Mitigation

Mitigation is defined as the effort to reduce the loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters. This McLennan County Hazard Mitigation Plan (“plan”) is aimed at reducing or eliminating the long-term risk of loss of life and property damage from a full range of disasters with a focus on natural disasters.

2021-McLennan-County-HMAP.pdf(PDF, 14MB)

Under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), counties in Texas must have a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

Major legal responsibilities for the LEPC are from Public Law 99-499. LEPC membership is broad and includes representatives from: elected state and local officials, emergency management, law enforcement, fire service, local health, emergency medical service, local health, emergency medical service, local media personnel, community groups and industry.  This means local people are making local decisions about how to plan for, train for, and respond to chemical emergencies in your community.

• The LEPC is designed to assist local government in developing hazardous materials plans.
• The LEPC is the link between local citizens, industry, and government.
• The LEPC is the point of contact for the public to obtain information on locations, types, and hazards associated with chemicals in their community.

 How Do I Contact my LEPC?

For more information, please contact:

Waco/McLennan County
Emergency Management
254-750-5911

Background: 

The City of Waco is concerned about the safety of our citizens and visitors. Our community is protected by an outdoor early warning siren system with 34 sirens to alert the public in case of tornado or other emergency. These sirens are meant to be heard outdoors and alert the public to take shelter. 

First Friday Testing: 

The City of Waco tests the sirens on the first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. contingent upon the weather. Please check out our Facebook or Twitter page for up to date information on testing type. 

What Do I Do When I Hear An Early Warning Siren?

• Seek shelter immediately.
• Turn on your television or radio to a local channel and await instructions.
• In the event of a real emergency, the media will provide these instructions.
• Never try to outrun a tornado if you are in your car. 

Siren Location Map