Today, it is more important than ever that all of us be prepared for possible emergencies.  Natural disasters or other disasters can strike suddenly, at any time and anywhere, but no disaster can overcome our community when TOGETHER WE PREPARE. 

Residents in Tyler and the surrounding areas are urged to PREPARE their homes, businesses and families for potential disasters.

Join us. Make your pledge to prepare by clicking on the logo below or by calling 903-581-7981. With your participation, Tyler can be the most prepared city in the state and nation!

5 ACTIONS FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Make a plan: We challenge every individual, family member, business or school to know what to do and where to go in the event of disaster. We recommend that individuals identify potential disaster scenarios and practice what to do if evacuation is needed. It is also important to identify an out-of-town person that each family member will contact in case of emergency.  

Build a kit: Whether evacuating or sheltering in place, a disaster supplies kit can save lives. The contents should be placed in an easy-to-carry container such as a large backpack, duffle bag or plastic bin. It is important to pack enough water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food items, flashlight, radio, extra batteries, special items such as medications, diapers, infant formula, etc.

Get trained: Our community needs people to get training that can save lives. This includes first aid, CPR and use of automatic defibrillators. For more information on when training classes will be held contact the Smith County Chapter of the American Red Cross at 903-581-7981.

Volunteer: Volunteer organizations make Tyler/Smith County a better place to live and are an important partner in assisting with disaster clean up and recovery. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available with Tyler/Smith County nonprofit organizations and churches. If you're worried about time commitments, volunteer organizations will work with you whatever your schedule to offer you an assignment that matches with your interests. You can also volunteer by making financial donations to these organizations that will enable them to help victims.

Give blood: Every two seconds a person in the United States needs a blood transfusion, yet only five percent of the eligible U.S. population donates. And blood inventory needs to be replenished constantly.  To give blood in East Texas contact the Stewart Regional Blood Center at 1-800-252-5584 or 903-535-5400.

Outdoor Warning System

The City of Tyler has an Outdoor Warning System comprised of 30 warning sirens strategically located throughout the City. In the event of an emergency, the siren tone will sound for three minutes followed by a voice message. For more information and a map of siren locations,  click here.

The City of Tyler is a proud partner of TOGETHER WE PREPARE. Other TOGETHER WE PREPARE partners include:

Smith County
American Red Cross Smith County Chapter
Stewart Regional Blood Center 
Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce
Smith County Public Health District
Tyler Independent School District
United Way of Tyler/Smith County
KLTV, Channel 7
Waller Broadcasting
Tyler Morning Telegraph 
Better Business Bureau
NBC 56

For information on becoming a partner contact the American Red Cross Smith County Chapter at 903-581-7981.

Questions about the TOGETHER WE PREPARE campaign can also be directed to Don Martin, Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer, 903-531-1072, EMail Police

Homeland Security & Emergency Management Links:
Texas Department of Emergency Management
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Centers For Disease Control
National Weather Service 

For Information on Terrorism Awareness Click Here