The Emergency Management Coordinator in Coryell Coryell County says, in the past year, he's noticed a disturbing trend.
The county has seen more than its share of disasters, and he fears it might not let up.
He's started preaching a new message of preparedness, and some people seem to be listening.
Since becoming a family man, Justin North takes the curves life throws you a little more seriously. These days, he says you can't do too much planning ahead for life's ups and downs.
"We used to just wait for the disaster to happen but no, ever since the hospital explosion we're trying to be a little bit more prepared," North said.
In just the last year, Gatesville and its surrounding communities have seen two wildfires, the Coryell Memorial Hospital explosion and a few bouts of serious flooding.
That got the Emergency Management Coordinator to thinking.
"It seems like this is ongoing and we really need to start thinking about what is our next big thing," said Bob Harrell.
And without knowing what that "next big thing" is, he started sounding the alarm for basic disaster preparation from the government level, all the way down to individual homes.
Investigators concluded a gas leak caused the explosion at the Coryell Memorial Hospital. Emergency manager Harrell, says its all the more reason to prepare for the unexpected.
He says as the county grows, it'll have more to prepare for.
For now, he urges every family to have a disaster plan and supplies.
"People need to understand that they have to be self-resilient for at least three to five days," Harrell said.
That includes groceries, toiletries, water and medication.
He also urges residents to have a little cash on hand and a full tank of gas more often than not.
As North points out, when the town's safest place becomes a disaster scene, it should make you think.
"After the hospital explosion, that was my wake-up call. Well, we better start doing something," North said.
He vows next time a disaster comes to town, he'll have what he needs for him and his family to make it.
Harrell says the county will soon partner with The American Red Cross to take his message of safety to schools.
Copyright 2019 KXXV. All rights reserved.
