Tuesday, April 26th, the nation said "goodbye to orange," when the Department of Homeland Security ended the old color-coded terrorism alert system with the new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS), which is described as a robust terrorism advisory system that provides timely information to the public about credible terrorist threats.

The Department of Homeland Security released a public guide outline the new system, along with an example of an NTAS Alert that would be issued to the public if the government were to receive information about a specific or credible terrorist threat.

"The terrorist threat facing our country has evolved significantly over the past ten years, and in today's environment - more than ever - we know that the best security strategy is one that counts on the American public as a key partner in securing our country," said Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. "The National Terrorism Advisory System, which ws developed in close collaboration with out federal, state, local, tribal and private sector partners, will provide the American public with information about credible threats so that they can better protect themselves, their families and their communities."

Depending on the nature of the threat, alerts may be sent to law enforcement, distributed to affected areas of the private sector, or issued more broadly to the public through both official and social media channels - including a designated DHS webpage (www.dhs.gov/alerts), Facebook and via Twitter @NTASAlerts.  NTAS alerts and posters will also be displayed in places such as transit hubs, airports and government buildings.

For more information on the National Terrorism Advisory System or to receive NTAS alerts, visit www.dhs.gov/alerts.

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The Galveston County Office of Emergency Management along with the Galveston County Health District have partnered with the ASPCA to assist the animal victims of future natural disasters in Galveston County.

The ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team will assist county agencies in the rescue, transportation, and humane care of evacuated, stray, or abandoned animals in the event of a natural disaster.  The ASPCA will also assist Galveston County in complying with the requirements of the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act.

"When a disaster strikes, large numbers of animals require immediate care and housing," said Tim Rickey, senior director of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response.  "The ASPCA recognizes the importance of planning ahead and assembling the necessary resources to care for animal victims, and we are proud to offer the assistance of our specialized staff to Galveston County to ensure the safety and well-being of the community's animal companions."

In September 2008, the ASPCA deployed members of its Field Investigations and Response team, at the request of the Texas State Animal Resource Team and the Texas Animal Health Commission, to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.  The ASPCA team included veterinarians, disaster responders and sheltering professionals who assisted several county animal control agencies in conducting field assessments and rescuing animal victims.

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At an Emergency Meeting on Thursday, April 21, 2011, the Galveston County Commissioners Court adopted a burn ban for Galveston County.

The burn ban is effective immediately and remains in effect for 90 days unless Commissioners Court issues a subsequent order specifically lifting the ban.

The County received requests from High Island Volunteer Fire Department, Bacliff Volunteer Fire Department, San Leon Volunteer Fire Department and Galveston Fire Department to issue the burn ban. 

Lack of precipitation combined with dry, windy conditions has caused marsh areas and other fields with tall grasses to dry out and be at risk for rapidly spreading wildfires which could threaten residential areas.  These conditions, as well as the upcoming long holiday weekend, led the Commissioners Court to call an Emergency Meeting to consider the adoption of the ban.

On April 15th, Governor Perry sent a letter to President Obama requesting a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Texas as a result of widespread wildfires and continuing fire danger across the state.  The governor identified 252 counties threatened or impacted by wildfires, including Galveston County.

Click here to download the Burn Ban Order.

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Planning for emergency response requires the cooperation of multiple agencies.  The Galveston County Office of Emergency Management frequently partners with agencies such as the American Red Cross to meet the needs of our citizens in an emergency.

March is American Red Cross Month; a great opportunity for citizens, families and businesses to review disaster plans and build or restock emergency kits.  The American Red Cross not only provides help, hope and healing when a disaster strikes but also offers a wide selection of CPR/AED, first aid, disaster response and emergency preparedness training.

For more information about the American Red Cross, including their efforts to assist the citizens of Japan following the earthquake and tsunami, visit their website at www.redcross.org/

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