Starr County Multi-Jurisdiction
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2019-2024
DEVELOPED BY:
IN ASSOCIATION WITH:
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Mission Statement .................................................................................................................................... 5
The Planning Area ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Background ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Starr County .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Escobares .............................................................................................................................................. 6
Rio Grande City ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Roma ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Roma ISD ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Participants ................................................................................................................................................... 7
The Planning Process .................................................................................................................................... 9
Community Involvement ............................................................................................................................ 12
Community Survey Findings.................................................................................................................... 13
Organizing Resources .................................................................................................................................. 14
Stakeholder Outreach ............................................................................................................................. 14
Capability Assessments ........................................................................................................................... 16
Community Assets .................................................................................................................................. 18
The Risk Assessment ................................................................................................................................... 21
Floods ...................................................................................................................................................... 22
Starr County ........................................................................................................................................ 25
Escobares ............................................................................................................................................ 27
Rio Grande City .................................................................................................................................... 29
Roma ................................................................................................................................................... 31
Roma ISD ............................................................................................................................................. 33
Hurricanes/Tropical Storms .................................................................................................................... 34
Starr County ........................................................................................................................................ 36
Escobares ............................................................................................................................................ 37
Rio Grande City .................................................................................................................................... 37
Roma ................................................................................................................................................... 38
Roma ISD ............................................................................................................................................. 39
Fire .......................................................................................................................................................... 40
Starr County ........................................................................................................................................ 42
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Escobares ............................................................................................................................................ 43
Rio Grande City .................................................................................................................................... 44
Roma ................................................................................................................................................... 45
Roma ISD ............................................................................................................................................. 46
Tornadoes ............................................................................................................................................... 47
Starr County ........................................................................................................................................ 48
Escobares ............................................................................................................................................ 48
Rio Grande City .................................................................................................................................... 49
Roma ................................................................................................................................................... 50
Roma ISD ............................................................................................................................................. 50
Drought ................................................................................................................................................... 51
Starr County ........................................................................................................................................ 53
Escobares ............................................................................................................................................ 54
Rio Grande City .................................................................................................................................... 54
Roma ................................................................................................................................................... 55
Roma ISD ............................................................................................................................................. 56
Extreme Heat .......................................................................................................................................... 57
Starr County ........................................................................................................................................ 59
Escobares ............................................................................................................................................ 60
Rio Grande City .................................................................................................................................... 61
Roma ................................................................................................................................................... 62
Roma ISD ............................................................................................................................................. 63
Extreme Cold ........................................................................................................................................... 63
Starr County ........................................................................................................................................ 65
Escobares ............................................................................................................................................ 66
Rio Grande City .................................................................................................................................... 67
Roma ................................................................................................................................................... 68
Roma ISD ............................................................................................................................................. 69
Thunderstorms ........................................................................................................................................ 69
Starr County ........................................................................................................................................ 71
Escobares ............................................................................................................................................ 71
Rio Grande City .................................................................................................................................... 72
Roma ................................................................................................................................................... 73
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Roma ISD ............................................................................................................................................. 73
Mitigation Strategies ................................................................................................................................... 74
Mitigation Actions ................................................................................................................................... 75
Action Plan .............................................................................................................................................. 75
Cost/Benefit Analysis .............................................................................................................................. 85
Plan Maintenance ....................................................................................................................................... 85
NFIP Compliance ..................................................................................................................................... 88
Repetitive and Severe Repetitive Loss Properties .................................................................................. 88
Annex A: Starr County Colonias .................................................................................................................. 89
Annex B: Meetings List ................................................................................................................................ 91
Annex C: Community Survey Results .......................................................................................................... 93
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Written comments regarding the development of this plan should be forwarded to:
Lupita Trinidad
Homeland Security Planner
South Texas Development Council
1002 Dicky Ln., Laredo, TX 78043
lupita.trinidad@stdc.cog.tx.us
For information on a participant or a particular jurisdiction, please contact the person below.
Starr County:
Cynthia Fuentes
Office of Emergency Management/Public Relations
Starr County Judge’s Office
cfuentesrgc@yahoo.com
Escobares:
Guadalupe Marquez
Asst. Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator
Escobares Police Department
chief5571@yahoo.com
Rio Grande City:
Elisa Y. Beas
Development Services Director
City of Rio Grande City
Roma:
Jose A. Guerra
Asst. City Manager
City of Roma
fguerra@cityofroma.net
Roma ISD:
Jose E. Rodriguez
Accountant
Roma Independent School District
jerodriguez@romaisd.com
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Executive Summary
This plan was prepared by the participating jurisdictions under the leadership of the Homeland Security
and Emergency Management Planning Program of the South Texas Development Council (STDC). This
plan addresses a broad range of natural hazards that are common and have an impact to the South
Texas area, in particular, Starr County.
One of the most important priorities of the local government officials and community leaders is a
resilient community. Therefore, through the efforts of various first responder and law enforcement
agencies, and city/county administration, the Starr County Multi- Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan
(The Plan) came to development in July 2017. This plan is comprised of strategies, goals, and risk
assessments that identify natural disasters common to the area, in order to reduce or eliminate the loss
of life and property.
The Plan was developed in accordance with the provisions of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, Code
of Federal Regulations (44 CFR 206), and planning standards adopted by the Texas Division of
Emergency Management (TDEM).
Funding for plan development was provided by the Pre- Disaster Mitigation Grant, FY16, and local match
share of the participating jurisdictions.
Mission Statement
By identifying goals and actions, through partnerships and community input, Starr County and its
participating jurisdictions will address the vulnerability to natural hazards within all participating
communities in efforts to reduce or prevent the loss of property and life.
The Planning Area
Background
Starr County, located in the South Texas area, is composed of four incorporated jurisdictions and
multiple unincorporated areas that fall under county jurisdiction. The county is served by three school
districts, however only Roma Independent School District decided to participate in the development of
The Plan. Below is a brief description of each participating jurisdictions’ planning area along with a visual
representation of the county’s boundaries.
Starr County
Starr County is located in the southern part of Texas with an area of 1,229 sq. mi. The county also shares
63.28 mi. of international border with Mexico along the Rio Grande River. The major corridor that runs
across the county is US Hwy 83. According to Census.Gov, Starr County has an estimated population of
64,454 as of July 1, 2017.
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With over 96% of the residents being Hispanic or Latino, the two predominant languages in the area are
English and Spanish.
1
For the most part, the county is mostly a rural area with 4 incorporated jurisdictions: City of Roma, City
of Escobares, City of Rio Grande
City, and City of La Grulla.
The rest of the county is
composed of multiple
unincorporated areas or colonias,
as they are more commonly
known in the state. As defined by
the Attorney General of Texas,
colonias are substandard housing
developments often found along
the Texas- Mexico border.
2
Several of these colonias will be
noted throughout this document.
For a complete list of colonias in
Starr County, please refer to
Annex A.
The majority of the populated
cities and areas are located in the
southern part of the county on the
Rio Grande River.
Located within the county are three international bridges that serve as ports of entry to the US. Falcon
Heights Bridge is located in the western part of Starr County. The international bridge serves as port of
entry and border crossing to Nuevo Guerrero, Mexico. The other two bridges are located in Roma and
Rio Grande City.
Escobares
Incorporated in 2005, City of Escobares is the most recent incorporated jurisdiction within Starr County.
The city has an area of 3 sq. mi. and has an estimated population of 2,562 as of July 1, 2017.
Escobares is located east of the City of Roma and on the banks of the Rio Grande River.
Rio Grande City
The City of Rio Grande City acts as the county seat for Starr County. The city has an area of 11.35 sq. mi
and has estimated population of 14,518 as of July 1, 2017.
1
US Census Bureau. “Race and Hispanic Origin.”, https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/starrcountytexas.
2
Attorney General of Texas. “Colonias Prevention.”, https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/divisions/colonias-
prevention.
Figure 1. Starr County Map
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Rio Grande City contains a large historic district important to Starr County and South Texas. Some of the
buildings and areas include the Kelsey- Bass Museum and Fort Ringgold. These sites will be further
detailed under the section Community Assets.
As previously mentioned, Starr Camargo Bridge is located in Rio Grande City. The bridge serves as port
of entry and border crossing to and from Ciudad Camargo, Mexico.
Roma
The City of Roma, founded in 1765, has an area of 5.74 sq. mi. As of July 1, 2017, the city has an
estimated population of 11,425.
Notable sites located in the city are the
Roma Historic District and the Roma
Bluffs. These sites are further noted
under the section Community Assets.
Similar to all other cities and populated
areas in Starr County, Roma is located
on the Rio Grande River border with
Mexico. The Starr County International
Bridge is located within the city. The
bridge serves as port of entry and
border crossing to Ciudad Miguel
Aleman, Mexico.
Roma ISD
Roma Independent School District, primarily located in Roma, serves the student populations of City of
Roma, City of Escobares and parts of western Starr County. Established in 1948, Roma ISD has 9 schools
throughout their district and serves over 6,400 students. The district is further broken down into 6
elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school.
The district also counts with various facilities that support campus productivity. Further details can be
found under Community Assets.
Participants
Through multiple meetings and presentations at city council and commissioner’s court meetings, the
following jurisdictions are seeking approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
and adoption of their respective local governments:
• County of Starr
• City of Escobares
• City of Rio Grande City
• City of Roma
• Roma Independent School District.
Photo Credit: Ervey Alanis
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Planning meetings were directed and coordinated by STDC staff with the assistance of members of the
participants’ planning teams. Each jurisdiction appointed a member(s) to a planning team for their
respective entity. A Core Planning Team was also established to discuss details and items that pertained
to The Plan as a whole. Participation was varied among the individual planning sub-teams, however at
least one member of each jurisdiction was required to attend the Core Planning Team meetings.
Below is a list of the members involved in the development of this plan named by title and agency.
These members composed each of the participating jurisdictions’ planning sub-team.
Starr County
Title/Position
Agency/Department
Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC)
Starr County Judge’s Office
Federal and State Program Director
Starr County Federal and State Program
Fire Marshall
Starr County Fire Department
Assistant Fire Chief
Starr County Fire Department
Gas System Manager
Starr County Gas Department
Planning Director
Starr County Planning Department
911 Administrator
Starr County 911
City of Escobares
Title/Position
Agency/Department
City Mayor
Mayor’s Office, City of Escobares
Councilman, At-Large
City of Escobares
Assistant Police Chief
Escobares Police Department
Fire Chief
Escobares Fire Department
Project Lead -
STDC
Starr County-
Lead
Planning Sub-
Team
Escobares-
Lead
Planning Sub-
Team
Rio Grande
City- Lead
Planning Sub-
Team
Roma- Lead
Planning Sub-
Team
Roma ISD-
Lead
Planning Sub-
Team
Figure 2. Organizational Chart
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City of Rio Grande City
Title/Position
Agency
Deputy City Manager
City of Rio Grande City
Fire Chief
Rio Grande City Fire Department
Assistant Fire Chief
Rio Grande City Fire Department
Fire Department Administrative Assistant
Rio Grande City Fire Department
Public Works Assistant Director
Rio Grande City Public Works
Planning Director
Rio Grande City Planning Department
Police Chief
Rio Grande City Police Department
Building Inspector
Rio Grande City Planning Department
City of Roma
Title/Position
Agency/Department
City Manager
City of Roma Administration
Assistant City Manager
City of Roma Administration
Police Chief
Roma Police Department
Assistant Police Chief
Roma Police Department
Fire Chief
Roma Fire Department
Planning Director
City of Roma Planning Department
Public Works Manager
City of Roma Public Works
Fire Department Clerk
Roma Fire Department
Roma Independent School District
Title/Position
Agency/Department
Executive Director
Roma ISD Administration
Grant Writer
Roma ISD Administration
Risk Management Coordinator
Roma ISD Administration
Maintenance Supervisor
Roma ISD Maintenance Department
Accounting
Roma ISD Accounting Department
The Planning Process
As noted previously, participating jurisdictions attended either Core Planning Team meetings or Planning
Sub-Team meetings that were coordinated and facilitated by the Project Lead. Plan development
followed a Scope of Work (SOW) that consisted of 10 Tasks. Procedures and task description can be
found below in Table 1.
TASK 1
This task will include the Multi- Jurisdictional Plan Coordination of all
participating entities. We will identify the planning team members and
leads, who will confirm plan purpose, refine the scope and schedule of
the plan, and establish responsibilities.
Organize Resources and Convene
Planning Team
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This step will also include an assessment of resources to see what is
available among our local partners and within the participating
jurisdictions.
TASK 2
This task will focus on creating a strategy to reach out and involve
stakeholders and community members in the planning process, and the
maintenance and implementation of the plan.
Stakeholders include elected officials, business leaders and large
employers, colleges and universities, and non-profits; to name a few.
The planning team will also create a strategy in which to engage public
participation by holding at least one opportunity for involvement during
the planning process.
Create an Outreach Strategy
TASK 3
This task includes assessing the capabilities within each participating
jurisdiction. Including, authorities, policies, programs, staff, funding and
other sources available to accomplish mitigation.
Documentation of what information was reviewed and how it was
incorporated in the mitigation plan will be kept.
Review Community Capabilities
TASK 4
The planning team will conduct risk assessments to determine potential
impacts of hazards to the people, economy and environment in the
community. Steps within the risk assessment include, description of
hazards, identifying community assets, analyzing risks and summarizing
vulnerabilities within the planning area.
Conduct a Risk Assessment
TASK 5
The planning team will identify goals, actions and the implementation of
an action plan. These will be developed using risk assessment findings,
outreach findings, community goals and state hazard mitigation goals.
The implementation strategy will include prioritization of mitigation
actions that take consideration of capabilities assessment, benefit-cost
review, evaluation criteria, responsible agency and timeframes.
Identify Mitigation Goals and
Actions
TASK 6
The planning team will compile all information and structure the plan to
include community capabilities, risk assessments findings and the
mitigation strategies. The plan will be structured to address each
participating jurisdiction’s mitigation strategy and partake in the plan.
Develop Plan
TASK 7
Through the development of the plan, the planning team will identify the
responsible agencies and/or positions for plan maintenance and the
timelines for it. This task includes how and who will monitor the
implementation, evaluate the effectiveness and make the necessary
updates to the plan.
Identify Plan Maintenance
Procedures
TASK 8
The planning team will conduct a final review prior to submitting the plan
to the State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO). At this point, the planning
team will encourage comments for final consideration from stakeholders
and the general public. This may be done through an open public meeting
or direct invitations for comments by phone or email. The planning team
will also ensure that the plan meets all requirements of Title 44 CFR 201.6
using the Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool.
Review Final Draft
TASK 9
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Submit Plan to State and FEMA
Upon completion of the final draft review, the planning team will forward
the plan along with all supporting documentation to the SHMO. The
planning team will work with the State on any required revisions for
approval. The planning team will then wait for the SHMO to forward the
plan to the FEMA regional office and see if there are any additional
revisions needed.
TASK 10
Upon FEMA notification that the plan is approvable pending adoption;
the planning team leads will forward notice to each participating
jurisdiction requiring formal adoption by the local governing body. Once
all documentation of adoption is submitted to FEMA the planning team
will await final plan approval.
Adopt Plan
Table 1. SOW- Task Description
Meetings were scheduled following the SOW, by task. Due to federal funding being attached to plan
development, STDC staff and planning team members followed a project schedule that fell within the
project period granted by FEMA. Total time for plan development was 24 months. Estimated
timeframes given per task can be seen below under Table 2. For a detailed list of when the meetings
were held and who attended the planning meetings please see Annex B.
Part of the responsibilities of being in the planning teams (whether Core Team or Sub-Team) was
participation by providing input for the development of The Plan. Members in either or both teams
provided input by various ways, including but not limited to historical knowledge, participation as
subject matter experts, or through involvement in disaster planning.
Table 2. Project Schedule
Starting
Point
Description Of Task Duration Unit Of Time
1 Organize Resources and Convene Planning Team 2 MONTHS
2 Create an Outreach Strategy 2 MONTHS
2 Review Community Capabilities 2 MONTHS
3 Conduct Risk Assessment 5 MONTHS
4 Identify mitigation goals and actions 3 MONTHS
5 Develop Plan 3 MONTHS
5 Identify Plan Maintenance Procedures 2 MONTHS
6 Review Final Draft 3 MONTHS
7 Submit Plan to State and FEMA 4 MONTHS
8 Adopt Plan 1 MONTHS
24 MONTHS
Estimate of total duration of the proposed activity:
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Community Involvement
All participating jurisdictions coordinated to have 3 different public outreach events in different parts of
the planning area for the community. Each event was promoted primarily by the hosting jurisdiction(s),
but included all participants collectively. Below is Table 3 with details of the 3 outreach events, along
with the different methods used to promote the events.
Date
Location
Hosting Jurisdictions
Promotion Methods
1-23-18
Roma Community
Center
Starr County, City of
Escobares, City of Roma,
and Roma ISD
Flyers, Newspaper Ad,
Facebook, Twitter, Websites
1-25-18
South Texas College
Auditorium
Rio Grande City, Starr
County
Newspaper Ad, Posters,
Facebook
2-6-18
Escobares Community
Center
Starr County, City of
Escobares, City of Roma,
and Roma ISD
Flyers, Newspaper Ad,
Facebook, Twitter, Websites
Table 3. Public Outreach Events
The STDC planner facilitated the events which included a presentation on natural disasters, the
development of the plan and the differences between preparedness and mitigation. A survey was also
handed to the attendees at every event so that the community could have an opportunity to provide
input in the development of The Plan.
Attendance throughout all 3 events was varied. Attendees of the events were able to choose between
English and Spanish for the presentation, as both languages are prevalent in the area. The survey was
also provided in both languages.
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Community Survey Findings
After all outreach events had been held, STDC staff compiled the results to present to the planning
team. The planning team then used the results to
integrate the interests of the community into the plan.
In the survey, the community was asked their level of
concern regarding natural disasters relevant to the
state of Texas. The results revealed that the top 3
natural hazards of concern were floods, hurricanes,
and extreme heat.
Results also revealed that the community views
cultural and historic sites to be more susceptible to
damage caused by natural disasters. The planning team
used this information to ensure that historic and
cultural sites were included when listing community
assets and analyzing impacts from natural disasters.
Although cultural and historic sites were viewed as
being more susceptible to natural disasters, the survey
results revealed the community sees hospitals and
critical services as the most important community
assets.
The outreach events held were used as a direct
approach to gather community input. However, all planning meetings were open to the public and input
was accepted at any time throughout the planning process. A comment period was also provided prior
to submitting The Plan to TDEM for review and FEMA for approval. Table 4 below shows the different
methods on how each participant provided the community with an opportunity to comment.
Participant
Document Location
Starr County
County Facebook
County Website
Escobares
City Website
Rio Grande City
City Website
City Facebook
Roma
City Website
City Facebook
Hardcopy available at City Hall
Roma ISD
District Website
Hardcopy available at the
Administration Building
Table 4. Public Commentary Locations
For a more complete look at the results from the surveys gathered, please see Annex C.
Figure 3. Public Outreach Promotion
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Organizing Resources
Aside from using community input as a resource, the planning team also reached out to stakeholders,
completed capability assessments, and completed a list of community assets. Each of these additional
resources was organized by each participant individually and according to their capabilities or needs.
Stakeholder Outreach
Each participant created a list of agencies and organizations with potential knowledge and involvement
in hazard mitigation. Each agency and/or organization was sent an invitation by mail on the participants’
letterhead. The invitation not only noted that the Starr County Multi-Jurisdiction Hazards Mitigation
Plan was under development, but it also invited the stakeholder to participate by either attending
planning meetings, being added to a mailing list, or sending any input via email or phone. Invitations
were sent in October of 2017. Below are the lists of invitations sent by each participant.
Starr County
• Superintendent, San Isidro Independent School District
• Texas Water Coalition
Escobares
• Mayor, Escobares City Council
• Mayor- Pro Tem, Escobares City Council
• Councilman, Escobares City Council
• Councilwoman, Escobares City Council
• Councilman, Escobares City Council
• President, Economic Development Corporation
• Owners, Garcenos Builders
• Owner, Bema Ice
• Owner, El Valle Medical Supplies
• Owner, Mar Palace
• Physician, Pediatric Clinic
• Owner, Materiales Pena
• Owner, Mr. Nava's Gas Station
• Owner, El Tigre
• Parish Priest, Escobares Sacred Heart
• Community Affairs Manager, AEP
• Owner, Grande Garbage
• Administrator, ST. Luis Angels EMS LLC
• Port Director, CBP Port of Entry
• Area Engineer, Texas Department of Transportation
Rio Grande City
• US Customs at Falcon Dam, Roma, Rio Grande City
• TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality)
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• County of Starr
• RGC Historic Preservation Commission
• Planning and Zoning Commission
• Planning – Code Enforcement, Animal Control and Vector Control
• RGC Sanitation Department
• RGC Public Utility Department
• Ciudad Camargo, Tamp., Mexico
• City of Sullivan
• Texas Historical Commission
• US Fish & Wildlife Game Wardens
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Texas Department of Health & Human Services
• Payne Ford, Rio Grande City
• Rio Motors Chevrolet
• HEB, Rio Grande City
• Walmart, Rio Grande City
• University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley, Rio Grande City
Roma
• Mayor, Roma City Council
• Council members, Roma City Council
• Chairman and members, Planning and Zoning Commission
• President and members, Economic Development Corporation
• Chairman and members, Historical Commission
• Chairman and members, Parks and Recreation Commission
• Executive Director and members, Roma Housing Authority
• President, Roma Chamber of Commerce
• President, Pena Enterprises
• Owner, Lino's Pharmacy
• Owner, Vida Linda Adult Day Care
• Physician, Roma Family Clinic
• Parish Priest, Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church
• Church Pastor, Bethel Church
• Executive Director, Falcon Rural Water Supply
• Manager, Medina Electric
• Patrol Agent in Charge, Border Patrol
• Port Director, CBP Port of Entry
• Engineer, International Boundary and Water Commission
• Area Engineer, Texas Department of Transportation
Roma ISD
• All nine Campus Principals, Roma ISD
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• Transportation Director, Roma ISD
• Superintendent, Roma ISD
• Deputy Superintendent, Roma ISD
• Peña Enterprises Inc
• Rene's Tire Sales
• VFW Post 9175 Commander
• Periodico Enlace LLC
• Commissioner Precinct 2
• Constable Precinct 2
• Justice of the Peace Precinct 2
While interest in the plan development was shown, participation from local stakeholders was minimal.
Input from local stakeholders continued to be solicited throughout the development of The Plan.
Capability Assessments
Each of the planning sub-teams, along with the STDC Planner, completed a capability assessment in
which they delineated and indicated local resources in Planning and Regulation, Administrative and
Technical, Financial, and Education and Outreach. After reviewing the assessments, the participants
analyzed the available resources for information to use in the development of The Plan and how some
of these same existing resources could be used in mitigation.
Below is a summary of each of the resources reviewed by the planning sub-teams for each participating
jurisdiction.
Starr County
Under planning and regulatory resources, the sub-team reviewed the Regional Economic Development
Plan that is currently under update. The Starr County Gas Department provided their emergency plan
approved by the Texas Railroad Commission, which not only includes safety procedures but operations
and maintenance. This information was used to depict community assets and potential risks in the event
of a natural disaster. A document that proved to be important and useful for every participant were the
Emergency Operation Plans.
Resolutions and ordinances were also reviewed. Two natural hazard specific resolutions that were
reviewed were the Burn Ban and Fireworks Ban. Both of these provided insight in regulation that could
be expanded or used to further implement mitigation strategies.
For Administrative and Technical and Financial resources the planning sub-team reviewed existing staff,
departments, and funding sources that could be used. These resources will be represented under
Mitigation Strategies.
Programs available were also listed when reviewing resources. Some of the programs currently available
are the awareness campaigns provided by the Gas Department, the CERT (Community Emergency
Response Team) program, Fire Prevention Week, and National Night Out.
Escobares
Page | 17
For planning and regulatory resources, the Escobares planning sub-team included the Regional
Economic Development Plan and their Capital Improvements Plan that is also under updating.
Ordinances reviewed included the Firework Ban and Trash Ban,
which prohibits unauthorized trash burning. Throughout the
assessment, the planning sub-team and project lead took notes
on the areas of improvement and where the city implement
their mitigation strategies.
For administrative and technical and financial resources, the
planning sub-team noted the available staff, departments, and
revenue available for the implementation of mitigation
strategies. These resources can be further reviewed in
Mitigation Strategies.
Some of the programs available that could be used to implement
education and outreach in mitigation are the awareness
campaigns with AEP, Fire Prevention Week, and National Night
Out.
Rio Grande City
Under planning and regulatory resources, the planning sub-team for Rio Grande City reviewed their local
Emergency Operations Plan, the building code that is enforced, and the various ordinances in place.
Some of these ordinances include the trash burning ban, the firework ordinance, and the subdivision
ordinance. The subdivision ordinance in particular notes the elimination of colonias and provides
standard for them, including the creation of easement for fire lanes and drainage. Under the same
ordinance, the city includes making parks from flood areas, as long as they do not reduce the retention
area.
For Administrative and Technical and Financial resources, the planning sub-team reviewed the current
staff, departments, revenue available, mutual aid agreements, and systems available that could be used
or support mitigation. Some of the mutual aid agreements reviewed were ones with nearby fire
departments, Agrilife an Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Happy Paws which is a non-profit
organization. Existing warning systems include warning sirens and notifications through utility
statements.
The city also partners with various organizations programs that provide awareness in the community.
Some of these organizations and programs are SCAN, Operation Lone Star, National Night Out, Fire
Prevention Week, and Hurricane Preparedness with the Kelsey Bass Museum.
Roma
The planning sub-team for Roma reviewed several documents under planning and regulatory resources,
including the Comprehensive Plan, the Capital Improvements Plan, local Emergency Operations Plan and
Transportation Plan. The 2000 Comprehensive Plan includes a drainage study that addresses flooding
throughout the area. It includes drainage projects that mitigate natural hazards. Certain elements of the
drainage study have been implemented and are still very relevant. The Capital Improvements Plan calls
for funds to be designated for drainage improvements tied to the Comprehensive Plan, while the
Transportation plan calls for drainage improvements to be in conjunction with street design.
Source: Facebook, Escobares Volunteer
Fire Dept.
Page | 18
The Zoning Ordinance is actively administered and enforced. It reduced construction on hazard areas by
zoning them as open space. The Floodplain ordinance helps reduce the risk associated with building on a
floodplain. Other regulations reviewed were the fireworks ban and the burn permit and ordinance
placed to ban outdoor burning.
Under administrative and technical resources, the planning sub-team reviewed available staff,
committees, and departments that are and could support the city’s mitigation strategies. One for
example would be the public works department which actively monitors the drainage system for debris
and conducts routine maintenance.
For financial resources, the planning sub-team reviewed various sources of revenue that could be of aid
for future mitigation projects. These findings will be further noted under Mitigation Strategies.
Various programs of education and outreach the city is part of include Fire Prevention Week and
National Night Out, as well as presentations to the general public by fire and police departments. These
resources were noted to be useful when promoting mitigation to the community.
Roma ISD
Roma ISD shares several of their planning and regulatory resources with the city of Roma. However,
some of the plans and regulations reviewed were the Roma ISD Emergency Operations Plan,
Transportation Plan, and Evacuation Plans. These documents provide information that are useful in the
development of The Plan and most importantly when securing the safety of the staff and students of the
school district.
Under administrative and technical resources, the planning sub-team noted the available staff and
departments that can be part of the implementation of the district’s implementation of mitigation
strategies. Financial resources were also reviewed to note the revenue available when discussing
mitigation projects. These resources will be further noted in Mitigation Strategies.
The district also has various clubs and programs within their schools that could be used when trying to
provide the community with education and outreach. Some of these clubs and programs include, the
Earth Club which deals with environmental protection, Fire Prevention Week, the National Honor
Society, JROTC, and the Student Council.
Community Assets
Prior to conducting the risk assessment for each of the hazards identified, each of the participating
jurisdictions completed a list of community assets. This list helped the planning team identify assets at
risk within their respective communities. Assets were broadly defined and anything important to the
function of the community was listed.
In identifying community assets, the participants completed a worksheet that provided the Asset Name,
Category (People, Economy, Built Environment, and Natural Environment), Location, Function, and
Structure Type.
Below is a list of the community assets listed by each participant. The assets are only listed by name. Any
additional information regarding the assets listed should be requested to the respective jurisdiction.
Starr County
Page | 19
• Starr County Sheriff’s Office
• Starr County Detention Center
• La Casita Fire Dept.
• San Isidro Fire Dept.
• La Rosita Vol. Fire Dept.
• Salineno Fire Dept
• Starr County Memorial Hospital (Special District)
• Precinct 3 Offices
• Precinct 4 Offices
• Starr County Courthouse
• Starr County Courthouse Annex
• Starr County Probation Office (Adult)
• Precinct 1 Offices
• Precinct 2 Offices
• Starr County Precinct 2 Memorial Cemetery, Starr County Veterans Cemetery
• Starr County International Bridge
• Starr County Parks
• Roads and Streets
• Starr County Natural Gas
Escobares
• Escobares Fire Dept.
• Escobares Community Center
• City of Escobares City Hall
• Escobares Police Department
• Escobares Economic Development Center
• Sacred Heart Catholic Church
• Farmland
• Garza Properties
• Escobares Public Works
• Escobares Sanitation
• Roads, Streets, & Bridges
• Elderly Population
• City Park (Future Development)
Rio Grande City
• Rio Grande City City Hall
• Starr County Memorial Hospital (Special District)
• Rio Grande City Police Dept
• Rio Grande City Police Substation
• Kelsey Bass Museum and Event Center (Old City Hall)
• RGC Public Works Dept.
Page | 20
• Rio Grande City Public Utilities Dept.
• Rio Grande City Fire Dept.
• First Baptist Church
• Rio Grande City Municipal Airport
• Rio Grande City Parks (5)
• Chachalaca Wildlife Refuge
• Rio Grande City Historical District
• Hiking Trails
• Rio Grande City Public Library
• Roads & Street
• Walmart, HEB Plus, Shopping Centers Strip (Ringgold Corners Shopping Center)
• Retama Manor Nursing Home
• Rio Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
• Farmland (Old Shuford Property)
• Rio Grande City Port of Entry
• Communication Tower on Eisenhower Street
• AEP Electrical Substation
• Medina Electric Co-op
• Rio Grande City Animal Kennels
• 3G Livestock Yard
• US Army Reserve
• Rio Grande Valley Rehabilitation Center
• Fresnius Dialysis Center
Roma
• Roma Police Dept.
• Roma Communications Tower
• Roma Vol. Fire Dept.
• Roma City Hall
• City of Roma Natural Gas Dept.
• Roma Water Treatment Plant
• City of Roma Waste Water Plant
• City of Roma Landfill
• AEP Electrical Substation
• Roma Community Center
• World Birding Center/Visitors Complex
• Roads and Bridge
• Roma International Bridge
• Roma National Historic Landmark District
• Pena Enterprises
• Roma Municipal Park
Page | 21
Roma ISD
• Roma High School
o Band Hall
o JROTC Building
o Baseball Stadium
o Softball Stadium
o Football Stadium
o Field House
• Roma Middle School
• Ramiro Barrera Middle School
• Instruction & Guidance School
• Emma Vera Elementary
• Florence J. Scott Elementary
• Roel & Celia Saenz Elementary
• Ynes B. Escobar Elementary
• Veterans Memorial Elementary
• Rafaela T. Barrera Elementary
• Manuel Guerra Building (Central Office)
• Roma ISD Police Building
• Bus Barn
• Delia Gonzalez Garcia Elementary
• Roma Intermediate Campus including Special Education and LA Building
• Performing Arts Building
• Roma ISD Receiving Center
The completion of this list provided further insight to what potential impacts a natural hazard can have
on a community. Assets listed above provide important roles in the function of the community.
Functionality refers to critical facilities, recreational use, historical significance, or educational use,
amongst others.
The next section incorporates some of the details and additional elements that were captured during
the completion of the Community Assets worksheet.
The Risk Assessment
Based on the natural hazards that affect the state of Texas, all participating jurisdictions decided to
conduct a risk assessment for the hazards commonly recognized to the area. The hazards are listed
below:
• Floods
• Hurricanes/Tropical Storms
• Fire
• Tornadoes
Page | 22
• Drought
• Extreme Heat
• Extreme Cold
• Thunderstorms
The participating jurisdictions gathered information from previous occurrences (which will be discussed
and presented later) and community feedback from the public outreach events that were held. Each
hazard will be assessed individually by each of the participating jurisdictions using scenario or historical
analysis. Results of the assessment will be composed as problem statements that will help summarize
the vulnerabilities in that specific area.
The participating jurisdictions came to agreement to use the following terms and definitions to
determine the probability of occurrence for each hazard. Although all jurisdictions will use the same list
of terms, each jurisdiction will define their area individually.
Probability of Occurrence
• Highly Likely- Event occurring more than once in a year.
• Likely- Event occurring once every 3 years.
• Occasional- Event occurring once every 5 years.
• Unlikely- Event occurring once every 10 years.
Floods
Defined as the general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry areas,
floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flooding to the area can be stemmed
from river floods, flash flooding, and dam/levee failures or releases.
For this hazard, the planning team will be using the FEMA Flood Zone Designations that are included
below. These zones are depicted on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or Flood Hazard
Boundary Map which can be found using the link below. Each zone reflects the severity or type of
flooding in the area.
FEMA Flood Map Service Center
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
Moderate to Low Risk Areas
Zone
Description
B and X (shaded)
Area of moderate flood hazard, usually the area between the limits of
the 100‐ year and 500‐year floods. B Zones are also used to designate
base floodplains of lesser hazards, such as areas protected by levees
from 100‐year flood, or shallow flooding areas with average depths of
less than one foot or drainage areas less than 1 square mile
C and X (unshaded)
Area of minimal flood hazard, usually depicted on FIRMs as above the
500‐year flood level. Zone C may have ponding and local drainage
Page | 23
problems that don't warrant a detailed study or designation as base
floodplain. Zone X is the area determined to be outside the 500‐year
flood and protected by levee from 100‐ year flood.
High Risk Areas
Zone
Description
A
Areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding and a 26% chance of
flooding over the life of a 30‐year mortgage. Because detailed analyses
are not performed for such areas; no depths or base flood elevations
are shown within these zones.
AE
The base floodplain where base flood elevations are provided. AE Zones
are now used on new format FIRMs instead of A1‐A30 Zones.
A1-30
These are known as numbered A Zones (e.g., A7 or A14). This is the
base floodplain where the FIRM shows a BFE (old format).
AH
Areas with a 1% annual chance of shallow flooding, usually in the form
of a pond, with an average depth ranging from 1 to 3 feet. These areas
have a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30‐year mortgage. Base
flood elevations derived from detailed analyses are shown at selected
intervals within these zones.
AO
River or stream flood hazard areas, and areas with a 1% or greater
chance of shallow flooding each year, usually in the form of sheet flow,
with an average depth ranging from 1 to 3 feet. These areas have a 26%
chance of flooding over the life of a 30‐year mortgage. Average flood
depths derived from detailed analyses are shown within these zones.
AR
Areas with a temporarily increased flood risk due to the building or
restoration of a flood control system (such as a levee or a dam).
Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements will apply, but rates
will not exceed the rates for unnumbered A zones if the structure is
built or restored in compliance with Zone AR floodplain management
regulations.
A99
Areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding that will be protected by a
Federal flood control system where construction has reached specified
legal requirements. No depths or base flood elevations are shown
within these zones.
The chart below gives a list of previous occurrences of flooding that have affected some or all
participants.
Type
Date
Description
Location
Flash Flood
September
23
rd
,1993
Arroyo Roma. 1 Fatality, 4 injuries. 7 inches.
Roma
Flash Flood
June 22
nd,
2007
An upper level low pressure trough centered
over Texas combined with abundant tropical
moisture produced periods of scattered
showers and thunderstorms over the
western Counties of Deep South Texas on
All participants
Page | 24
June 22. The heavier showers and
thunderstorms produced localized flash
flooding in Starr and Jim Hogg Counties. The
Rio Grande City Fire Department recorded
1.90 inches of rainfall June 22. The Roma
area experienced significant flooding as a
stationary thunderstorm produced 8 to 11
inches of rain over rural areas.
Flash Flood
August 18
th
2008
Widespread flooding in Roma and nearby
communities of Garceño and Escobares.
Estimate 1100 homes had some degree of
flooding ranging from 2 to 3 in. up to 5 feet.
Repair cost estimated to be in excess of $1
million.
Roma, Escobares, Starr
County: Garceño
Flooding
August 22
nd
2008
From the cities of Roma to Zapata and points
north. Living in the east side of Roma,
extending into Escobares, torrential rains,
estimated to be at least 15 inches or more in
a few spots. Widest street flooding but no
structures were threatened. Duration was 1
week.
Roma, Escobares, Starr
County: Garceño
Flooding
July 23
rd
, 2008
Heavy rains associated with hurricane Dolly
resulted in flooding over the Rio Grande
Valley. No injuries or deaths were directly
attributed to the flooding. Loss of home and
infrastructure. In Roma, 15 homes got
destroyed.
All participants
Flooding
July 11
th
2010
Rainfall from hurricane Alex, water level
peaked at 57.63 feet. Secondary peak 16
th
result of continue discharges, downstream in
Starr and hidalgo county from July 8
th
to
august 10
th
. Damage was at $19 million. City
of La Grulla was under evacuation by July
16
th
.
All participants
River Flood
July 8
th
2010
Major flooding due to river overflow lasting
from 2 weeks to 2 months. Homes,
infrastructure, farmland and agriculture
damage.
All participants
Flooding
May 11
th
,
2015
7-8 in of rain causing flood in various
Communities. Roma, $9,600 in public
assistance.
Roma, Escobares, Rio
Grande City, Starr County:
Las Lomas, Los Velas
Flash Flood
June 21
st
,
2018
Complex thunderstorms would spin in from
the northeast overnight and reach Starr
County, eventually dropping more than 7
inches from the ranches north of Rio Grande
City to Rio Grande City itself, where local
arroyos reached and overtopped their banks
All participants
Page | 25
and at least one swift water rescue was
required during the pre-dawn hours of the
21st
Starr County
Location and Probability of Occurrence
As viewed in Figure 1, most of the populated areas of Starr County are located near or at the riverbank
of the Rio Grande River. However not all of inundations come from river floods. Low lying areas within
the planning area are susceptible to flash flooding.
For a visual of the Starr County floodplain maps please use the link for the FEMA Flood Map Service
Center provided above.
Probability of Occurrence: LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning sub-team used two scenarios for this hazard to determine the impacts of river floods and
flash floods.
River Floods
July/August 2010- Torrential rainfall from Hurricane Alex remains fell across the Sierra Madre in Mexico,
along with 50 inches of rain across Coahuila, Mexico from remnants of Tropical Depression Number 2
causing major overflow to the Rio Grande Basin. As a result, water releases of Amistad Dam and
ultimately Falcon Dam caused major flooding along the Rio Grande River in Starr County. The highest
release at Falcon Dam reached 60,000 cfs (cubic feet per second). Water levels in Starr County reached
a peak of 57.63 feet at 7:00AM on July 11, 2010. Flooding lasted from July 9th through August 3rd.
Flash Floods
June 2007- Two weeks of intermittent rainfall and runoff from surrounded hills caused swelled creeks in
and around Rio Grande City and Precinct 1 of Starr County. Rainfall estimated within those two weeks
went over 18 inches.
These events had impacts to critical infrastructure, residential and commercial areas, and agriculture. As
a result of the river floods, La Grulla lost water supply for 1 week due to pump failure and facility
flooding. Mandatory evacuation of 15 homes were conducted, leaving around 60 people sheltered at
Alto Bonito Elementary School for 3 weeks. 5,000 acres of farmland along the Rio Grande River were
flooded for 42 days. La Union Water Plant was under 6ft of water and was shut down for 3 weeks
leaving 8,000 residents without water for the same 3 weeks.
Impacts resulting from the flash flooding event included the Starr County Juvenile Justice Center
basement floor which was under 1 ft of water. 10 juveniles had to be relocated to the Sheriff’s Office.
Brook St., Embassy St., and Elliot St., were under about 1.5 ft of water, causing inaccessibility to the
public. The Sheriff’s Department evacuated an elderly resident from her home in Las Lomas.
Problem Statements
Page | 26
The 2010 floods let to inundation variation of 100ft to 1 mi. in from the Rio Grande River causing
damages of approximately $250K to the water plant, including loss of water supply for 1 week.
City of La Grulla, located within the 100-year floodplain, had 15 homes and 60 people evacuated
and sheltered for 3 weeks.
River flooding in 2010 resulted in 86 miles of inundated farmlands, some of which were under
40 ft. of water. Flooding led to loss of livestock that amounted to approximately $45K and the
relocation of 300 heads of livestock.
La Union Water Plant was under 6ft of water and was shut down for 3 weeks leaving 8,000
residents without water for the same 3 weeks. The water plant is located within the 100- year
floodplain.
Due to the same floods, FM 1430 was closed for 2 days preventing accessibility to the
unincorporated areas of La Casita and Garciasville.
Poor drainage at the Starr County Juvenile Justice Center caused flooding of 1 foot of water to
the basement. The Sheriff’s Office had to relocate 10 juveniles to their offices. Repair costs to
the basement rant over $10K back in the 2007 floods.
Due to poor drainage and low-lying areas, Brook St., Embassy St., and Elliot St., were under 1.5
ft. of water causing inaccessibility to the public.
Garcia’s Camp made up of 50 homes are susceptible to flash floods due to lack of drainage and
low-lying area.
Mike’s Subdivision is at risk to flash flooding (200 homes). Retention pond was built in 2015 to
alleviate flooding, however, poor drainage to the area still places the community at risk.
Page | 27
Escobares
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Probability of Occurrence: River floods, OCCASIONAL
Probability of Occurrence: Flash floods, LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning sub-team used two scenarios for this hazard to analyze the potential impacts of river
floods and flash floods
River Floods
July/August 2010- Torrential rainfall from Hurricane Alex remains fell across the Sierra Madre in Mexico,
along with 50 inches of rain across Coahuila, Mexico from remnants of Tropical Depression Number 2
causing major overflow to the Rio Grande Basin. As a result, water releases of Amistad Dam and
ultimately Falcon Dam caused major flooding along the Rio Grande River in Starr County. The highest
release at Falcon Dam reached 60,000 cfs (cubic feet per second). Water levels in Starr County reached
a peak of 57.63 feet at 7AM on July 11, 2010. Flooding lasted from July 9
th
through August 3
rd
.
Page | 28
Flash Floods
August 2008- Rains in amounts of 11-14 inches caused major flash flooding in the areas of Roma,
Escobares, Garceño and the overflow of Arroyo Quiote (Creek). Other effects included water levels of up
to 5 ft in some areas and a river gauge reading of 32.6 ft.
Impact from river floods include, farmland (70 acres) under water, with a potential loss of crops valued
at $100K. Southeast Escobares neighborhood of El Rincon would be under a max. of 3 ft of water
affecting 70 homes and 240 residents. People would need to be evacuated and homes would be
uninhabitable for 1 week. Rincon Rd., Roel St., and Retonda St would be inaccessible due to inundation.
Damage amount to these streets would range from $100K- $200K.
Potential impacts form flash flooding includes, Pena Subdivision which would be affected due to
Moreno’s Creek overflow (caused with anything over 5 inches in an hour). 50 homes would be
uninhabitable and 360 people would be evacuated and displaced. Eli St., Soaring Dove St., Leticia St.,
Capula St., Pena St., Comal St., Liliana St., would be inundated, inaccessible, and damaged. San Julian St.
inundates from Garceño Creek preventing accessibility to 40 residences and 120 people.
Problem Statements
70 acres of farmland located within the 100-year floodplain are susceptible to river flooding
resulting in loss of crops valued at $100K.
El Rincon Subdivision located in the SE part of the City is within the 100- year floodplain and has
been previously affected with a max of 3 ft. of water, resulting 70 homes to be uninhabitable for
about 1 week and causing the evacuation and displacement of 240 residents.
River flooding has continuously damaged Rincon Rd., Roel St., and Retonda St. causing
inaccessibility and costing $100K- $200K in repairs.
Heavy rains over the low-lying Moreno’s Creek causes overflow into Pena Subdivision causing 50
homes to be uninhabitable and the evacuation and displacement of 360 people.
Lack of drainage in Eli St., Soaring Dove St., Leticia St., Capula St., Pena St., Comal St., Liliana St.
results in rapid flooding caused by the overflow of Moreno’s Creek. Damages to these streets is
estimated in $100-$200k per event.
Low crossing on San Julian St. allows for easy flooding from Garceño Creek overflow preventing
the accessibility and/or evacuation of 40 homes and 120 people.
Page | 29
Rio Grande City
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Probability of Occurrence: River flooding, UNLIKELY
Probability of Occurrence: Flash flooding, LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning sub-team used two scenarios for this hazard to analyze the impacts from river floods and
flash floods.
River Floods
July/August 2010- Torrential rainfall from Hurricane Alex remains fell across the Sierra Madre in Mexico,
along with 50 inches of rain across Coahuila, Mexico from remnants of Tropical Depression Number 2
causing major overflow to the Rio Grande Basin. As a result, water releases of Amistad Dam and
ultimately Falcon Dam caused major flooding along the Rio Grande River in Starr County. The highest
release at Falcon Dam reached 60,000 cfs (cubic feet per second). Water levels in Starr County reached
a peak of 57.63 feet at 7AM on July 11, 2010. Flooding lasted from July 9
th
through August 3
rd
.
Page | 30
Flash Floods
June 2007- Two weeks of intermittent rainfall and runoff from surrounded hills caused swelled creeks in
and around Rio Grande City and Precinct 1 of Starr County. Rainfall estimated within those two weeks
went over 18 inches.
Impacts from river flooding include 3 pumps located 30 ft from the river bank had damage to electrical
panels with repair costs of $15K. Los Velas Ranch Rd. (only EGRESS) which becomes inaccessible to 20
people. A neighborhood located on the east side of Rio Grande City and south of US Hwy 83 is affected
by overflow of Los Olmos Creek, inundating 10 homes causing the evacuation and displacement of 40
people. 8 miles of farmland along the river are prone to river flooding. 50 to 60 acres are potentially
affected, resulting in an estimated $500K crop loss. Thirty-four (34) units of public housing were
condemned because they were flooded to the rooftops. The City lost four (4) acres of land. The
Bluebonnet Street Drainage Culvert was washed away, and the South Fordyce Road and drainage pipes
were washed out.
Impacts to flash floods include Garza-Salinas Subdivision which becomes inundated, affecting 10 homes.
The property had to be bought out. Southwest of Rio Grande City, Cox St, Water St, Bluebonnet St and
Kane were flooded by 2-3 ft of water resulting inaccessible and costing thousands in repairs. Avasolo St,
Gonzalez St, Margo St, Clark St, Hidalgo St are affected on the east side causing closures and evacuation
of 15 homes and displacement of 40 people. The police substation is inundated with a foot of water
causing structural damages.
Problem Statements
City of Rio Grande City has 3 water pumps with electrical panels located near the river bank that
have been subject to damages in amounts of $15K.
Due to its low-lying area, Los Velas Ranch Rd. gets flooded preventing inaccessibility to 20
people.
El Arroyo Subdivision is in a low-lying area located to the west of Los Olmos Creek where 25
homes are vulnerable to flash floods.
Neighborhood located on the east side of RGC and south of US Hwy 83 is affected by overflow of
Los Olmos Creek, inundating 10 homes causing the evacuation and displacement of 40 ppl.
8 miles of farmland along the river are prone to river flooding. 50-60 acres of said area are
affected, resulting in an estimated $500K crop loss.
Due to natural runoff from higher ground levels, areas Southwest of Rio Grande City are subject
to flash floods of up to 3 ft of water. Flooding in the area causes inaccessibility to Cox St., Water
St., Bluebonnet St., and Kane St., and up to $300K in repairs.
Flooding, due to the natural runoff from higher ground levels, causes road closures to the east
side of Avasolo St., Gonzalez St., Margo St., Clark St., and Hidalgo St.; prompting the evacuation
of 15 homes and 40 people.
Due to poor drainage, the Police substation is susceptible to flooding up to 1 ft. of water,
averaging $10K in repairs.
Page | 31
Roma
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Page | 32
Probability of Occurrence: OCCASIONAL
Risk Analysis
The planning sub-team created a worst-case scenario for this hazard to depict the impacts of both river
flooding and flash flooding.
Excessive flooding in northern Mexico on the Rio Grande River water shed causing river to reach record
flood stage reading of 65 ft on the IBWC river gauge at the Bravo & Roma Suspension Bridge. In
combination with heavy rains throughout the City of Roma (10-15 inches in a matter of an hour) causing
flash flooding and major backflow.
Impacts from the combination of river flood and flash flood within the city would include a lot of
structural damage to critical facilities and infrastructure. Part of these damages consist of complete
paralysis of waste water collection system. All (29) lift stations become inoperable, while 23 of them are
damaged by inflow of stormwater in amounts of $30K per lift station and $100k to the Lift Station K.
Waste water treatment plant inoperable for 12 hours. 3 submersible pumps would become inoperable
due to debris and mud accumulation. Damages to streets in amounts of over $5 million to streets
located within the 100-year floodplains and low-lying neighborhoods within Roma Creek, Rau-Con, De la
Cruz Subdivision., Escandon, El Bosque, Robinson, Las Flores, Hillside Terrace, Mi Ranchito, Margarita
Subdivision, Los Saenz, Hacienda, and Mesquite. The fire station would be under 18 in. of water causing
$100K in structural damage and $30K loss of cascade system. $1,000 K to air compressor. Facility would
become inoperable for 2 days. The police station would be under 18 in. of water causing $100K in
structural damage and $150K in equipment loss/damage (computers and generator).
Problem Statements
De La Cruz Subdivision is susceptible to major river flooding based on its proximity to the Rio
Grande River. Flooding would cause 80 residences to become uninhabitable due to 10 ft. of
inundation for a time of approximately 2 weeks and the evacuation of 320 people.
Over 2,730 acres of water shed of Arroyo Roma makes it prone to major river flooding and flash
flooding causing 400 homes to become uninhabitable and the evacuation 1600 people within 51
blocks of Roma Creek Subdivision, Rau- Con 1,2, &3, and Madrigal Subdivision.
Overflow of Arroyo Roma (creek) cause flood damages to 17 streets within its vicinity, racking
up repair costs of approximately $3 million.
Heavy rains over the 4,000 acres of watershed of Los Morenos Creek & Gongora Creek cause
inaccessibility of 6 streets (Escandon St., Ebony St., Obregon St., Robert Lee St., Efren Ramirez
St., & Eagle St.) of neighborhood exits due to flooding, preventing the prompt evacuation of
4800 people in the surrounding subdivisions (Escandon, Humberto Saenz, El Bosque, Mirasoles,
Robinson, Las Flores, Hillside Terrace, & Margarita).
Watershed overflow of Los Morenos Creek and Gongora Creek cause flood damage to roads,
streets, and exits costing approximately $2.5 million in repairs.
Residences on 6th and 7th street in Los Saenz subdivision are located within the 100-year
floodplain and have been subject to inundation of up to 3ft., resulting in the immediate
Page | 33
evacuation and sheltering of 30 homes and 120 people and road damages of approximately $1
million.
Roma ISD
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Page | 34
Probability of Occurrence: LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning sub-team used a historical scenario to analyze the impact of flash floods throughout their
campus.
August 2008- Rains in amounts of 11-14 inches caused major flash flooding in the areas of Roma,
Escobares, Garceño and the overflow of Arroyo Quiote (creek). Other effects included water levels of up
to 5 ft in some areas and a river gauge reading of 32.6 ft.
Impacts from flash flooding include damages to several facilities and the evacuation of staff and
students. Jesus O. Guerra Gym was flooded in 2008 with an approximate 4-5 inches of water. Repair
costs to replace floors ran to about $300K. Structure with potential to be impacted include the Roma ISD
Receiving Center, Special Education Dept., Instructional and Guidance School, and Intermediate Gym
and LA Building causing structural damage to those facilities. Damage costs could run over $1 million in
repairs. In the Instructional and Guidance 43 students and 11 staff would have inaccessibility or would
need to be evacuated. In the Special Education Dept., 16 staff would need to evacuated or would have
inaccessibility to the facility. The Receiving Center has 90 staff personnel that would need evacuation
and/or have inaccessibility to the facility. The corner of Garfield Ave and Rau-Con street would close due
to flooding from run off from higher ground levels and overwhelm the drainage system, gages would
become full and cause staff from the ING center to be relocated to Roma High School.
Problem Statements
The close proximity of the Jesus O. Guerra Gym to the Roma Creek caused flood damages to the
gym floors which resulted in about $300K in repairs.
Roma ISD Receiving Center, Special Education Dept., Instructional and Guidance, and
Intermediate Gym and LA Building are along the path of the Roma Creek causing potential
flooding that could raise $1 million dollar in damages.
Roma Creek overflow would cause flooding to the Instructional and Guidance Center, Special
Education Dept. and Receiving Center resulting in immediate evacuation of 43 students, and 11
staff members.
Hurricanes/Tropical Storms
Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over the water and move toward land. Threats from
hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and
tornadoes. Hurricane season runs from June 1
st
to November 30
th
.
The planning team will be using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS) to describe the extent
of a hurricanes impact. The SSHWS is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed. The
table below defines each of the ratings.
Page | 35
Category
Sustained Winds
Types of Damage to Hurricane Winds
1
74-95 mph
64-82 kt
119-153 km/h
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame
homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutter. Large
branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted may be toppled. Extensive
damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that
could last a few to several days.
2
96-110 mph
83-95 kt
154-177 km/h
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed
frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly
rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-
total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days
to weeks.
3 (major)
111-129 mph
96-112 kt
178-208 km/h
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built frame homes may incur major
damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be
snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will
be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
4 (major)
130-156 mph
113-136 kt
209-251 km/h
Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain
severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior
walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed.
Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages
will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable
for weeks or months.
5 (major)
157 mph or higher
137 kt or higher
252 km/h or higher
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be
destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power
poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to
possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or
months.
Below is a list of previous hurricane events that have affected one or more of the participating
jurisdictions.
Type
Date
Description
Location
Hurricane Beulah
1967
Last recorded winds were
observed at 136 mph. Gusts of
109 mph were recorded at the
Brownsville Airport. Beulah’s
slow movement and relatively
large size dropped tremendous
rains across Starr, Hidalgo, and
Brooks County.
All participants
Hurricane Dolly
2008
Rain of 12 to 18 inches or
more produced widespread
flooding in Cameron, Hidalgo,
Willacy and even Starr County.
All participants
Hurricane Alex
June 30
th
, 2010
Far reaching impacts from a
tropical cyclone, as days of
torrential rainfall in the Sierra
Madre ultimately led to severe
river flooding along the Rio
Grande. Floodway levels
reached highest value.
All participants
Page | 36
Many of the problem statements composed by the participating jurisdictions are similar to those
described in other hazards as the impacts are greatly related.
Starr County
Location and Probability of Occurrence
As defined, some of the threats occurring from hurricanes include high winds and heavy rainfall. Due to
the nature of this hazard, the entire county is at risk for this hazard.
Probability of Occurrence: LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The county will be using Hurricane Dolly to analyze the impacts of hurricanes in the area.
Hurricane Dolly was the first storm since Bret (1999) to make landfall along the Deep South Texas barrier
islands on July 23
rd
, 2008. Starr County experienced persistent heavy rains from late afternoon and early
evening on the 23
rd
. Much of central and northern Starr County was remnant southern and western
eyewall, where winds were likely 35 to 45 mph with frequent gusts between 50 and 60 mph.
Impacts from this event included property damages, power outages, and agricultural losses due to winds
and flash flooding.
Below are specified vulnerabilities that can be associated in any hurricane event.
Problem Statements
Poor drainage at the Starr County Juvenile Justice Center caused flooding of 1 foot of water to
the basement. The Sheriff’s Office had to relocate 10 juveniles to their offices. Repair costs to
the basement ran over $10K back in the 2007 floods.
Due to poor drainage and low-lying areas, Brook St., Embassy St., and Elliot St., were under 1.5
ft. of water causing inaccessibility to the public.
Garcia’s Camp made up of 50 homes are susceptible to flash floods due to lack of drainage and
low-lying area.
Mike’s Subdivision is at risk to flash flooding (200 homes). Retention pond was built in 2015 to
alleviate flooding, however, poor drainage to the area still places the community at risk.
90% of homes in La Gloria and San Isidro (unincorporated areas of Starr County) are susceptible
to high wind damage due to their construction prior to building code adoption.
Homes in El Rucio, Los Garzas, El Sauz, and La Victoria (unincorporated areas of Starr County)
are sparsely located with no windbreaks making the areas high risk for wind damage.
Starr County maintains MOUs for public shelter as the county does not have community shelters
of their own.
The Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department and Precinct 4 substations are mobile homes at risk to high
winds due to their weak structure.
Page | 37
Escobares
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of this hazard, the entire city is at risk for this hazard.
Probability of Occurrence: LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The city will be using Hurricane Dolly to analyze the impacts of hurricanes in the area.
Hurricane Dolly was the first storm since Bret (1999) to make landfall along the Deep South Texas barrier
islands on July 23
rd
, 2008. Starr County experienced persistent heavy rains from late afternoon and early
evening on the 23
rd
. Much of central and northern Starr County was remnant southern and western
eyewall, where winds were likely 35 to 45 mph with frequent gusts between 50 and 60 mph.
Impacts from this event included property damages, power outages, and agricultural losses due to winds
and flash flooding.
Below are specified vulnerabilities that can be associated in any hurricane event.
Problem Statements
Heavy rains over the low-lying Moreno’s Creek causes overflow into Pena Subdivision causing 50
homes to be uninhabitable and the evacuation and displacement of 360 people.
Lack of drainage in Eli St., Soaring Dove St., Leticia St., Capula St., Pena St., Comal St., Liliana St.
results in rapid flooding caused by the overflow of Moreno’s Creek. Damages to these streets is
estimated in $100-$200k per event.
Low crossing on San Julian St. allows for easy flooding from Garceño Creek overflow preventing
the accessibility and/or evacuation of 40 homes and 120 people.
65% of homes within city limits were built prior to building codes making them highly
susceptible to intense winds.
Homes in Manuel Lopez Ln. and Las Palmas subdivision have no buffer to high winds. Increased
risk is added when noted that homes were build prior to the building codes established in 2005.
Lack of shelters within the city leave community vulnerable in times of evacuation.
City hall and the police department are composed of portable offices not made to withstand
intense winds.
Rio Grande City
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of this hazard, the entire city is at risk for this hazard.
Probability of Occurrence: LIKELY
Page | 38
Risk Analysis
The city will be using Hurricane Dolly to analyze the impacts of hurricanes in the area.
Hurricane Dolly was the first storm since Bret (1999) to make landfall along the Deep South Texas barrier
islands on July 23
rd
, 2008. Starr County experienced persistent heavy rains from late afternoon and early
evening on the 23
rd
. Much of central and northern Starr County was remnant southern and western
eyewall, where winds were likely 35 to 45 mph with frequent gusts between 50 and 60 mph.
Impacts from this event included property damages, power outages, and agricultural losses due to winds
and flash flooding.
Below are specified vulnerabilities that can be associated in any hurricane event.
Problem Statements
Due to natural runoff from higher ground levels, areas Southwest of Rio Grande City are subject to flash
floods of up to 3 ft of water. Flooding in the area causes inaccessibility to Cox St., Water St., Bluebonnet
St., and Kane St., and up to $300K in repairs.
Flooding, due to the natural runoff from higher ground levels, causes road closures to the east side of
Avasolo St., Gonzalez St., Margo St., Clark St., and Hidalgo St.; prompting the evacuation of 15 homes
and 40 people.
Due to poor drainage, the Police substation is susceptible to flooding up to 1 ft. of water, averaging $10K
in repairs.
Homes and buildings built prior to 2007 do not building code that requires windstorm construction to
withstand winds of 80mph.
Rio Grande City Historic District has structures from the 1840s that are vulnerable to intense winds from
tornadoes due to the old age of the structures.
Monarch Subdivision on FM 3167 is being development on flat land, north of the city where there is no
break from high winds.
Roma
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of this hazard, the entire city is at risk for this hazard.
Probability of Occurrence: OCCASSIONAL
Risk Analysis
The city will be using Hurricane Dolly to analyze the impacts of hurricanes in the area.
Hurricane Dolly was the first storm since Bret (1999) to make landfall along the Deep South Texas barrier
islands on July 23
rd
, 2008. Starr County experienced persistent heavy rains from late afternoon and early
evening on the 23
rd
. Much of central and northern Starr County was remnant southern and western
eyewall, where winds were likely 35 to 45 mph with frequent gusts between 50 and 60 mph.
Page | 39
Impacts from this event included property damages, power outages, and agricultural losses due to winds
and flash flooding.
Below are specified vulnerabilities that can be associated in any hurricane event.
Problem Statements
De La Cruz Subdivision is susceptible to major river flooding based on its proximity to the Rio
Grande River. Flooding would cause 80 residences to become uninhabitable due to 10 ft. of
inundation for a time of approximately 2 weeks and the evacuation of 320 people.
Over 2,730 acres of water shed of Arroyo Roma makes it prone to major river flooding and flash
flooding causing 400 homes to become uninhabitable and the evacuation 1600 people within 51
blocks of Roma Creek Subdivision, Rau- Con 1,2, &3, and Madrigal Subdivision.
Overflow of Arroyo Roma (creek) cause flood damages to 17 streets within its vicinity, racking
up repair costs of approximately $3 million.
Heavy rains over the 4,000 acres of watershed of Los Morenos Creek & Gongora Creek cause
inaccessibility of 6 streets (Escandon St., Ebony St., Obregon St., Robert Lee St., Efren Ramirez
St., & Eagle St.) of neighborhood exits due to flooding, preventing the prompt evacuation of
4800 people in the surrounding subdivisions (Escandon, Humberto Saenz, El Bosque, Mirasoles,
Robinson, Las Flores, Hillside Terrace, & Margarita).
Watershed overflow of Los Morenos Creek and Gongora Creek cause flood damage to roads,
streets, and exits costing approximately $2.5 million in repairs.
Residences on 6th and 7th street in Los Saenz subdivision are located within the 100-year
floodplain and have been subject to inundation of up to 3ft., resulting in the immediate
evacuation and sheltering of 30 homes and 120 people and road damages of approximately $1
million.
Building codes require construction to withstand winds of 85 mph, making homes and public
places susceptible to damages from tornadoes above an F1.
12 businesses within the city are prone to damages from high winds affecting gas canopies and
store front windows. Damages run up to $2.5M.
Power substation and high voltage power lines north of Roma, on Grant St and FM 650, supply
power to the entire city and are not equipped to withstand impacts from high winds leave the
majority of the city without power.
Buildings within the Roma Historical District that date back to the 1830s are at risk to structural
damage of high winds due to age and instability.
Roma ISD
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Page | 40
Due to the nature of this hazard, the entire district is at risk for this hazard.
Probability of Occurrence: OCCASSIONAL
Risk Analysis
The district will be using Hurricane Dolly to analyze the impacts of hurricanes in the area.
Hurricane Dolly was the first storm since Bret (1999) to make landfall along the Deep South Texas barrier
islands on July 23
rd
, 2008. Starr County experienced persistent heavy rains from late afternoon and early
evening on the 23
rd
. Much of central and northern Starr County was remnant southern and western
eyewall, where winds were likely 35 to 45 mph with frequent gusts between 50 and 60 mph.
Impacts from this event included property damages and power outages due to winds and flash flooding.
Below are specified vulnerabilities that can be associated in any hurricane event.
Problem Statements
The close proximity of the Jesus O. Guerra Gym to the Roma Creek caused flood damages to the
gym floors which resulted in about $300K in repairs.
Roma ISD Receiving Center, Special Education Dept., Instructional and Guidance, and
Intermediate Gym and LA Building are along the path of the Roma Creek causing potential
flooding that could raise $1 million dollar in damages.
Roma Creek overflow would cause flooding to the Instructional and Guidance Center, Special
Education Dept. and receiving center resulting in immediate evacuation of 43 students, and 11
staff members.
Poor construction in Roel and Celia Saenz Elementary are at risk to high winds, damages include
walls collapsing and roof caving in. Immediate evacuation of students would be required.
Roma ISD lacks a district wide warning system and is reliant on individual campus system placing
students, faculty and staff at risk during an emergency.
Campus scoreboards at 4 fields are inadequate to sustain high winds and are susceptible to
damage at high winds.
Fire
A wildfire is an unplanned, unwanted fire burning in a natural area, such as forest, grassland, or prairie.
As building development expands into these areas, homes and businesses may be situated in or near
areas susceptible to fires.
The rural nature and dry conditions of the planning area further aggravate the planning area’s
susceptibility to fires.
Page | 41
The planning team will be using the Fire Intensity Scale (FIS) Classes described below to demonstrate the
intensity and extent of fires in the area. Other risks, such as wind and drought, add complexity in
determining a dominant extent scale.
Fire Intensity Scale (FIS) Classes
Class 1 (Very Low)
Very small, discontinuous flames, usually less than one foot in
length; very low rate of spread; no spotting. Fires are typically easy
to suppress by firefighters with basic training and non-specialized
equipment.
Class 2 (Low)
Small flames, usually less than two feet long; small amount of very
short-range spotting possible. Fires are easy to suppress by trained
firefighters with protective equipment and specialized tools.
Class 3 (Moderate)
Flames up to 8 feet length; short-range spotting is possible. Trained
firefighters will find these fires difficult to suppress without support
from aircraft or engines, but dozer and plows are generally
effective. Increasing potential for harm or damage to life and
property.
Class 4 (High)
Large flames, up to 30 feet in length; short-range spotting common;
medium range spotting possible. Direct attack by trained
firefighters, engines, and dozers is generally ineffective, indirect
attack may be effective. Significant potential for harm or damage to
life and property.
Class 5 (Very High)
Very large flames up to 150 feet in length; profuse short-range
spotting, frequent long-range spotting; strong fire-induced winds.
Indirect attack marginally effective at the head of the fire. Great
potential for harm or damage to life and property.
Below is a list of fire events within the planning area that may have affected some or all participants.
Type
Date
Description
Location
Wildfires
May 18
th
,
2012
100 Acres. Farmland affected. Grass/ brush
fire
Roma
Wildfires
February
09
th
, 2016
10 acres. Grass/brush fire. Isla San Francisco.
Roma
Wildfires
May 01
st
,
2014
5 Acres of grass and brush fire.
Roma
Wildfires
May 22
nd
,
2014
15 acres of grass and brush.
Roma
Wildfires
02/24/2016
Fire located within Pct. 3 between La Paloma
Rd. and Liebre St. resulting in 812 acres
burned.
Starr County: La Casita
Wildfires
07/6/2016
Fire located within Pct. 3 Between 2360 Rd.
and Antonio Flores St. resulting in 500 acres
burned.
Starr County: La Casita
Page | 42
Wildfires
07/08/2016
Fire located within Pct. 4 between Sanchez
Rd. and FM 649 Rd. resulting in 200 burned
acres.
Starr County: La Rosita
Wildfires
07/16/2016
Fire located within Pct. 4 between Las Brisas
Rd. and FM 755 Rd. resulting in 250 acres
burned.
Starr County: San Isidro
Wildfires
02/07/2017
Fire located within Pct. 3 between Produce
Rd. and Old Military Rd. resulting in 130
acres burned.
Starr County: La Casita
Wildfires
02/11/2018
Fire located within Pct. 3 between Produce
Rd. and Old Military Rd. resulting in 75 acres
burned.
Starr County: La Casita
Wildfires
02/28/2017
Fire located within Pct. 3 between 2360 Rd
and Elias & Fela Solis Rd. resulting in 801
acres burned.
Starr County: La Casita
Grass Fire
08/12/2015
Grass Fire resulting in 1 burned acre.
Escobares
Grass Fire
08/26/2015
Grass Fire resulting in 7 acres burned.
Escobares
Grass Fire
02/25/2016
Grass Fire resulting in 3 acres burned.
Escobares
Grass Fire
01/18/2017
Grass Fire resulting in 1 burned acre.
Escobares
Brush Fire
08/14/2017
Brush fire resulting in 1 burned acre.
Escobares
Grass/Wildfire
01/12/2018
Less than one acre burned.
Rio Grande City
Grass/Wildfire
02/14/2018
Less than one acre burned.
Rio Grande City
Grass/Wildfire
02/15/2018
Less than one acre burned.
Rio Grande City
Grass/Wildfire
02/16/2015
Less than one acre burned.
Rio Grande City
Starr County
Location and Probability of Occurrence
The majority of the planning area is made up of or surrounded by brush. The added dry conditions
predispose residential or any populated areas to the probability of fires. The rural nature of the county
and the inaccessibility to all areas allow fires to expand rapidly and occasionally delay response.
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Risk Analysis
Page | 43
The county will be using an actual event to analyze the impact of fires within the planning area.
Event occurred on July 16, 2016 where a fire of 500 acres occurred within the planning area. 1 home
was severely affected and 3 homes were mildly damaged. Evacuations were made at a 2-mile radius in
efforts to prevent smoke inhalation. 8 departments assisted in the incident.
Impacts for this event include evacuations due to radiated heat, relocation of livestock, road closures,
and property damage.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities related specifically to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Lack of easement and high brush areas place communities at risk for fires.
Lack of road access and uneven terrain prevents quick access to areas with high risk to fires.
Neighborhoods in high risk areas force the evacuation of homes and public facilities to prevent
effects of heat radiation and smoke inhalation.
Escobares
Location and Probability of Occurrence
The majority of the planning area is made up of or surrounded by brush. The added dry conditions
predispose residential or any populated areas to the probability of fires. The whole planning area is at
risk.
Probability of Occurrence: LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The city will be using an actual event to analyze the impact of fires within the planning area.
August 26, 2015, Escobares Volunteer Fire Department and La Rosita Volunteer Fire Department
responded to a brush fire that reached 7 acres southeast of the City near the Rio Grande River riverbank.
Situation exasperated by winds of 10-12 mph from the southeast.
Impacts events like these include, evacuations due to radiated heat and smoke inhalation, relocation of
livestock, agricultural losses, and property damage.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities related specifically to the planning area.
Problem Statements
El Rincon subdivision sits on the edge of the city limits next to 150 acres of brush land. 100
homes with 400 residents are exposed to fire smoke and fire damage. Homes built in the
neighborhood have a 5-8 feet buffer between them.
Page | 44
Ramirez and Eli St. sit next to 32 acres of brush land. 75 homes on Ramirez St. valued at $20K,
and 10 homes valued at $20K including 2 local businesses on Eli St are at risk to fire. Evacuation
of 425 people would be needed in case of incident in order to prevent effects of smoke
inhalation.
Homes on Martinez St. and Naranjo St. are located near large areas of brush land that make the
area very vulnerable to fire damages.
Dry conditions increase fire risk to wildlife refuge areas located near acres of dry brush.
Rio Grande City
Location and Probability of Occurrence
The majority of the planning area is made up of or surrounded by brush. The added dry conditions
predispose residential or any populated areas to the probability of fires. The whole planning area is at
risk.
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The city will be using an actual event to analyze the impact of fires within the planning area.
February 26, 2016, Rio Grande City Fire Department, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, and Texas Forest Service
responded to a fire located on the south area of 632 W. Eisenhower. Situation exasperated by winds of
25 mph from the southeast. 7 acres of brush land burned. Incident contained within 2 hours.
Impacts events like these include, evacuations due to radiated heat and smoke inhalation, agricultural
losses, and property damage.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities related specifically to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Starr County Housing Authority located (50 multi-family units) and apartment complex of 20
units are located between 100 acres of brush land with great susceptibility to wildfires. Any
event deems the evacuation of 300 people with risk to fire or smoke inhalation.
Northwest of Rio Grande City, 140 acres of brush land located between N. Fairgrounds Rd. and
N. San Antonio St. 10 homes valued at $120K located around the area at risk to fire damage. 3
homes valued at $220K located within concern area are at risk to fire damage. 25 people would
need evacuation from potential smoke inhalation.
Rio Grande City Animal Kennels located within city owned 14 acres (brush land). Kennel
capacity of 15-20 animals that would need to be relocated to prevent suffocation.
Page | 45
Southwest of Rio Grande City, west of N. Charco Blanco Rd., are 80 acres of brush land. 30
homes valued at approximately $80K are at risk to fire damage. 100 residents would need
evacuation from potential smoke inhalation.
Roma
Location and Probability of Occurrence
The majority of the planning area is made up of or surrounded by brush. The added dry conditions
predispose residential or any populated areas to the probability of fires. The whole planning area is at
risk.
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The city will be using an actual event to analyze the impact of fires within the planning area.
May 18
th
, 2012, City of Roma Volunteer Fire Department responded to a brush fire located southeast of
the city near the riverbank. Situation exasperated by winds of 10-12 mph from the southeast stretching
fires to residential areas of Rancho Nuevo and Los Saenz neighborhoods. Fire contained within 8 hours.
Area affected reached 100 acres.
Impacts events like these include, evacuations due to radiated heat and smoke inhalation, agricultural
losses, and property damage.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities related specifically to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Dry conditions and high brush areas have made agriculture land susceptible to fire risk. Previous
events have resulted in 100 acres of agriculture land burned and approximately $750K in
monetary loss.
Old Town Site in City of Roma, has 10 acres vulnerable area to wildfire. City Hall is adjacent to
area, Old Custom House, various structures in the National Historic Landmark District (14 blocks)
are also susceptible to fires.
Lift station located on Sebastian street, is susceptible to fire damage with costs of $75K due to
proximity to brush area.
Lift station on La Bahia St. is located within the 10-acre brush area and is susceptible to fire
damage. Repairs run up to $75K.
Roma Creek Subdivision is surrounded in the center of 95 acres of undeveloped land composed
of dry brush making it susceptible to brush fires. Evacuation of 100 homes would be required for
evacuation. 40 homes susceptible to fire damage.
Page | 46
Regal Hills and Rio Vista Subdivisions are surrounded by 17 acres of undeveloped brush area. 70
homes would need evacuation due to smoke. 25 homes in Rio Vista would be susceptible to
damage.
16 acres of brush land located between Escandon St. and Canales St. make area susceptible to
fire damage and smoke exposure. Homes susceptible include, 10 single family units and 10
multi-family units.
5-acre strip of brush land in the center of El Bosque Subdivision has been affected by previous
fires requiring the evacuation of 5 homes.
Roma ISD
Location and Probability of Occurrence
The majority of the planning area is made up of or surrounded by brush. The added dry conditions
predispose the campus to the probability of fires. The whole planning area is at risk.
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The district will be using an actual event in the city of Roma to determine the impacts within the
planning area.
May 18
th
, 2012, City of Roma Volunteer Fire Department responded to a brush fire located southeast of
the city near the riverbank. Situation exasperated by winds of 10-12 mph from the southeast stretching
fires to residential areas of Rancho Nuevo and Los Saenz neighborhoods. Fire contained within 8 hours.
Area affected reached 100 acres.
Impacts events like these include, evacuations due to radiated heat and smoke inhalation, agricultural
losses, and property damage.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities related specifically to the planning area.
Problem Statements
The majority of campuses lie in or close to brush area placing schools at risk to fires.
Evacuation of faculty, staff, and students would be required for any incident in order to prevent
smoke inhalation due to lack of easement between campuses and brush areas.
Page | 47
Tornadoes
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most
violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more.
Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long.
The planning team will be using the Enhanced Fujita Scale to describe the extent of a potential event.
Source: NOAA/NWS
Below is a list of previous events that have occurred within the planning area. Due to location and
intensity, not all events may have been recorded.
Type
Date
Description
Location
Tornado
June 03
rd
,
2009
Scale: F0. Length was 1.43 miles, width 20
yards. Starr County EMC reported seeing a
funnel cloud briefly near the intersection of
755 and 490 just east of 755 and
approximately ¼ mile north of 490 near the
city of Rincon.
Eastern Starr County
Page | 48
Tornado
April 02
nd
,
2004
Scale: F0. Length of 0.1 miles and width of 30
yards. There were no fatalities or injuries
during this event.
Eastern Starr County
Tornado
May 05
th
,
1991
Scale: F2. A tornado cut a mile-long path
through the village of La Victoria. The path
was 200 yards wide at its maximum. Over 40
mobile homes, houses, and barns were
damaged or destroyed. Power lines were
down for several hours and numerous trees
were uprooted.
Starr County, La Victoria
Starr County
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of this hazard, the entire planning area is at risk for impacts from tornadoes.
Probability of Occurrence: UNLIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team will use a historic event to analyze the impacts of tornadoes within the planning area.
May 5
th
, 1991- A tornado cut a mile-long path through the area of La Victoria. The path was 200 yards
wide at its maximum. Over 40 mobile homes, houses, and barns were damaged or destroyed. Power
lines were downed for several hours and numerous trees were uprooted.
Impacts from events such as these are property damages from high winds, power outages, and
uprooted trees.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
90% of homes in La Gloria and San Isidro (unincorporated areas of Starr County) are susceptible
to high wind damage due to their construction prior to building code adoption.
Homes in El Rucio, Los Garzas, El Sauz, and La Victoria (unincorporated areas of Starr County)
are sparsely located with no windbreaks making the areas high risk for wind damage.
Starr County maintains MOUs for public shelter as the county does not have community shelters
of their own.
The Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department and Precinct 4 substations are mobile homes at risk to high
winds due to their weak structure.
Escobares
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of this hazard, the entire planning area is at risk for impacts from tornadoes.
Page | 49
Probability of Occurrence: LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team will use a historic event to analyze the impacts of tornadoes within the planning area.
May 5
th
, 1991- A tornado cut a mile-long path through the area of La Victoria. The path was 200 yards
wide at its maximum. Over 40 mobile homes, houses, and barns were damaged or destroyed. Power
lines were downed for several hours and numerous trees were uprooted.
Impacts from events such as these are property damages from high winds, power outages, and
uprooted trees.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
65% of homes within city limits were built prior to building codes making them highly
susceptible to intense winds from tornadoes.
Homes in Manuel Lopez Ln. and Las Palmas subdivision have no buffer to high winds. Increased
risk is added when noted that homes were build prior to the building codes established in 2005.
Lack of shelters within the city leave community vulnerable in times of evacuation.
City hall and the police department are composed of portable offices not made to withstand
intense winds from tornadoes.
Rio Grande City
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of this hazard, the entire planning area is at risk for impacts from tornadoes.
Probability of Occurrence: UNLIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team will use a historic event to analyze the impacts of tornadoes within the planning area.
May 5
th
, 1991- A tornado cut a mile-long path through the area of La Victoria. The path was 200 yards
wide at its maximum. Over 40 mobile homes, houses, and barns were damaged or destroyed. Power
lines were downed for several hours and numerous trees were uprooted.
Impacts from events such as these are property damages from high winds, power outages, and
uprooted trees.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Page | 50
Homes and buildings built prior to 2007 do not follow building codes that require windstorm
construction to withstand winds of 80mph.
Rio Grande City Historic District has structures from the 1840s that are vulnerable to intense
winds from tornadoes due to the old age of the structures.
Monarch Subdivision on FM 3167 is being developed on flat land, north of the city where there
is no break from high winds, making them prone to direct impacts from tornadoes.
Roma
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of this hazard, the entire planning area is at risk for impacts from tornadoes.
Probability of Occurrence: UNLIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team will use a historic event to analyze the impacts of tornadoes within the planning area.
May 5
th
, 1991- A tornado cut a mile-long path through the area of La Victoria. The path was 200 yards
wide at its maximum. Over 40 mobile homes, houses, and barns were damaged or destroyed. Power
lines were downed for several hours and numerous trees were uprooted.
Impacts from events such as these are property damages from high winds, power outages, and
uprooted trees.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Building codes require construction to withstand winds of 85 mph, making homes and public
places susceptible to damages from tornadoes above an F1.
12 businesses within the city are prone to damages from tornado winds affecting gas canopies
and store front windows. Damages run up to $2.5M.
Power substation and high voltage power lines north of Roma, on Grant St and FM 650, supply
power to the entire city and are not equipped to withstand impacts from high winds leave the
majority of the city without power.
Buildings within the Roma Historical District that date back to the 1830s are at risk to structural
damage of high winds due to age and instability.
Roma ISD
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of this hazard, the entire planning area is at risk for impacts from tornadoes.
Page | 51
Probability of Occurrence: UNLIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team will use a historic event to analyze the impacts of tornadoes within the planning area.
May 5
th
, 1991- A tornado cut a mile-long path through the area of La Victoria. The path was 200 yards
wide at its maximum. Over 40 mobile homes, houses, and barns were damaged or destroyed. Power
lines were downed for several hours and numerous trees were uprooted.
Impacts from events such as these are property damages from high winds, power outages, and
uprooted trees.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Poor construction in Roel and Celia Saenz Elementary are at risk to high winds, damages include
walls collapsing and roof caving in. Immediate evacuation of over 500 students would be
required.
Roma ISD lacks a district wide warning system and is reliant on individual campus system placing
students, faculty and staff at risk during an emergency.
Campus scoreboards at 4 fields are inadequate to sustain high winds and are susceptible to
damage at high winds.
Drought
A drought is a period of unusually constant dry weather that persists long enough to cause deficiencies
in water supply (surface of underground). Droughts increase the risk of other hazards like wildfires and
flash floods.
Page | 52
Source: National Drought Mitigation Center
As most of south Texas, Starr County is typically dry and susceptible to droughts. Conditions and levels
of drought vary depending on climate and weather. The table below further describes the drought
classifications using the Palmer Drought Index.
Drought Classifications
Source: United States Drought Monitor
Page | 53
Below is a list of relevant drought event periods that have occurred within the planning area. The events
listed below may have affected one or all participating jurisdictions and may not represent all drought
periods recorded.
Type
Date
Description
Location
Drought (D4)
06/01/1995
Classified as a D4, this
drought lasted 21
months.
All participants
Drought (D3)
08/01/2009
Classified as a D3, this
drought lasted 1
month.
All participants
Drought (D3)
02/01/2006
Classified as a D3, this
drought lasted 10
months.
All participants
Drought (D3)
07/01/2000
Classified as a D3, this
drought lasted 24
months.
All participants
Drought (D2)
06/01/2009
Classified as a D2, this
drought lasted 3
months.
All participants
Drought (D2)
03/01/2008
Classified as a D2, this
drought lasted 4
months.
All participants
Drought (D2)
10/01/2005
Classified as a D2, this
drought lasted 14
months.
All participants
Drought (D1)
01/01/2009
Classified as a D1, this
drought lasted 8
months.
All participants
Drought (D1)
12/1/2007
Classified as a D1, this
drought lasted 7
months.
All participants
Drought (D1)
09/01/2005
Classified as a D1, this
drought lasted for 15
months.
All participants
Drought (D1)
07/01/2004
Classified as a D1, this
drought lasted 12
months.
All participants
Starr County
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of this hazard, the entire planning area is at risk for droughts.
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Page | 54
Risk Analysis
The planning team will use an actual event to determine the impacts of drought to the planning area.
In August of 2000, during a D3 classification drought, Starr County suffered severe drought conditions
that persisted throughout the planning area. According to the USDA and Farm Service Agency, Starr
county received a disaster declaration because of damages and losses to livestock and acreage used for
planting purposes. Up to that point, the property damage was at $508K and crop losses were at a $1.9M
loss.
Impacts from this hazard include property damage, agricultural loss, water scarcity, and heat related
illnesses.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities that are specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Dry conditions and high brush increase brush fires by 50% during droughts.
The county does not have a resolution in place to reduce water consumption during drought
months.
The County and community residents rely on independent water districts and have no alternate
water supplies creating limited sources for water during droughts.
Escobares
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of this hazard, the entire planning area is at risk for droughts.
Probability of Occurrence: LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team will use an actual event to determine the impacts of drought to the planning area.
In August of 2000, during a D3 classification drought, Starr County suffered severe drought conditions
that persisted throughout the planning area. According to the USDA and Farm Service Agency, Starr
county received a disaster declaration because of damages and losses to livestock and acreage used for
planting purposes. Up to that point, the property damage was at $508K and crop losses were at a $1.9M
loss.
Impacts from this hazard include property damage, agricultural loss, water scarcity, and heat related
illnesses.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities that are specific to the planning area.
Rio Grande City
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of this hazard, the entire planning area is at risk for droughts.
Page | 55
Probability of Occurrence: LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team will use an actual event to determine the impacts of drought to the planning area.
In August of 2000, during a D3 classification drought, Starr County suffered severe drought conditions
that persisted throughout the planning area. According to the USDA and Farm Service Agency, Starr
county received a disaster declaration because of damages and losses to livestock and acreage used for
planting purposes. Up to that point, the property damage was at $508K and crop losses were at a $1.9M
loss.
Impacts from this hazard include property damage, agricultural loss, water scarcity, and heat related
illnesses.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities that are specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Water demand causes maximum use of allocated water rights creating a burden to the city in
renting water rights to supply the city and 3 water districts.
Climate changes cause water line breaks resulting in 20% of water leaks in the city. In 2018, Rio
Grande City lost 3 million gallons of water due to water leaks.
10% of water lines in the city are over 50 years old making them at risk to breaks during dry
conditions.
Drought reduces production of cattle feed, forcing ranchers to sell their cattle below their value.
Roma
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of this hazard, the entire planning area is at risk for droughts.
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team will use an actual event to determine the impacts of drought to the planning area.
In August of 2000, during a D3 classification drought, Starr County suffered severe drought conditions
that persisted throughout the planning area. According to the USDA and Farm Service Agency, Starr
county received a disaster declaration because of damages and losses to livestock and acreage used for
planting purposes. Up to that point, the property damage was at $508K and crop losses were at a $1.9M
loss.
Impacts from this hazard include property damage, agricultural loss, water scarcity, and heat related
illnesses.
Page | 56
Below is a list of vulnerabilities that are specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
City of Roma is water supplier for not only the city but outside its jurisdictional boundaries
where drought causes shortage in water supply to over 6,500 meters.
Water lines from the city average at or above 35 years of age putting them at a higher risk to
breaks/leaks from dry weather. Average cost for repairs to a main distribution line is $60k.
Lack of alternate water sources and dry conditions in the downtown area have let the city
susceptible to water breaks that resorted to the shutdown of the water plant for a day and
leaving consumer without water for 8 hours and a loss of revenue of about $10K.
Lack of water and feed, during drought conditions, lead ranchers to take a 25% loss when forced
to sell cattle.
Low water supply and dry conditions rise prices of hay bales to 70% for ranchers in the area.
Condition for ranchers become unsustainable.
Roma ISD
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of this hazard, the entire planning area is at risk for droughts.
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team will use an actual event to determine the impacts of drought to the planning area.
In August of 2000, during a D3 classification drought, Starr County suffered severe drought conditions
that persisted throughout the planning area. According to the USDA and Farm Service Agency, Starr
county received a disaster declaration because of damages and losses to livestock and acreage used for
planting purposes. Up to that point, the property damage was at $508K and crop losses were at a $1.9M
loss.
Impacts from this hazard include property damage, agricultural loss, water scarcity, and heat related
illnesses.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities that are specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Dry conditions cause breaks to water lines causing potential dismissal to schools.
Not all athletic fields have artificial turf and water conservation ordinances prevent proper
irrigation resulting in extra costs to the districts when replacing grass.
Page | 57
Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is typically recognized as the condition where temperatures consistently stay ten degrees
or more above a region’s average high temperature for an extended period.
South Texas is recognized for its hot weather. The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it reels wen
relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. The Heat Index chart provided below is
offered for areas with high heat but low relative humidity. Since heat index values were devised for
shady, light wind conditions, exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15°F.
3
3
National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration. “Heat Index”,
https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-index.
Page | 58
Source: NOAA
Page | 59
Below is a list of recent heat occurrences recorded from 2015-2017. The events listed below are meant
to give an illustration of heat conditions within the planning area. It is not a complete list of all heat
events occurred or recorded.
Type
Date
Description
Location
Extreme Heat
7/25/15
107°F recorded
All participants
Extreme Heat
7/03/16
105°F recorded
All participants
Extreme Heat
7/04/16
105°F recorded
All participants
Extreme Heat
7/13/16
105°F recorded
All participants
Extreme Heat
6/15/17
105°F recorded
All participants
Extreme Heat
6/16/17
106°F recorded
All participants
Extreme Heat
6/20/17
105°F recorded
All participants
Extreme Heat
6/21/17
110°F recorded
All participants
Extreme Heat
6/22/17
106°F recorded
All participants
Extreme Heat
6/23/17
105°F recorded
All participants
Extreme Heat
7/22/17
105°F recorded
All participants
Extreme Heat
7/28/17
105°F recorded
All participants
Extreme Heat
7/29/17
106°F recorded
All participants
Extreme Heat
8/04/17
105°F recorded
All participants
Extreme Heat
8/05/17
108°F recorded
All participants
Extreme Heat
8/06/17
106°F recorded
All participants
Extreme Heat
8/07/17
105°F recorded
All participants
Starr County
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of the hazard, the entire planning area is at risk to impacts from extreme heat.
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team reviewed various periods of high temperatures within the planning area to
determine impacts from extreme heat. The narrative below is an example of the types of extreme heat
events that occur in the area.
May 22
nd
, 2008- Across much of central and southern Starr County, interpolated data between southern
Zapata County and central and southern Hidalgo indicated that several hours of apparent temperature
at or above 111 occurred each afternoon on May 22nd and 23rd. At Falcon Lake National Wildlife
Refuge along the Starr/Zapata County line, 3 to 4 hours of heat index values of 111 or greater occurred
each day, with a peak of 114 between 2 and 3 pm on the 22nd, and a peak of 115 at the same time on
the 23rd.
Impacts from this hazard include agricultural loss, property damage, and heat related illnesses.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities that are specific to the area.
Problem Statements
Page | 60
Only one community center is available in the county as a cooling station for the community and its
location is not accessible to a majority of the population.
The County Courthouse and Annex do not have backup generators forcing to close offices in case of
any power outages during high temperatures.
Public Safety Offices do not have backup generators causing major disruption to daily activities in
case of any blackouts during periods of high temperatures.
Roads compact due to extreme heat, causing damages on US 83 and FM 755.
Escobares
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of the hazard, the entire planning area is at risk to impacts from extreme heat.
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team reviewed various periods of high temperatures within the planning area to
determine impacts from extreme heat. The narrative below is an example of the types of extreme heat
events that occur in the area.
May 22
nd
, 2008- Across much of central and southern Starr County, interpolated data between southern
Zapata County and central and southern Hidalgo indicated that several hours of apparent temperature
at or above 111 occurred each afternoon on May 22nd and 23rd. At Falcon Lake National Wildlife
Refuge along the Starr/Zapata County line, 3 to 4 hours of heat index values of 111 or greater occurred
each day, with a peak of 114 between 2 and 3 pm on the 22nd, and a peak of 115 at the same time on
the 23rd.
Impacts from this hazard include agricultural loss, property damage, and heat related illnesses.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities that are specific to the area.
Problem Statements
An approximate 64% of the population in Escobares lacks appropriate insulation and cooling
systems as they were built prior to building codes.
The combination of dry weather and extreme heat increases the consumption of water for
irrigation. Lack of alternate water sources place a strain in the water supply.
Homes/buildings that were back filled during construction, as were the community center and
the fire department, are at a higher risk to cracks in foundation under extreme temperatures.
Lack of alternate power sources leave the critical facilities in the city are left without function
during the “brown-outs” established by AEP, the electric utility company.
Page | 61
Increased energy consumption during extreme temperatures places an economic strain to
individuals and public places through their electric bills. During high temperatures, individuals
see a 25% increase in their bills and public places often see an increase of 15%.
Rio Grande City
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of the hazard, the entire planning area is at risk to impacts from extreme heat.
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team reviewed various periods of high temperatures within the planning area to
determine impacts from extreme heat. The narrative below is an example of the types of extreme heat
events that occur in the area.
May 22
nd
, 2008- Across much of central and southern Starr County, interpolated data between southern
Zapata County and central and southern Hidalgo indicated that several hours of apparent temperature
at or above 111 occurred each afternoon on May 22nd and 23rd. At Falcon Lake National Wildlife
Refuge along the Starr/Zapata County line, 3 to 4 hours of heat index values of 111 or greater occurred
each day, with a peak of 114 between 2 and 3 pm on the 22nd, and a peak of 115 at the same time on
the 23rd.
Impacts from this hazard include agricultural loss, property damage, and heat related illnesses.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities that are specific to the area.
Problem Statements
Department of Public Works and Public Utilities Department do not have modified summer
hours, elevating the risk to heat related illnesses during high temperatures.
Rio Grande City Public Works building, Police Station, Fire Department, and Public Library are
not properly insulated creating a risk during high temperatures.
Rio Grande City’s lack of city owned shelters places 39% of homes who do not meet current
building codes of insulation at risk during high temperatures.
Public areas do not have sufficient plants and trees to provide cooling areas for the community.
High temperatures and dry conditions make homes and public buildings susceptible to
foundation damage.
City Hall and Fire Department for Rio Grande City do not have alternate sources of energy and
create a risk during electrical blackouts due to high temperatures.
Page | 62
Roma
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of the hazard, the entire planning area is at risk to impacts from extreme heat.
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team reviewed various periods of high temperatures within the planning area to
determine impacts from extreme heat. The narrative below is an
example of the types of extreme heat events that occur in the
area.
May 22
nd
, 2008- Across much of central and southern Starr
County, interpolated data between southern Zapata County and
central and southern Hidalgo indicated that several hours of
apparent temperature at or above 111 occurred each afternoon
on May 22nd and 23rd. At Falcon Lake National Wildlife Refuge
along the Starr/Zapata County line, 3 to 4 hours of heat index
values of 111 or greater occurred each day, with a peak of 114
between 2 and 3 pm on the 22nd, and a peak of 115 at the same
time on the 23rd.
Impacts from this hazard include agricultural loss, property
damage, and heat related illnesses.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities that are specific to the area.
Problem Statements
Extreme heat within the area makes the community susceptible to heat strokes, heat cramps,
dehydration, and other heat related illnesses. Local EMS receives minimum 5 calls a year for
heat strokes.
18% of the population consists of elderly people who have inadequate homes that do not have
proper cooling system or insulation resulting in potential heat related health issues.
Lack of surge protectors have caused damage to control panels resulting in $35K repairs from
power surges during extremely high temperatures.
Extreme heat often causes thermal expansion making streets within the city susceptible to
damage averaging cost of $8 per square foot.
Rolling outages typically cause disruption in public offices due to lack of alternate sources of
energy.
Sagging power lines due to extreme heat lead to power outages and often fire hazards.
City Hall, Fire Department, and the water plant lack alternate sources of power making them
susceptible to disruption due to power outages.
Roma Public Utilities Dept. repairing
water line.
Page | 63
Roma ISD
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the nature of the hazard, the entire planning area is at risk to impacts from extreme heat.
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team reviewed various periods of high temperatures within the planning area to
determine impacts from extreme heat. The narrative below is an example of the types of extreme heat
events that occur in the area.
May 22
nd
, 2008- Across much of central and southern Starr County, interpolated data between southern
Zapata County and central and southern Hidalgo indicated that several hours of apparent temperature
at or above 111 occurred each afternoon on May 22nd and 23rd. At Falcon Lake National Wildlife
Refuge along the Starr/Zapata County line, 3 to 4 hours of heat index values of 111 or greater occurred
each day, with a peak of 114 between 2 and 3 pm on the 22nd, and a peak of 115 at the same time on
the 23rd.
Impacts from this hazard include agricultural loss, property damage, and heat related illnesses.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities that are specific to the area.
Problem Statements
The majority of gyms throughout the district are not air-conditioned causing risk to students
during physical education classes during high temperatures.
Students, faculty, and staff are at risk to heat related illness during outside physical activity since
only one campus has a pavilion for outside activities.
In 2018, approximately 300 students were sent home due to a power and water outage and lack
of alternate sources of energy.
High costs for irrigation do not allow campuses to have enough trees/plants throughout to
provide shade during high temperature months.
Extreme Cold
Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Many winter storms bring
dangerously low temperatures and sometimes, strong winds, icing, sleet, and freezing rain. During
extreme cold, temperatures drop below normal. Near freezing temperatures are considered extreme
cold in areas that are unaccustomed to winter weather.
The Wind Chill Temperature (WCT) index provided by the National Weather Service (NWS) uses
advances in science, technology, and computer modeling to provide an accurate, understandable, and
useful formula for calculating the dangers from winter winds and freezing temperatures.
Page | 64
Source: NWS/NOAA
Below is a list of recorded extreme cold events within the planning area. The events listed below have
impacted one or all participating jurisdictions and do not demonstrate a complete list of events
occurred.
Type
Date
Description
Location
Extreme Cold
(Frost/Freeze)
01/28/2016
Temperatures fell to or below freezing across Starr County during the
early morning hours of January 28th. The RAWS site at Falcon Dam
reported a low of 27 degrees and the COOP site in Rio Grande City
reported a low of 29 degrees.
All
participants
Extreme Cold
(Frost/Freeze)
01/29/2016
Temperatures fell to or below freezing across Starr County during the
early morning hours of January 29th. The COOP site in Rio Grande City
reported a low temperature of 29 degrees.
All
participants
Extreme Cold
(Frost/Freeze)
02/05/2016
Temperatures fell to or below freezing for 4.5 hours on the morning of
February 5th across Starr County. The RAWS site at Falcon Dam
reported a low of 29 degrees and the COOP site in Rio Grande City
reported a low of 32 degrees.
All
participants
Extreme Cold
(Frost/Freeze)
02/07/2016
The RAWS site at Falcon Dam reported freezing temperatures for over
five hours during the early morning of February 7th. A low of 27
degrees was reported. The COOP site in Rio Grande City also reported
a low of 30 degrees.
All
participants
Extreme Cold
(Frost/Freeze)
01/07/2017
Falcon Lake Remote Automated Weather System (FART2) site reported
freezing temperatures for 5 hours, with a low of 29 degrees. Rio
Grande City COOP site reported a low of 30 degrees.
All
participants
Extreme Cold
(Frost/Freeze)
01/07/2017
Falcon Lake Remote Automated Weather System (FART2) site reported
freezing temperatures for over 12 hours, with a low of 26 degrees. Rio
Grande City COOP site reported a low of 27 degrees.
All
participants
Page | 65
Extreme Cold
(Frost/Freeze)
12/08/2017
Temperatures are assumed to have fallen to 32 degrees shortly before
daybreak on December 8th as moderate snow developed over ranch
country, and continued to fall steadily in bands until around 9 AM
before tapering off, allowing temperatures to rise back above freezing.
The Rio Grande City cooperative site carried a low temperature of 30
degrees at some point during the morning of the 8th.
All
participants
Extreme Cold
(Frost/Freeze)
01/02/2018
After only rising a few degrees into the low to mid 30s during the
afternoon of New Year's Day, temperatures would bottom out around
or just below 32 degrees across much of Starr County. Falcon Lake
Mesowest would bottom out at 32 degrees shortly after 2 AM and
continue at or near the freezing point through 730-8 AM. The
cooperative observer in Rio Grande City recorded a minimum
temperature of 30 degrees. There did not appear to be any notable
freezing precipitation in Starr on the 2nd, where drier air was present
near the surface.
All
participants
Extreme Cold
(Frost/Freeze)
01/03/2018
The cooperative observation station at Rio Grande City fell to 30
degrees around or shortly after sunrise on January 3rd; the
Mesowest/RAWS site at Falcon Lake touched 32 degrees. Proxy
stations at Zapata County Airport and Hebbronville/Jim Hogg County
suggest ranch communities in central and northern Starr County fell to
around or just below freezing for several hours before and just after
sunrise.
mesowest/RAWS station at San Manuel dipped to 30 degrees around
daybreak on January 3rd; Weslaco AWOS fell to 32 between midnight
and 1230 AM, but other county sites (such as Edinburg AWOS)
remained above freezing at that time. With the exception of the Rio
Grande, county locations reached 32 degrees or slightly lower for a
couple hours early on the 3rd, mainly between 6 and 8 AM.
All
participants
Extreme Cold
(Frost/Freeze)
01/04/2018
Minimum temperatures at Rio Grande City and Falcon Lake RAWS fell
to 27 and 26 degrees respectively, the coldest since the same readings
were recorded nearly a year earlier (January 8, 2017). By proxy, much
of Starr County likely fell to the upper 20s based on observations from
Zapata to Jim Hogg and western Hidalgo County. Clear, calm conditions
aided the steady drop in temperatures after sunset on the 3rd.
All
participants
Extreme Cold
(Frost/Freeze)
01/16/2018
Temperatures fell to the upper 20s to around 30 across most of Starr
County during the early to midafternoon of January 16th, and
continued in similar ranges overnight before rising to the freezing
point during the mid to late morning and easing above 32 before noon.
Durations of freezing temperatures varied from more than 20 hours
across the northern third of the county in the ranches, to less than 10
hours along the Rio Grande. The coldest temperature was 29 at Rio
Grande City, though some ranches may have dipped slightly lower near
the Jim Hogg County line.
This particular event, coming on the heels of four consecutive freezing-
point mornings to begin the New Year, likely was the final straw in full
freeze-curing of grazing/range land and any cropland. Livestock
impacts were unknown as of this writing.
All
participants
Extreme Cold
(Frost/Freeze)
11/14/2018
Low temperatures fell to or below 32 degrees around 1 AM (later in
unprotected areas and small cities) and continued through 8 AM.
Minimum measured and estimated temperatures ranged from the mid
and upper 20s (28 at Rio Grande City); Falcon Lake Mesowest (a
protected area) briefly fell below 25 degrees.
All
participants
Starr County
Location and Probability of Occurrence
The nature of this hazard, the entire planning area is at risk to impacts from extreme cold.
Page | 66
Probability of Occurrence: UNLIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team reviewed various periods of low temperatures within the planning area to determine
impacts from extreme cold. The narrative below is an example of the most recent event of extreme cold
to happen within the planning area.
November 14, 2018- Low temperatures fell to or below 32 degrees around 1 AM (later in unprotected
areas and small cities) and continued through 8 AM. Minimum measured and estimated temperatures
ranged from the mid and upper 20s (28 at Rio Grande City); Falcon Lake Mesowest (a protected area)
briefly fell below 25 degrees.
Impacts from this hazard include power shortages, disruption to cable and phone lines, road closures,
and immediate sheltering for residents with inadequate dwellings.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Homes in the areas of San Isidro and Las Lomas are either wood frame or block with no
insulation and place residents at risk to residents who do not have access to a shelter during
cold temperatures.
Lack of resources to treat roads (FM755, FM3167, FM490, FM1017, FM2294, FM2686) add risk
to drivers during cold/icy temperatures.
Escobares
Location and Probability of Occurrence
The nature of this hazard, the entire planning area is at risk to impacts from extreme cold.
Probability of Occurrence: UNLIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team reviewed various periods of low temperatures within the planning area to determine
impacts from extreme cold. The narrative below is an example of the most recent event of extreme cold
to happen within the planning area.
November 14, 2018- Low temperatures fell to or below 32 degrees around 1 AM (later in unprotected
areas and small cities) and continued through 8 AM. Minimum measured and estimated temperatures
ranged from the mid and upper 20s (28 at Rio Grande City); Falcon Lake Mesowest (a protected area)
briefly fell below 25 degrees.
Impacts from this hazard include power shortages, disruption to cable and phone lines, road closures,
and immediate sheltering for residents with inadequate dwellings.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities specific to the planning area.
Page | 67
Problem Statements
15 homes within the City of Escobares do not have appropriate heating and insulation and use
unusual heating methods that lead to fire hazards.
The Escobares Community Center is not equipped to be used as a shelter leaving local residents
to seek alternate methods of shelter for freezing temperatures.
City Hall, Police Department, and Fire Department in Escobares do not have an alternate source
of energy making them unable to function through power shortages in freezing temperatures.
Freezing temperatures have caused previous loss to ranchers and farmers in the area.
Particularly to hay bales where there are none to sell for feed.
Rio Grande City
Location and Probability of Occurrence
The nature of this hazard, the entire planning area is at risk to impacts from extreme cold.
Probability of Occurrence: OCCASSIONAL
Risk Analysis
The planning team reviewed various periods of low temperatures within the planning area to determine
impacts from extreme cold. The narrative below is an example of the most recent event of extreme cold
to happen within the planning area.
November 14, 2018- Low temperatures fell to or below 32 degrees around 1 AM (later in unprotected
areas and small cities) and continued through 8 AM. Minimum measured and estimated temperatures
ranged from the mid and upper 20s (28 at Rio Grande City); Falcon Lake Mesowest (a protected area)
briefly fell below 25 degrees.
Impacts from this hazard include power shortages, disruption to cable and phone lines, road closures,
and immediate sheltering for residents with inadequate dwellings.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Climate change during the winter months cause 25-30% of water leaks and water line damage.
Limited capacity (30) at local shelter leaves many residents who do not have proper insulation or
heating sources without adequate sheltering.
Improper heating sources leave to additional hazards to residents who look for alternated
heating, including fires.
Page | 68
Outages due to excessive consumption can last up to 8 hours causing disruption to public offices
and critical facilities that do not have alternate sources of energy.
Roma
Location and Probability of Occurrence
The nature of this hazard, the entire planning area is at risk to impacts from extreme cold.
Probability of Occurrence: UNLIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team reviewed various periods of low temperatures within the planning area to determine
impacts from extreme cold. The narrative below is an example of the most recent event of extreme cold
to happen within the planning area.
November 14, 2018- Low temperatures fell to or below 32 degrees around 1 AM (later in unprotected
areas and small cities) and continued through 8 AM. Minimum measured and estimated temperatures
ranged from the mid and upper 20s (28 at Rio Grande City); Falcon Lake Mesowest (a protected area)
briefly fell below 25 degrees.
Impacts from this hazard include power shortages, disruption to cable and phone lines, road closures,
and immediate sheltering for residents with inadequate dwellings.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Homes built prior to the year 2000 do not meet current insulation requirements, leaving
residents in 25% of homes at risk to low temperatures.
An 18% estimated elderly population within the city do not have appropriate heating systems or
insulated homes making them highly at risk for health issues from low temperatures.
Water line breaks from freezing temperatures result in repair costs of $20K for a service line and
$60K for a main distribution line.
Freezing temperatures cause disruption to phone and cable lines that are not adequately
equipped with all-weather protection.
Freezing temperatures cause disruption to Arroyo Roma Bridge which sits on US Hwy 83, major
evacuation route for deep south Texas, including closure due to icy roads.
Lack of all-weather protection in power lines cause up to 6 hours of power outage to residents
of the City of Roma.
Page | 69
Roma ISD
Location and Probability of Occurrence
The nature of this hazard, the entire planning area is at risk to impacts from extreme cold.
Probability of Occurrence: UNLIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team reviewed various periods of low temperatures within the planning area to determine
impacts from extreme cold. The narrative below is an example of the most recent event of extreme cold
to happen within the planning area.
November 14, 2018- Low temperatures fell to or below 32 degrees around 1 AM (later in unprotected
areas and small cities) and continued through 8 AM. Minimum measured and estimated temperatures
ranged from the mid and upper 20s (28 at Rio Grande City); Falcon Lake Mesowest (a protected area)
briefly fell below 25 degrees.
Impacts from this hazard include power shortages, disruption to cable and phone lines, road closures,
and immediate sheltering for residents with inadequate dwellings or low attendance at schools.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Cold/icy temperatures that cause low impact to school attendance burdens the district in the
reimbursement of food and overhead costs.
Thunderstorms
A thunderstorm is a rain-bearing cloud that also produces lightning. Severe thunderstorms are often
accompanied by severe winds, hail, and lightning. Depending on the severity, thunderstorms can also
bring other risks, including flash flooding and tornadoes.
Many of the impacts that will be described have been already presented. Many of the impacts from the
associated risks of thunderstorms cause similar effects that have already been presented and may be
presented again under this section for clarification.
The planning team will be using the Lightning Activity Level (LAL) Grids to describe the extent of
thunderstorms. The LAL is a measure of the amount of lightning activity using values 1 to 6.
LAL
Cloud & Storm Development
Lightning
Strikes/15 min
1
No thunderstorms.
-
2
Cumulus clouds are common but only a few reach the towering cumulus
stage. A single thunderstorm must be confirmed in the observation area.
1-8
Page | 70
The clouds produce mainly virga, but light rain will occasionally reach
the ground. Lightning is very infrequent.
3
Towering cumulus covers less than two-tenths of the sky. Thunderstorms
are few, but two to three must occur within the observation area. Light to
moderate rain will reach the ground, and lightning is infrequent.
9-15
4
Towering cumulus covers two to three-tenths of the sky. Thunderstorms
are scattered and more than three must occur within the observation area.
Moderate rain is common and lightning is frequent.
16-25
5
Towering cumulus and thunderstorms are numerous. They cover more
than three-tenths and occasionally obscure the sky. Rain is moderate to
heavy and lightning is frequent and intense.
>25
6
Similar to LAL 3 except thunderstorms are dry.
Source: NOAA
Below is a list of thunderstorm events that have happened within the planning area. The events listed
below may have affected one or more of the participating jurisdictions. The list below includes
associated risks related to thunderstorms.
Type
Date
Description
Location
Hailstorm
03/29/2012
Hail Up size of baseballs for more than half
hour. Storms spread west into Starr
County.
Western Starr
County
Hailstorm
05/17/2016
Hen Egg sized about 29 miles near Lopeño,
Texas. Hail size was 2” near Rio Grande
City.
Lopeño and Rio
Grande City
Thunderstorm
05/09/2014
Public reported multiple large tree limbs
down FM 755.
Rio Grande City
Thunderstorm
05/28/2014
Trained spotter reported wind gusts of 50
to 60 mph in Rio Grande City.
Rio Grande City
Thunderstorm
05/11/2015
Starr County Sheriff’s Office reported
shingles blown off of a roof and damage to
the walls of a structure in Alto Bonito.
Garciasville
Thunderstorm
05/21/2017
Media reported portion of roof blown off of
house in Fronton. Several trees were blown
down as well. Time estimated via radar
imagery.
Fronton and Roma
Thunderstorm
05/21/2017
Starr County Sheriff's Office reported utility
pole blown down by thunderstorm winds
on Lucianos Road in Escobares. Time
estimated by radar.
Escobares and
Roma
Thunderstorm
04/25/2018
A newspaper report from Starr County
indicated a large restaurant sign blew onto
a vehicle and caused an unknown amount
of damage to the vehicle during the
passage of a thunderstorm in Rio Grande
City a little after 8 PM on April 25th.
Rio Grande City
Page | 71
Flash Flood
June 21
st
, 2018
Complex thunderstorms would spin in from
the northeast overnight and reach Starr
County, eventually dropping more than 7
inches from the ranches north of Rio
Grande City to Rio Grande City itself, where
local arroyos reached and overtopped their
banks and at least one swift water rescue
was required during the pre-dawn hours of
the 21st
All participants
Starr County
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the elements that compose thunderstorms, the entire planning area is at risk for thunderstorms.
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team reviewed various thunderstorm events in the area to determine impacts from this
hazard. The narrative below describes one of the most recent events of thunderstorms that occurred
within the area.
Despite April 2018 being largely normal with rainfall, mainly from occasional cold fronts, one distinct
local strong to severe storm event developed in the Upper Rio Grande Valley, with gusty winds
producing wind damage near Rio Grande City during the evening of April 25th. The line would reach
southwestern Hidalgo County before weakening.
Impacts from thunderstorms include property damage, road closures, and evacuations.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Lack of power surge protectors place risk to communications systems. Events have resulted in
damage to phone lines and communications tower leading to no radio communications for 4
days.
Public buildings have no shatterproof glass making them susceptible to hail damage in case of an
event.
Escobares
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the elements that compose thunderstorms, the entire planning area is at risk for thunderstorms.
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Risk Analysis
Page | 72
The planning team reviewed various thunderstorm events in the area to determine impacts from this
hazard. The narrative below describes one of the most recent events of thunderstorms occurring within
the area.
Despite April 2018 being largely normal with rainfall, mainly from occasional cold fronts, one distinct
local strong to severe storm event developed in the Upper Rio Grande Valley, with gusty winds
producing wind damage near Rio Grande City during the evening of April 25th. The line would reach
southwestern Hidalgo County before weakening.
Impacts from thunderstorms include property damage, road closures, and evacuations.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Lack of generators in city hall, police department, and fire department are at risk for disruption
in an event of a lightning strike.
Police Department does not have back up batteries for their computers and risk disruption of
activities in case of an event of a lightning strike.
Public buildings do not have shatterproof windows and are susceptible to hail damage in case of
an event.
Public safety vehicles do not have storage facility and are susceptible to hail damage in case of
an event.
Rio Grande City
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the elements that compose thunderstorms, the entire planning area is at risk for thunderstorms.
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team reviewed various thunderstorm events in the area to determine impacts from
thunderstorms. The narrative below describes one of the most recent events of thunderstorms
occurring within the area.
Despite April 2018 being largely normal with rainfall, mainly from occasional cold fronts, one distinct
local strong to severe storm event developed in the Upper Rio Grande Valley, with gusty winds
producing wind damage near Rio Grande City during the evening of April 25th. The line would reach
southwestern Hidalgo County before weakening.
Impacts from thunderstorms include property damage, road closures, and evacuations.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Page | 73
Lack of storage for public safety vehicles makes them susceptible to hail damage in case of an
event.
Lightning strikes at City Hall have caused damage to computers, generator, cabling,
communications in police department and IT network cabling due to lack of protective measures
during a power surge.
Lift stations are at risk to lightning damage with estimated cost of $2K in repairs due to the
unavailability of lightning rods.
Roma
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the elements that compose thunderstorms, the entire planning area is at risk for thunderstorms.
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team reviewed various thunderstorm events in the area to determine impacts from this
hazard. The narrative below is a recent event that describes one of the most recent events of
thunderstorms occurring within the area.
Despite April 2018 being largely normal with rainfall, mainly from occasional cold fronts, one distinct
local strong to severe storm event developed in the Upper Rio Grande Valley, with gusty winds
producing wind damage near Rio Grande City during the evening of April 25th. The line would reach
southwestern Hidalgo County before weakening.
Impacts from thunderstorms include property damage, road closures, and evacuations.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Water pumps are at risk to lightning damage with estimated cost of $7K in repairs due to the
unavailability of lightning rods.
Lift stations do not have lightning rods preventing lightning strikes resulting in damages of up to
$50K.
Communication towers have a high risk of potential lightning strikes due to lack of appropriate
lightning rods. Previous damages have resulted in costs of $20K for the local communications
tower and $25K to main communications tower.
Roma ISD
Location and Probability of Occurrence
Due to the elements that compose thunderstorms, the entire planning area is at risk for thunderstorms.
Page | 74
Probability of Occurrence: HIGHLY LIKELY
Risk Analysis
The planning team reviewed various thunderstorm events in the area to determine impacts from
thunderstorms. The narrative below describes one of the most recent events of thunderstorms
occurring within the area.
Despite April 2018 being largely normal with rainfall, mainly from occasional cold fronts, one distinct
local strong to severe storm event developed in the Upper Rio Grande Valley, with gusty winds
producing wind damage near Rio Grande City during the evening of April 25th. The line would reach
southwestern Hidalgo County before weakening.
Impacts from thunderstorms include property damage, road closures, and evacuations.
Below is a list of vulnerabilities specific to the planning area.
Problem Statements
Outside facilities for athletics are lacking grounding and lightning rods and cause risk for faculty,
staff, and students in case of an event.
Transportation and maintenance department vehicles (including buses) do not have proper
storage in case of a hail event.
The majority of windows in YBE and the high school are glass and are susceptible to damage
during a hail event.
Mitigation Strategies
After reviewing the risk and vulnerabilities of the planning area, the planning team developed goals that
would help establish a path for mitigation within the community. Each of the four goals listed below
provides a strategy to create a more resilient community.
GOAL 1. Establish, review and update plans, policies, and regulations to
include mitigation efforts in the community.
GOAL 2. Protect the community, including its residents from impacts
related to hazards.
GOAL 3. Protect all natural environments from potential impacts related
to hazards.
GOAL 4. Promote education and awareness throughout the community.
Page | 75
Mitigation Actions
The planning team developed a plan composed of actions that support the goal established. Each action
contains strategy for implementation that includes responsible agency, resources, estimated timeframe
for implementation, estimated cost, hazard addressed and the jurisdictions implementing the action.
Each of the participating jurisdictions completed a STAPLEE (Social, Technical, Administrative, Political,
Legal, Economic, and Environmental) criteria assessment to determine the priority for each of the
proposed actions. Based on a point system derived from the STAPLEE assessment, each of the actions
was assigned a Low, Medium, and High priority rate.
Action Plan
Action #1: Keep and maintain a schedule for drainage cleanup (includes brush,
trash, etc.).
Priority: HIGH
Resp.
Agency/Department
Public Works and Maintenance Department (ISD).
Resources
Staff Time.
Est. Timeframe
5 years (yearly).
Est. Cost
Staff Time.
Hazard Addressed
Flood, Hurricanes, and Thunderstorm.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
All Jurisdictions
Action #2: Flood proofing water pumps, lift stations, and water plant by buying
submersible pumps and weather proofing lift stations
Priority: HIGH
Resp.
Agency/Department
Public works (Roma) and Public Utilities Dept. (RGC)
Resources
Grants/ Bonds/ General Fund.
Est. Timeframe
3 years.
Est. Cost
$10m (Roma) and $10m (RGC)
Page | 76
Hazard Addressed
Flood, Hurricanes, and Thunderstorms (lighting).
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
Roma and Rio Grande City.
Action #3: Promote flood awareness campaign. (E.g. Turn around, don’t drown.)
Priority: HIGH
Resp.
Agency/Department
Roma (planning), Escobares (fire), Rio Grande City (Fire), Roma ISD, and
Starr (Fire).
Resources
Staff Time.
Est. Timeframe
5 year (annual).
Est. Cost
$0
Hazard Addressed
Floods, Hurricanes, and Thunderstorms.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
All Jurisdictions.
Action #4: Implement a FireWise Community program.
Priority: HIGH
Resp.
Agency/Department
Fire Department and Risk Management Department (ISD).
Resources
Staff Time.
Est. Timeframe
6 Months.
Est. Cost
$0
Hazard Addressed
Fire.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
All Jurisdictions.
Page | 77
Action #5: Assign a department within the jurisdictions to assess community
against fire hazards.
Priority: HIGH
Resp.
Agency/Department
Fire and Risk Management Department (ISD).
Resources
Staff Time.
Est. Timeframe
6 Months.
Est. Cost
$0
Hazard Addressed
Fire.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
All Jurisdictions.
Action #6: Build a shelter within the community for all hazards.
Priority: MEDIUM
Resp.
Agency/Department
City Manager.
Resources
Grant/ Bond.
Est. Timeframe
4 years.
Est. Cost
$4M.
Hazard Addressed
All except drought.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
Rio Grande City.
Action #7: Promote the use of concrete siding instead of wood for new
construction.
Priority: HIGH
Page | 78
Resp.
Agency/Department
Planning and Code Enforcement (Escobares).
Resources
Staff Time.
Est. Timeframe
5 years (annual).
Est. Cost
$0
Hazard Addressed
Fire
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
All Jurisdictions.
Action #8: Increase tree planting along school buildings and public buildings.
Priority: HIGH
Resp.
Agency/Department
Risk Management Department (ISD), Public Works (Escobares) and
Planning Dept. (Roma, Rio Grande City and Starr county).
Resources
General Fund.
Est. Timeframe
5 years.
Est. Cost
$10k per Jurisdictions.
Hazard Addressed
Thunderstorm, Hurricane, and Extreme Heat.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
All Jurisdictions.
Action #9: Weatherproof all historic buildings according to historical foundations.
Priority: MEDIUM
Resp.
Agency/Department
Planning Dept. and Texas Historical Commission
Resources
Staff Time.
Est. Timeframe
5 years.
Est. Cost
$500k per structure.
Page | 79
Hazard Addressed
Thunderstorm, Hurricane, and Extreme Heat.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
Roma, Rio Grande City, and Starr County.
Action #10: Retrofit Community Center as a shelter for all hazards.
Priority: HIGH
Resp.
Agency/Department
City Administration.
Resources
Grants (CDBG, USDA) and Bonds.
Est. Timeframe
2 years.
Est. Cost
$1M
Hazard Addressed
All, except drought.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
Roma.
Action #11: Replace Roma Middle School football field, Roma Municipal Park
Little League, Softball and Soccer fields with artificial grass.
Priority: MEDIUM
Resp.
Agency/Department
Public Works (Roma) and Maintenance Dept. (Roma ISD)
Resources
Private-Public partnerships/General Fund
Est. Timeframe
5 years/2 years
Est. Cost
$1m/ $300k
Hazard Addressed
Drought
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
Roma and Roma ISD.
Page | 80
Action #12: Establish water conservation programs throughout the community.
(E.g., water saving systems).
Priority: HIGH
Resp.
Agency/Department
Rio Grande City and Roma Public Utilities Dept.
Resources
Enterprise Fund.
Est. Timeframe
12 months.
Est. Cost
$5,000 each.
Hazard Addressed
Drought.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
Rio Grande City and Roma.
Action #13: Implement weather warning drill throughout the district.
Priority: MEDIUM
Resp.
Agency/Department
Safety Management Coordinator and District Emergency Management and
Safety Committee
Resources
General Fund
Est. Timeframe
1 year
Est. Cost
$1000.00
Hazard Addressed
Tornado, Hurricane, and Thunderstorm.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
Roma ISD
Action #14: Upgrade water meters to smart meters.
Priority: MEDIUM
Resp.
Agency/Department
Public Utilities Department
Page | 81
Resources
Texas Water Development Board, USDA, and Local.
Est. Timeframe
3 years
Est. Cost
$2M
Hazard Addressed
Tornado, Thunderstorms and Hurricane.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
Roma
Action #15: Upgrade outdated waterlines to PVC lines
Priority: MEDIUM
Resp.
Agency/Department
Public Utilities Department
Resources
TDA/USDA/TWDB/ Local/ EDA
Est. Timeframe
5 years
Est. Cost
Roma $5m and Rio Grande City $10m.
Hazard Addressed
Drought, Extreme Heat, and Extreme Cold.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
Roma and Rio Grande City
Action #16: Incorporate mitigation awareness at community events held
throughout the community.
Priority: HIGH
Resp.
Agency/Department
County/ City Administration
Safety Management Coordinator and District Emergency Management and
Safety Committee (Roma ISD)
Resources
Staff Time. /General Fund (Roma ISD)
Est. Timeframe
5 years Annually.
Est. Cost
$0/ $3,500
Page | 82
Hazard Addressed
All Hazards.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
All Jurisdictions.
Action #17: Install shatter resistant film on glass windows/ doors at all public and
critical facilities.
Priority: HIGH
Resp.
Agency/Department
Starr, Rio Grande City, and Roma Planning Department
Escobares City Administration
Roma ISD Maintenance Dept.
Resources
Local/General Fund (Roma ISD)
Est. Timeframe
4 years/ 2 years (Roma ISD)
Est. Cost
$50k each/ $250K (Roma ISD)
Hazard Addressed
Tornadoes, Thunderstorms, and Hurricanes.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
All Jurisdictions.
Action #18: Widen Arroyo Los Morenos (Creek) to improve water flow and
prevent flooding.
Priority: HIGH
Resp.
Agency/Department
City/ County Admin.
Resources
CDBG/ TWDB, USDA, Drainage District/ Local.
Est. Timeframe
5 years.
Est. Cost
$12 million.
Hazard Addressed
Flooding, Thunderstorms, and Hurricanes.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
Roma, Escobares, and Starr County.
Page | 83
Action #19: Create and maintain a cleanup schedule to clear creeks within the
jurisdiction.
Priority: HIGH
Resp.
Agency/Department
Starr, Roma, Escobares and Rio Grande City Public Works.
Roma ISD Maintenance Dept
Resources
Staff Time/ Local/General Fund
Est. Timeframe
5 years (annually)
Est. Cost
Roma, Starr, and Escobares $10k yearly and Rio Grande City $300k.l
Roma ISD, $25K
Hazard Addressed
Flooding, Thunderstorms, and Hurricanes.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
All Jurisdictions.
Action #20: Improve roadways, by widening and raising, and create drainage
culvers or bridges. (Morenos Creek and Garceno Creek) (Kelsey Creek, Rio
Grande City)
Priority: HIGH
Resp.
Agency/Department
Rio Grande City Public Works, Escobares City, and Starr Public Works.
Resources
TDA/Local
Est. Timeframe
2 years.
Est. Cost
Rio Grande City $200k, Escobares $1.5m, and Starr $1.5m.
Hazard Addressed
Flooding, Hurricanes, and Thunderstorms.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
Escobares, Starr and Rio Grande City.
Action #21: Evaluate Current drainage issues in order to implement Master
Drainage Plan improvements in Arroyo Roma and Arroyo Los Morenos
Page | 84
Priority: HIGH
Resp.
Agency/Department
Roma Public Works, Escobares City, and Starr Public Works.
Roma ISD Maintenance Dept. and Emergency Management and Safety
Committee
Resources
TDA/Local
Roma ISD General Fund
Est. Timeframe
2 years
Est. Cost
Roma $200k, Escobares $1.5m, and Starr $1.5m.
Hazard Addressed
Flooding, Hurricanes, and Thunderstorms.
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
Escobares, Starr and Roma.
Action #22: Install surge protectors for all telecommunications systems in all
critical facilities.
Priority: HIGH
Resp.
Agency/Department
Starr County, Rio Grande City, Roma, and Roma ISD I.T. Departments
Escobares City Administration
Resources
Local
Est. Timeframe
2 years.
Est. Cost
County $100k, Rio Grande City $25k, Escobares $10k, Roma $100K and
Roma ISD $25K.
Hazard Addressed
Thunderstorms (lightning).
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
All Jurisdictions.
Action #23: Install lightning rods at all critical facilities and critical infrastructure.
Priority: HIGH
Resp.
Agency/Department
Roma and Escobares City, and Rio Grande City and Starr County Planning
Department
Roma ISD IT and Maintenance Dept.
Page | 85
Resources
Local/General Fund
Est. Timeframe
3 years.
Est. Cost
Roma $100k, Escobares $10k, Starr $200k, Rio Grande City $50k and
Roma ISD $100k.
Hazard Addressed
Thunderstorms (lightning).
Benefiting
Jurisdiction
All Jurisdictions.
Cost/Benefit Analysis
The planning reviewed all actions and took into consideration the cost/benefit analysis of each. The
benefit of implementing these actions was not only limited to a monetary savings, but it included
benefits in economic development, reducing or eliminating the loss of property and life, and the
protection of natural and historic environments.
Plan Maintenance
Each of the participants created a plan maintenance schedule for their jurisdiction. In creating this
maintenance plan, each of the participants identified procedures that would include monitoring,
evaluation and update.
Under monitoring, the designated position, department, or agency will track the implementation of the
plan over time.
For evaluation, the designated position, department, or agency will assess the effectiveness of the of the
plan at achieving its stated purpose and goals.
As for update, the designated position, department, or agency will review and revise the plan every five
years.
Below is a plan developed for and by each of the participating jurisdictions.
Starr County
Monitor
Position/Agency/Department
Director of Federal and State Programs
Time
Yearly
Method
Implement a monitoring system for the mitigation actions.
Evaluate
Position/Agency/Department
Planning Department
Time
Yearly
Method
Based on monitoring reports, the department will assess the
effectiveness of the plan.
Page | 86
Update
Position/Agency/Department
Emergency Management Coordinator
Time
Review and revise yearly and submit plan to FEMA on fourth
anniversary.
Method
Convene with sub-mitigation planning group.
Escobares
Monitor
Position/Agency/Department
Mayor/EMC
Time
Every two years
Method
Review plan and track the implementation of the actions
proposed.
Evaluate
Position/Agency/Department
Mayor/EMC
Time
Every five years
Method
Track the effectiveness of each mitigation action
implemented.
Update
Position/Agency/Department
Mayor/EMC
Time
Every five years
Method
Review and make any changes if necessary.
Rio Grande City
Monitor
Position/Agency/Department
Development Services Director
Time
Quarterly review of the plan/Annual review at the time of the
Budget Process
Method
Meeting Reports/Benchmarks funding
Evaluate
Position/Agency/Department
Hazard Mitigation Committee
Time
Every 6 months
Method
Metrics Survey
Update
Position/Agency/Department
Hazard Mitigation Committee
Time
Annual Meetings
Method
Review from Quarterly Monitoring Report and Semi-Annual
Evaluation Meetings.
Page | 87
Roma
Monitor
Position/Agency/Department
Assistant City Managers/Planning Director
Time
3 years
Method
Monitoring projects and completion of projects
Evaluate
Position/Agency/Department
Assistant City Managers/Planning Director
Time
3 years
Method
Conduct survey on how to improve the plan
Update
Position/Agency/Department
EMC
Time
3 years
Method
Update on items that have been completed and improve on
the plan.
Roma ISD
Monitor
Position/Agency/Department
Hazard Mitigation Team
• Risk Management Director
• Executive Director
Time
Biannually- 1
st
Wednesday in August and May
Method
The necessary personnel will meet twice a year to report,
identify, review, and update mitigation actions. Risk
Management Director will document and track the
implementation of all actions.
Evaluate
Position/Agency/Department
Hazard Mitigation Team
• Risk Management Director
• Executive Director
• Maintenance Supervisor
Time
Yearly- 1
st
Wednesday in May
Method
The team will meet yearly to evaluate the effectiveness of
each goal in the mitigation plan. At this time, updates and
modifications will be considered to complete each goal, if
necessary.
Update
Position/Agency/Department
Hazard Mitigation Team
• Risk Management Director
• Executive Director
Page | 88
• Maintenance Supervisor
Time
Every five years
Method
Every five years the Roma ISD Hazard Mitigation Team shall
evaluate the full Mitigation Plan to review and update if
needed
Public Participation
Going forward, the planning team will continue to seek public participation after the plan has been
approved and during the plan’s implementation, monitoring, and update. The planning team will
present the plan’s progress to their respective governing bodies prior to the submission for update.
The planning team will also present the plan’s progress to the community by posting on social media
and public meetings. This will also give the opportunity for the community to provide feedback that will
be used during the plan’s monitoring, evaluation, and update. The planning team will present to their
respective communities as often as each participant deems necessary. However, an attempt to reach
out to the community must be done once at least every five years.
NFIP Compliance
All participating jurisdictions, with the exception of Escobares who falls under Starr County and Roma
ISD that falls under Roma, are participating communities in the National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP). This program gives the participating communities the ability to regulate development within the
designated special flood hazard areas. Although participation in the program has not been active
recently, moving forward the participants will continue compliance by following codes or ordinances
already set forth. Participants will also continue to promote the program to residents though public-
private partnerships. Each of the participants will assign necessary personnel to the floodplain
management. The floodplain manager will continue to monitor flooding events, record the information
and use information to create public awareness as well as consider updating building codes and new
construction areas.
Repetitive and Severe Repetitive Loss Properties
The only jurisdiction to report repetitive loss properties is Roma. There are only two residential
repetitive loss properties in Roma. There are no severe repetitive loss properties reported in any of the
participating jurisdictions.
Page | 89
Annex A: Starr County Colonias
Colonias List in Alphabetical Order
A.T.
Martinez
El Bosque #3
Gutierrez
Los Barreras
North
Northeidge
Sandoval
Airport
Heights
El Bosque #4
H. Cuellar
Estates
Los Barreras
South
Northwest
Industrial Park
Santa Anna
Ala Blanca
El Brazil
Hackberry
Los Ebanos
Old Escobares
Santa Catarina
Alto Bonito
El Castillo
Hillside
Terrace
Los Ebanos #2
Old Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz #2
Alto Bonito
Heights
El Cenizo
Hilltop
Los Morenos
Old Snta Elena
Santa Cruz
Industrial Park
Alvarez
El Chaparral
#1
Humberto Y.
Saenz
Los Olmos
Olivarez
Santa Margarita
Amada Acres
El Chaparral
#2
Indio #1
M. Munoz
Olivia Lopez de
Gutierrez
Santa Rosa
Anacua
El Mesquite
Indio #2
Manuel
Escobares
Olmito & Olmito
#2
Santel
Antonio
Flores
El Quiote
J.F. Villareal
Manuel Garcia
Pablo Pena
Share 52
Arredondo
El Rancho
Vela
J.L. Garcia
Manuel Garcia
#2
Palo Blanco
Solis
B & E
El Refugio
Jardin de San
Julian
Manuel
Munoz
Pedro Campos
South Refugio
Barrera
El Socio
Javier Ramirez
Margarita
Pena #1
Sunset
Bella Vista
Elias-Fela
Solis
Joseph Griggs
Margarita
Addition #1
Pena #2
Tamez
Benjamin
Perez
Elodia's
La Carla
Martinez S/D
Quesada
Tierra Dorada
Buena Vista
Elsa
La Casita
Mesquite #1
Rafael Pena
Tierra Linda
Buena Vista
Plaza
Escandon
Trace S/D
La Chaparosa
Mesquite #2
Ramirez-Perez
Trevinos
Camargito
Escobares
La Escondida
Mesquite #3
Ramos
Trevinos #1
Campo
Verde
Escobares #1
La Esperanza
Mesquite #4
Ramos Addition
#1
Triple R
Campobello
Eugenio
Saenz
La Gloria
Mi Ranchito
Estate
Ranchitos Del
Norte
Triple R #1
Campobello
#2
Evergreen
La Hacienda
Midway Subd.
Rancho Viejo #1
Valle Hermosa
Canales
Falcon
Heights
La Loma de
Falcon
Miguel Barrera
Rancho Viejo #2
Valle Vista #1
Cantu
Falconaire
La Lomita
Miguel Garza
Rancho Viejo #3
Valle Vista #2
Casa Blanca
Subd
Fernando
Salinas
La Minita
Mike's
Rau-con Drive-
In#2
Venecia
Casas
Flor Del Rio
La Paloma
Ranchettes
Mirador
Regino Ramirez
Victoria
Page | 90
Chaparrito
Florentino
Sosa
La Puerta
Mirasoles
Reyna
Victoria Ranch
Chapeno
Flores
Brothers
La Puerta #2
Mireles
Rivera
Victoria Vera
Cortez
Fourth Site
La Reforma
Mitchell
Riverano
Villa de Frontera
De La Cruz
Francisca
La Rosita
Montalvo Hills
Robinson
Villa de Martinez
De La Garza
Francisco
Rodriguez
Lago Vista
Moraida
Rodriguez #1
Villareal
De Los
Santos
Fronton
Ranchettes
Las Flores
Moreno
Rodriguez #2
West Alto Bonito
Delmita #1
Garceno
Las Palmas
Moreno, S S/D
Roma Creek #1,
2 & 3
Zarate
Delmita #2
Garcia's
Leal
Morida
Salinas
Delmita #3
Garciasville
Live Oak
Estates
Munoz
Salineno North
Delmita
North
Garza
Addition
Loma Alta
Munoz-Garcia
Salineno South
Delmita
South
Garza-
Gutierrez
Loma Linda
East
Narciso Pena
Salmon
Doyno West
Side #2
Garza-
Salinas
Loma Linda
West
Netos
Sammy
Martinez
E. Lopez
Garza-
Salinas #2
Loma Vista
Nina
San Fernando
East Alto
Bonito
Gloria
Loma Vista #1
North
Escobares
Ranchettes
San Isidro
El Bosque #1
Guadalupe
Guerra
Longoria
North Refugio
San Jose
El Bosque #2
Guerra
Los Arrieros
North Santa
Cruz
San Juan
Page | 91
Annex B: Meetings List
Date
Task
Location
Jurisdiction Attending
8/3/2017
Task 1
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
All participants
9/21/2017
Task 2
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
All participants
10/14/2017
Task 2
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
All participants
1/23/2018
Task 2
Roma Community Center
Roma, Roma ISD, Starr County
and Escobares
1/25/2018
Task 2
STC Auditorium
Starr County and
Rio Grande city
10/24/2017
Task 2&3
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
Roma, Roma ISD, Starr County
and Rio Grande
12/5/2017
Task 3
Rio Grande City Hall
Rio Grande City
12/5/2017
Task 3
Roma ISD Admin. Building
Roma ISD
12/6/2017
Task 3
Escobares Community Center
Roma, Roma ISD, Starr County
and Escobares
12/6/2017
Task 3
Starr County Court Annex
Starr County
12/7/2017
Task 3
Escobares City Hall
Escobares
12/7/2017
Task 3
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
Roma
3/20/2018
Task 4
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
All participants
3/27/2018
Task 4
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
All participants
4/4/2018
Task 4
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
All participants
4/18/2018
Task 4
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
All participants
4/24/2018
Task 4
Starr County S.O.
Starr County
4/24/2018
Task 4
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
Roma
4/25/2018
Task 4
Rio Grande City Hall
Rio Grande City
4/25/2018
Task 4
Escobares City Hall
Escobares
4/26/2018
Task 4
Roma ISD Admin. Building
Roma ISD
5/1/2018
Task 4
Starr Co. Courthouse Annex
Starr County
5/3/2018
Task 4
Starr Co. Courthouse Annex
Starr County
5/1/2018
Task 4
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
Roma
5/2/2018
Task 4
Rio Grande City Hall
Rio Grande City
5/2/2018
Task 4
Escobares City Hall
Escobares
5/3/2018
Task 4
Roma ISD Admin. Building
Roma ISD
6/19/2018
Task 4
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
Roma
6/20/2018
Task 4
Escobares City Hall
Escobares
6/26/2018
Task 4
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
Roma
6/26/2018
Task 4
Rio Grande City Hall
Rio Grande City
6/27/2018
Task 4
Roma ISD Admin. Building
Roma ISD
6/27/2018
Task 4
Escobares City Hall
Escobares
6/28/2018
Task 4
La Casita Fire Department
Starr County- La Casita
7/10/2018
Task 4
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
Roma
7/10/2018
Task 4
Escobares City Hall
Escobares
Page | 92
7/11/2018
Task 4
Rio Grande City Hall
Rio Grande City
7/11/2018
Task 4
Starr County Sheriff's Office
Starr County
7/24/2018
Task 4
Rio Grande City Hall
Rio Grande City
7/24/2018
Task 4
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
Roma
7/24/2018
Task 4
Roma ISD Admin. Building
Roma ISD
7/25/2018
Task 4
Escobares City Hall
Escobares
7/25/2018
Task 4
Starr County
Starr County
7/26/2018
Task 4
Roma ISD
Roma ISD
8/21/2018
Task 5
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
All participants
8/21/2018
Task 5
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
All participants
9/12/2018
Task 5
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
All participants
9/26/2018
Task 5
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
All participants
10/2/2018
Task 5
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
Roma, Rio Grande, Starr
County and Escobares
3/19/19
Task 8
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
All participants
4/4/2019
Task 8
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
All participants
4/30/2019
Task 8
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept.
All participants
5/14/2019
Task 8
Roma Volunteer Fire Dept
All participants
Page | 93
Annex C: Community Survey Results
1. How concerned are you about the following
natural disasters
Very
Conce
rned
Some
what
Conce
rned
Neu
tral
Not
very
Conce
rned
Not
Conce
rned
Floods
27
11
3
2
1
Hurricanes
25
11
5
1
2
Wildfire
18
13
4
6
1
Tornado
6
10
11
8
5
Drought
15
12
9
3
1
Coastal erosion
0
5
11
14
9
Dam/levee failure
12
11
13
1
4
Earthquakes
1
6
11
8
13
Expansive soils
1
3
16
8
10
Extreme heat
20
11
8
0
2
Hailstorm
10
15
10
4
1
Land subsidence
0
8
17
6
7
Severe winter storms
5
10
10
7
7
Windstorms
5
14
9
9
2
Lightning
11
10
14
3
2
Other
0
0
0
0
0
2. Directly experienced or have been affected by
a natural occurrence
yes
12
no
32
If Yes, which natural disaster have you or
someone in your household experienced in the
last five years?
Flooding
9
Hailstorm
3
Wind storms
2
Wildfire
1
Drought
1
Low flood Access
1
Hurricane
1
3. Have you received information on safety
procedures for when a natural disaster happens?
Yes
34
Page | 94
No
10
If yes, from whom did you last receive safety
information about natural disasters?
News media
30
Government agency
12
Insurance agent or Company
2
Utility company
4
School
6
Neighbor/ friend/ family member
10
Fire dept./ Police dept./ Sheriff's office
22
Elected official
5
American Red Cross
7
Social media
16
Other non-profit organization
1
Other: Church
1
Other: FEMA
1
4. Which of the following categories are more
susceptible to the impacts caused by natural
hazards in your area?
1
2
3
4
5
6
Human
5
3
5
2
4
24
Economic
2
2
14
7
11
6
Infrastructure
1
4
8
17
9
3
Cultural/Historic
12
11
7
2
5
5
Environmental
8
7
12
7
5
3
Governance
9
8
5
7
6
6
5. What specific types of community assets are
most important to you?
Very
impor
tant
Some
what
impor
tant
Neu
tral
Not
Very
impor
tant
Not
impor
tant
Elderly Facilities
31
8
1
1
0
Schools
34
7
1
0
0
Hospitals
40
1
0
0
0
Major bridges/ Roads
24
15
2
0
0
Fire/ EMS/ Police stations
35
6
0
0
0
Museums/ Historic building
6
17
13
4
1
Major employers
10
19
8
3
0
Small businesses
10
19
8
2
1
Page | 95
College/ University
11
17
13
0
0
City Hall/ Courthouse
17
13
8
2
0
Parks
6
16
9
5
4
Other: The lower class and homeless
1
0
0
0
0
6. Select how important each statement is to
you
Very
impor
tant
Some
what
impor
tant
Neu
tral
Not
Very
impor
tant
Not
impor
tant
Protecting private property
22
13
5
2
0
Protecting critical facilities
32
4
4
1
0
Preventing development in hazard areas
28
8
6
0
0
Protecting historical and cultural landmarks
12
16
12
1
0
Protecting and reducing damage to utilities
30
9
3
0
0
Strengthening emergency services
37
2
2
0
0
Disclosing natural hazard risks during real estate
transactions
24
15
3
0
0
Promoting cooperation among public agencies,
citizens,
non-profit organizations, and businesses
26
11
3
0
1
7. Check those activities that you have done in
your household, plan to do in the future, have
not done or are unable to do
Have
done
Plan
to
do
Not
don
e
Unabl
e to
do
Attended meetings or received written
information on
natural disasters or emergency preparedness
33
3
6
0
Talked with members in your household about
what to do
in case of a natural disaster or emergency
17
15
9
0
Developed a “Household/ Family Emergency
Plan” in order to decide
what everyone would do in the event of a
disaster?
11
19
12
0
Prepared a “Disaster Supply Kit” (stored extra
food, water, batteries, medication or
other emergency supplies)?
18
20
6
0
Have been trained in first aid or cardio-pulmonary
resuscitation (CPR)
19
7
15
2
Prepared your home by having smoke detector on
each level of the house
27
6
9
0
Discussed or created a utility shutoff procedure in
the event
of a natural disaster?
8
17
17
0
Page | 96
8. What actions have you taken to reduce risk for
your house/apartment/ property for potential
disasters?
‡Purchased homeowners/ renter’s insurance
policy
24
Purchased flood insurance
12
Flood proofing (elevating furnace, water heaters,
and electric panels)
11
Install retrofits such as high impact windows or
doors to withstand high winds;
fire resistant siding, roofing or window screens;
storm shelters, etc.
11
Install fire breaks around home
7
Remove dead/ dying trees or vegetation
27
Purchased easy accessible fire extinguishers
13
Alternate power supply
7
Alternate water supply
13
None
8
Other
0
General Information
9. Age
Younger than 18
0
18-24
0
25-34
10
35-44
17
45-54
11
55-64
4
65 or older
2
Prefer not to answer
0
10. Sex:
Male
24
Female
20
11. Ethnicity
Hispanic or Latino
41
Not Hispanic or Latino
0
12. Race
White
35
Page | 97
African American
0
Hawaiian Native & Pacific Islander
0
Asian American
0
Native American/ Alaskan Native
1
Other
1
13. Level of education:
High school graduate/ GED
9
Some College/ Trade school
18
College degree
10
Postgraduate degree
2
Other: Elementary school
1
14. What jurisdiction(s) applies to you?
City of Roma
12
City of Escobares
7
City of Rio Grande City
17
Roma Independent School District
0
Starr County
8
Other
0
15. Do you rent or own your home?
Own
29
Living with a friend/relative
3
Rent
10
16. Do you own/rent a:
Single-family home
27
Duplex
1
Apartment
7
Condominium/ Town house
0
Manufactured home
4
Other
0
