Up in Plano you guys have a great RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) that works with Dallas County RACES. I was part of that organization for almost a decade. All of the spotters get National Weather Service training every year. If an emergency happens, you are in good hands. Someone close will know and contact city emergency guys via radio even if phones and cell phones are out.
Just got a call from my daughter while I was typing this. SIL is an emergency generator technician for the big gensets like the hospitals use. He's been dispatched into Oklahoma with his service truck.
/johnny