Gov. Rick Perry urged all Texans to prepare their families and homes for the 2012 hurricane season, which officially began June 1, and runs through the end of November. The governor was joined by State Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd at the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) State Response Activation Exercise to assess the readiness of state emergency management personnel and resources.

"We're blessed to be coming off relatively quiet hurricane seasons, but we know that it's not a matter of if another major hurricane is going to hit us, it's a matter of when," Gov. Perry said. "Through practice, simulation and repetition, Texas has honed one of the most effective and efficient emergency response teams in the country, but I encourage all Texans to develop an emergency plan, put together an emergency supply kit and establish an evacuation route in the event of impending disaster."

"Today's exercise is an important reminder of the magnitude of resources necessary to meet the threat of one of Mother Nature's most powerful and devastating forces," Chief Kidd said. "We stand ready to assist our local leaders in the event a storm heads their way, and we're also asking the public to do their part by taking some simple but important steps to prepare their homes and families for the 2012 hurricane season."

Gov. Perry has proclaimed May 27 - June 2, 2012, as Hurricane Preparedness Week in Texas to coincide with National Hurricane Preparedness Week. In order to ensure all Texans are safe in the event of a major storm, the governor is strongly encouraging families to develop an emergency plan that designates a place to go in case of evacuations, and compile a readiness kit of important supplies, including medication, non-perishable food items and water.

Coastal Texans who will require transportation assistance during an evacuation are urged to call 2-1-1 as soon as possible to sign up with the Transportation Assistance Registry, which allows local and state officials to better coordinate transportation needs once a disaster occurs. For more information on how Texans can prepare their homes and families for emergencies, please visit http://www.texasprepares.org and http://www.211texas.org.

For hurricane season updates in Texas, please visit http://governor.state.tx.us/hurricane.