Emergency Management


Emergency Management or disaster management is the managerial function charged with creating the framework within which communities reduce vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters. Depending on the issue, the City of Breckenridge works with Stephens County.

Gas Wells & Pipelines
The people of Texas are much more aware of gas wells, pipelines, and drilling sites in our area thanks to the boom of the Barnett Shale. But in addition to counting the dollars the natural gas industry may deliver to the area, residents also need to focus on what makes sense- educating themselves on where equipment is located and how to stay safe. Subterranean pipelines are an invisible hazard and exposed pipelines may not be very well marked. There are more than 90,000 miles of pipeline in Texas, so it’s likely that multiple pipelines, identifiable or not, run through your community. The Barnett Shale geological formation is possibly the largest onshore natural gas field in the U.S. READ MORE

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Hail

These hard, frozen nuggets are formed when raindrops pass through a belt of cold air on their way to Earth. The cold air causes the raindrops to freeze into small blocks of ice. Hail most commonly causes damage to property, vehicles (remember all of those “Hail Sales” at your local dealership?), and crops; more than $1 billion in damage each year. In fact, the costliest thunderstorm event in U.S. history struck Fort Worth in 1995. But considering the fact that large stones can fall at speeds faster than 100 mph, it’s important that you cover your noggin and learn what to do when hailstorm conditions are present. READ MORE

HEAT, DROUGHT & WILDFIRES

Hot Texas summers- there’s nothing quite like it! Careful—extreme heat not only kills lawns, but it can also push your body beyond its limits. Older adults, young children, and those who are sick or overweight are most likely to suffer when the mercury rises. Droughts and wildfires can also be the result of super-hot temperatures, low amounts of rainfall, and careless behavior. Learn how to take protective measures to safeguard yourself and your environment.

Hot Stuff: Get the Facts

  • In a normal year, approximately 175 Americans die from extreme heat. Young children, elderly people, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to become victims.
  • Between 1936 and 1975, nearly 20,000 people succumbed to the effects of heat and solar radiation.
  • Because men sweat more than women, men are more susceptible to heat illness because they become dehydrated more quickly. READ MORE

Severe Weather

Severe weather season can bring frightening storms, incredible damage and change lives in the blink of an eye. The best way to meet violent Texas weather is to be prepared in every way possible. Those who have experienced a tornado or a flash flood first-hand will tell you just how serious and devastating severe weather in Texas can be. The good news is that most weather can be predicted. The bad news is that many weather-related deaths still occur each year in Texas despite advance warnings. The first step to being prepared is realizing that severe weather can happen at any time—and it can happen to you. READ MORE




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