Farm Bureau
• Farm Stress and Mental/Behavioral Health Resources – AgrAbility
• Farm Crisis Center
• Farmer Resource Network – Farm Aid

Behavioral Health: Substance Abuse & Addiction Resources

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• Communities for Recovery – Austin-based, online/remote options
• Drug & Alcohol Addiction Rehab, Treatment & Recovery Resources In Texas – database & search tool
• Laurel Ridge Treatment Center – San Antonio
• Database of Alcoholics Anonymous and 12-step programs

Urgent Services

For mental health or substance use emergencies where your safety or the safety of others is at immediate risk, dial 9-1-1.

If you feel you are experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency but your safety or the safety of others is not at immediate risk, please contact:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 800-273-8255 (800-273-TALK)
• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 800-273-8255, option 1
• Integral Care/Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT): 512-472-4357, Option 1 for English then Option 1 again
• 24/7 Hill Country MHDD Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
• 24/7 Crisis Text Line: Text TX to 741741
• Texas 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1, option 8
• 24/7 Local Mental Health Authority Crisis Hotline for substance use and other crisis services
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
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