Lubbock County Office of Emergency Management urges severe weather preparation

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - When damaging winds and heavy rains pick up and thousands are left without power, the work done by the Lubbock County Office of Emergency Management is critical.

Emergency Management Coordinator Clinton Thetford says Lubbock County Sheriff’s deputies, volunteer firefighters and about 200 amateur radio operators with West Texas Pathfinders all help spot storms.

“If we think there’s any chance of a severe risk coming into Lubbock County, we will have those folks out spotting and reporting those back directly to me, and so we can take action fairly quickly,” Thetford said.

After a very active day of severe weather, he warns the season is far from over.

“We got another threat tomorrow [Friday]. And then as I’m looking at the updated forecast again right after lunch, they’re talking about starting Sunday again and going all the way through Thursday. So, we may be dealing with this for the whole next week,” he said.

The Office of Emergency Management encourages everyone to have a go-kit ready in case a storm heads your way. It should include food, water, portable phone chargers, medication and even things for children and pets.

Thetford says it’s up to each individual to be situationally aware.

“Obviously, if there’s tornado headed your direction don’t get out in your car and try to outrun it, those kind of things, but just be situationally aware,” he said. “Go over your plan. Make sure you know where your safe area is and shelter.”

There are several ways to stay informed, whether through KCBD’s First Alert Weather app, the county’s RUAware system, or LBK Alert through the City.

“With the RUAware system that the county utilizes and all the other counties in the SPAG region, that system is set up that it immediately picks up a warning issued by the National Weather Service and automatically rebroadcasts it. So, I don’t have to go in and touch it, do anything to it. It just pushes it out. So, it’s as quick as we can get it,” Thetford said.

When emergencies like these hit, Lubbock first responders jump into action. The Local Emergency Planning Committee is asking community members to help support them, by providing bottles of water.

“It’s already been hot and from what I’m seeing on the long-term predictions, we’re going to be a dry, hot summer,” he said. “So, those guys will really need that resource once we get into that hotter weather.”

From now until July 7, people can give monetary donations or bring cases of water to Market Street at 3405 50th Street (the corner of 50th Street and Indiana Avenue) from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Monetary Donations can also be mailed to:

Lubbock County LEPC

P.O. Box 10536

Lubbock, Texas 79408

Thetford says they especially encourage corporate, community and faith-based organizations to consider sponsoring a $200 pallet.

For questions related to this campaign, contact the Lubbock County Office of Emergency Management at 806-775-7300 or [email protected].