Texas faces a range of emergencies across its diverse geography, including the Gulf Coast, mountains, deserts, and forests. Matthew Heinze, emergency management coordinator and maintenance section support manager for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), oversees efforts to coordinate responses to incidents such as crashes, floods, earthquakes, and storms throughout the state.
“There’s always some type of emergency in the state, at any given time, 24 hours a day, causing disruptions on our transportation system,” Heinze said.
Heinze emphasized that preparation is essential. TxDOT plans routes, protocols, and resources so crews can respond quickly and safely. “We don’t always know how many people’s lives we have saved, but I know we’ve saved lives as an agency,” he said.
Each response considers real-time conditions and the impact on both crews and local communities. According to Heinze, “When it comes to emergencies, every second counts and being prepared makes a difference.”
Heinze also advised drivers to have their own plans: “Drivers need to have their own plan, have supplies ready, have their vehicle fueled up and have an area where they know they can go that would be safe for them and their family.”
Adding an emergency plan to family routines can help people remain calm during crises. Drivers are encouraged to check traffic updates and road conditions before traveling by visiting drivetexas.org.
On a national level, recent federal initiatives aim to improve preparedness for extreme weather events. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration announced new guidance along with $7.3 billion in formula funding as part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding is intended to help states better prepare for events such as wildfires, flooding, and extreme heat (https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/biden-administration-announces-new-protect-formula-program-73-billion-bipartisan).
