The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has announced the release of the updated Texas Emergency Management Planning Standard along with associated guidance documents designed to support local jurisdictions across the state.

The updates aim to strengthen statewide preparedness, improve consistency in emergency management planning, and better align local plans with evolving threats, operational realities, and national planning doctrine.

Beginning May 26, 2026, jurisdictions will have:

• 18 months to update their Basic Plan and Emergency Support Function (ESF) alignment
• 30 months to transition Lettered Annexes to the Emergency Support Function format

TDEM has also released updated planning resources and guidance materials to assist jurisdictions throughout the implementation process. In addition, technical assistance opportunities will be offered during the upcoming TDEM Conference and through trainings scheduled throughout the year.

Planning resources and additional information are available through TDEM’s Local Planning: Planning Tools webpage at tdem.texas.gov/preparedness/local-planning.

TDEM continues to emphasize its commitment to supporting local jurisdictions and collaborating with emergency management partners across Texas to enhance preparedness and resilience statewide.