Piney Woods Preparedness and Response Program

10/14/2026

We need your help.

Carter Blood Care has had a high demand for Low Titer O+ Whole Blood over the past 24-48 hours.

To help with the LTOWB inventory, we need known Carter BloodCare, O+ donors, (preferably male) to come out and donate today and tomorrow. If the donor is eligible in our system to donate Low-Titer O Whole Blood, our team will draw them in the dedicated collection set to help with the inventory. If they are not eligible for LTOWB, we will still draw them in our regular collection sets to help with general inventory needs.

10/14/2026
UT- Health Campuses Main Campus - Pavillion 10:00 am- 4:00pm Olympic Plaza – CBC BUS 10:00 am- 4:00pm
Health Science Center (North Campus) 9:00am- 2:00pm


Thanks for your help.

10/05/2026

🔥 As I mentioned this morning, after this most recent rain event, it's not surprising to see some counties shed their Burn Ban. And the western and central counties would seem more likely to make this move, given the way the rain totals came together.
• We saw some big ones get lifted earlier today, including Gregg, Smith, & Wood Counties.
Here's a look at the remaining counties with Bans in place.

10/03/2026

🔻 Flash Flood Warning extensive for Central Henderson County, until 6:00 PM.

* At 3:53 PM, thunderstorms continue producing heavy rain in Athens. Numerous reports and videos have been received of flooded and impassible roadways across the area. Between 3 and 5 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring.

HAZARD: Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding.

SOURCE: Public reported.

IMPACT: Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Athens and Crescent Heights.

09/22/2026

The Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas A&M Forest Service report that 14 new wildfires broke out across Texas on Monday, all requiring state assistance.

Seven wildfires remain active across the state today. Areas that miss out on rain this week will remain at risk, and Texans are urged to use extra caution and help prevent new fires.

Harrison and Marion Counties remain under a burn ban. Cass County Judge Travis Ransom announced today that the county has extended its existing burn ban for an additional 30 days due to extremely dry conditions.

09/20/2026

Come get a FREE car seat inspection at the Athens Fire Department! NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED.

Certified safety technicians will conduct car seat inspections and answer your questions about car seat use. Please bring your child/children and their current car seat.

A limited number of free replacement car seats will be available. So sign up soon!

Questions? Please contact Danae Hicks at [email protected] or 903-251-4024.

09/20/2026

09/19/2026

09/10/2026

Protecting your health is all about knowing your numbers. Simple tests can provide valuable insights into your cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, and overall health. Help identify risk factors early and be empowered to make informed decisions about your health.

At the Mt. Pleasant Community Health Fair, take advantage of FREE lab work:
✅ Lipid Panel
✅ PSA Test
✅ A1C Screening

These simple tests can provide valuable insights into your cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, and overall health.

⚠️ Participants must fast prior to lab testing.

Join us October 10th and take a proactive step toward a healthier future.

This event is made possible in part through funding from the Texas Medical Association (TMA) and TMA Foundation.

09/04/2026

For first responders, taking care of our behavioral health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. This September, we’re reminding everyone that support, education, and resources are available—and sometimes simply knowing what to look for or how to help can make a difference.
https://www.usfra.org/public-safety-discussions/%F0%9F%92%9A-september-is-national-suicide-prevention-month-%F0%9F%92%9A

09/02/2026

🔺 WPC has UPGRADED a sizeable portion of our southern counties into its "Moderate" Flash Flood risk category. This now includes places like Jacksonville, Rusk, Lufkin, & Nacogdoches. Further south, just outside our immediate area, they've placed a "High" risk bullseye, out of respect for what occurred overnight and for what's still to come in this area today. You'll also notice the "Slight" risk perimeter that now includes Henderson, Mt. Enterprise & Tyler.
• The north & eastward expansion of concern is tied to the potential for training of heavy rainfall today and then especially tonight, near the center of the system. This is something we'll be talking more about later.