Arlington Emergency Operations Center Activated

by Cheryel Carpenter
September 22, 2005

The Arlington Office of Emergency Management ramped up the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to partial activated status at 3:30 pm this afternoon to monitor Hurricane Rita.  The EOC will move to full activation at 8 am Friday morning, September 23, 2005.  The Arlington EOC is coordinating with Federal, State and Local authorities in preparing for coastal evacuees and weather caused by the hurricane.

The City of Arlington is prepared to activate the Outdoor Warning System in the event of severe weather.   The City is also coordinating with the Tarrant County EOC to assist in sheltering anyone who has relocated away from the Texas coast due to the hurricane.

As a weather reminder, Hurricane Rita may cause thunderstorm like weather in Arlington and the Metroplex.  Because of the size and strength of the hurricane, it may bring strong winds, heavy rains, and flooding to the area.  In response, the EOC may activate the outdoor warning sirens.

These are activated under three emergency conditions; winds exceeding 70 miles per hour, hail equal to or greater than golf ball in size, or when a tornado has been sited.  Anytime the sirens are activated, residents should immediately seek indoor shelter.  The siren system is design to notify residents who are outdoors to immediately take shelter.  When indoor, remember to monitor television and radio newscasts, you may not be able to hear the Outdoor Warning Sirens.

In the event of storm damage, the Arlington Independent School District school building in the area of damage will be used to shelter Arlington residents displaced by the storm.

The City of Arlington Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor Hurricane Rita throughout the weekend.  The EOC will remain activated until it is determined that Arlington is no longer at risk or that emergency shelters are no longer required.

NOTE:  When Bad Weather Strikes

• Take cover immediately away from doors and windows. Use blankets and pillows to protect your head from falling objects and flying debris.
• In a house or small building, go to the basement or storm cellar. If there is no basement or storm cellar, go to an interior part of the structure on the lower level. Seek shelter under something sturdy such as a heavy table and stay there until the danger has passed. 
• In a school, nursing home, hospital, factory or shopping mall, go to pre-designated shelter areas. Interior hallways on the lowest floor are usually safest. 
• In a high-rise building, seek shelter in an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor. 
• In a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch with hands shielding the back of your head. Never attempt to flee from a tornado in a vehicle.