Austin's Homeland Security & EM host pop-up event

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin's Homeland Security and Emergency Management is hosting a pop-up event on May 21st at the Menchaca Road Branch Library at 3 p.m.

Meteorologist Tommy House sat down with David Wiechmann, who is with HSEM, to learn more.

Read an edited version of the conversation below or use the video player above to listen.

Meteorologist Tommy House: I want to talk about how Austin's Homeland Security and Emergency Management has emergency pop-ups around Central Texas. Walk viewers through what exactly that is.

David Wiechmann: The monthly 'Emergency Preparedness Pop-Ups' are one way our office gets out into the community to engage people with information, supplies, and resources to help them prepare for emergencies ahead of time. We want to make sure folks know what to do before a storm rolls in, before a flood happens, before winter storms hit, anything of that nature, because you are the help until help can arrive.

If you have materials or a plan in place before something happens, you'll be more prepared and better able to take care of yourself until assistance arrives. We rotate these events throughout the year. Our 'Emergency Preparedness Pop-Ups' are held on the third Wednesday of each month, except in September and December. In September, we host a larger version, a big preparedness fair with about 25 vendors and departments tabling. That’s because September is Emergency Preparedness Month.

Each month, we rotate through different City Council districts so we can reach neighborhoods all over the city. We bring in partners like public safety agencies and other organizations involved in emergency preparedness or response. They hand out useful supplies, and our table offers information on what to do in an emergency.

We also give out a basic emergency supplies starter kit to the first 25 people who come through. People line up early to get them, they really want those backpacks with essential supplies. The basic starter kit includes things like a flashlight, a glow stick, a blanket, a small first aid kit with bandages, and a few other items. It’s a simple kit to get you started.

At our booth, you'll also get more detailed information on how to build a full supply kit so you're ready for three to seven days, whether you need to shelter in place or evacuate your home. We provide guidance on what to do before, during, and after an emergency, covering many different types of scenarios.

House: When would the next one be in the Austin area?

Wiechmann: Our next one is coming up on May 21 at the Manchaca Branch Library on Manchaca Road, from 3 to 6 p.m. We've actually moved our event times this year in 2025, we've shifted to an hour earlier than last year. So if folks are used to coming, they should know the events now start at 3 o’clock instead of 4.