Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Basic Plan is an all-hazards emergency operations plan that applies to incidents and events of state significance throughout the State of Texas. The Basic Plan describes the high-level responsibilities of state agencies as agreed on by Texas Emergency Management Council agency representatives in response to their mandate, Texas Government Code § 418.013, to "assist the division [Texas Division of Emergency Management] in identifying, mobilizing, and deploying state resources to respond to major emergencies and disasters throughout the state." The governor may declare a state of disaster (Texas Government Code § 418.004 (1)) (Texas Government Code § 418.014 (a)) if the governor finds that a disaster has occurred or that the occurrence or threat of disaster is imminent due to widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from any natural or manmade cause including: Fire Flood Earthquake Wind Storm Wave action Riot Hostile military or paramilitary action Extreme heat Cybersecurity event Energy emergency Other public calamity requiring emergency action Basic Plan 2 Under the authority of Texas Government Code Chapter 433, the governor may proclaim a state of emergency and designate the area involved under certain circumstances. An emergency exists in the following situations: A riot or unlawful assembly by three or more persons acting together by use of force or violence. If a clear and present danger of the use of violence exists. A natural or man-made disaster. Because Texas is committed to a whole-community preparedness approach, the Basic Plan and those involved in emergency preparedness planning strive to meet the needs of all Texans, including people with access and functional needs. The Basic Plan is intended to provide guidance and is not prescriptive. Responders should use judgment and discretion to determine the most appropriate actions during an incident.
