Call 2-1-1 Texas

Dial 2-1-1 for help finding food, shelter, utility help, disaster services and other local resources. It is free and confidential. If 2-1-1 doesn't connect, call 877-541-7905.

Register with STEAR (State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry)

STEAR is a free, voluntary registry that tells local emergency planners and responders who may need extra help in a disaster. Register if you or someone you care for has a disability, is medically fragile, has limited mobility or trouble communicating, or needs help with transportation, medical or personal care. Register online or by dialing 2-1-1. Registering does not guarantee help in an emergency.

Sign Up for the WTXIS Resident Registry (Andrews County)

Where: Andrews County

Andrews County residents can sign up for general emergency alerts from WTXIS.

Visit Ready.gov

Ready.gov helps prepare the average person for common disasters and emergencies.

Create/Join a "CERT" Team

Community Emergency Response Teams are civilians trained to respond in major emergencies. Gaines, Dawson, and Andrews counties are part of Permian Basin CERT (PBRPC). Yoakum and Terry counties are part of South Plains CERT (SPAG). As of 2025 we don't know of an active CERT team in our five counties. Contact your regional council to start or join one.

Visit the American Red Cross

From chemical spills to winter storms, the Red Cross has easy-to-follow tips for preparing your family and staying safe during and after an emergency.

Build a Kit for Home and Vehicle

An emergency kit holds what your family needs if you have to stay inside for days or get stranded in your vehicle.

NWS Midland/Odessa: Gaines, Dawson and Andrews Counties

The National Weather Service office in Midland issues forecasts, watches and warnings for Gaines, Dawson and Andrews counties.

NWS Lubbock: Yoakum and Terry Counties

The National Weather Service office in Lubbock issues forecasts, watches and warnings for Yoakum and Terry counties.

Get a NOAA Weather Radio

NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts National Weather Service warnings 24 hours a day and works when cell service and power are down. Use the county listing on the page to find the station for your county.

Prepare for Tornadoes

Pick a safe room before storm season, sign up for warnings, and learn what to do when a tornado warning is issued. The link opens FEMA's one-page guide (PDF).

Prepare for Thunderstorms, Lightning and Hail

When thunder roars, go indoors. Learn how to stay safe from lightning, high wind and hail. The link opens FEMA's one-page guide (PDF).

Prepare for Extreme Heat

Learn the signs of heat illness, check on neighbors who live alone, and find a cool place to go when it's dangerously hot.

Prepare for Winter Weather

Ice storms and hard freezes can close roads and cut power. Keep warm clothes, blankets and supplies at home and in your vehicle. The link opens FEMA's one-page guide (PDF).

Prepare for Power Outages

Report an outage to your electric provider; their number is on your bill. Plan ahead if someone in your home uses medical equipment that needs power, and never run a generator indoors. The link opens FEMA's one-page guide (PDF).

Take a CPR/First Aid Course

Where: Seminole (Gaines County)

Seminole EMS offers CPR/First Aid classes taught by local emergency medical professionals so you can react calmly and effectively in critical situations.

Learn How to "Stop the Bleed"

Where: Seminole (Gaines County)

A free Seminole EMS course that teaches bystanders how to stop life-threatening bleeding with hands, dressings, and tourniquets.

Sign Up a Loved One for "Morning Call"

Where: Seminole (Gaines County)

Seminole EMS Morning Call offers early-morning check-ins and assistance for seniors or at-risk community members living alone.

Sign Up Your Child for EMS Kids Camp

Where: Seminole (Gaines County)

An annual Seminole EMS multi-day camp for kids 8–18 with hands-on opportunities to learn essential life-saving skills.

Sign Up for "Medical Necessity"

Where: Seminole (Gaines County)

If you or a loved one depends on oxygen, uses a wheelchair, or has other medical necessities, Seminole EMS offers a Medical Necessity form so first responders can reach you quickly.

Register Your Cellar or Basement

Where: Seminole (Gaines County)

Seminole EMS offers a form to register your cellar or basement so first responders can locate you quickly during an emergency.

Register Your AED

Where: Seminole (Gaines County)

Register your business or organization's Automated External Defibrillator to link AED locations with trained responders and cardiac arrest victims.

Become an EMT

Where: Seminole (Gaines County)

Seminole EMS runs a 24-week EMT-Basic training program in prehospital emergency medicine, open to anyone who wants to serve our community. Call City Hall to ask when the next course starts.

Comply with Local Burn Bans

Burn bans restrict outdoor burning during dry or wildfire conditions. Check the Texas A&M Forest Service burn ban page to see if your county is under a burn ban.

Test and Replace Smoke Alarms

Test smoke alarms monthly. Replace batteries yearly, or the whole alarm every 10 years.

Clean Up Large Debris Piles

Piles of trash, wood, boxes, and other debris pose serious fire risks in or near homes. Hoarding situations create particular danger for residents and firefighters.

Build with Metal

During wildfires, flying embers are the main way homes ignite. Building exteriors with metal siding or other non-combustible materials reduces that risk.

Secure Your Firearm

Secure firearm storage is the #1 way to help prevent accidents, theft, and misuse. It also plays an important role in suicide prevention.

Build an Active Shooter Plan

Encountering an active shooter is unlikely, but it never hurts to prepare. CISA explains how to react and what to expect in such a situation.