TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - As National Preparedness Month begins, East Texas emergency officials and the American Red Cross are urging residents to have a family plan in place before the next disaster strikes.

With active burn bans, ongoing wildfire threats, and tropical weather systems spawning severe weather in the region, local leaders stress that early preparation is the key to surviving unpredictable Texas weather.'Disasters never have a timeline'"Disasters never have a timeline," said Karen Holt, Executive Director of the American Red Cross East Texas Chapter.

"It can happen in the middle of the night. It can happen with your commute on the way to work or when your kids are at school."Local threat levels are constantly shifting.