House Bill 71 is a new Texas law that makes youth camps and organizations running high-risk activities for minors prepare detailed emergency plans. These plans help keep young people safe by planning for emergencies ahead of time.
The law requires camps to develop written emergency preparedness plans that identify specific risks at their location, hazards from the activities offered, and clear steps for evacuation. Each camp must also create a checklist to make sure they are ready for emergencies. Camps must assign staff members to specific emergency response jobs so everyone knows their role if something happens.
Camps must share their plans with the Texas Division of Emergency Management. They also have to coordinate with local emergency medical services and the sheriff's office before each camp session begins. Camps must post emergency information where everyone can see it, keep working phones or radios on site, and make sure emergency responders can easily find clear pathways to enter the camp.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management will work with health and safety agencies to set official standards for emergency preparedness. The division will review plans camps submit and offer help if camp operators have questions about their plans. These requirements apply to all types of youth camps, including day camps and licensed facilities.
This law helps our community protect young people by making sure camps are prepared for emergencies. When camps have solid plans in place and first responders know where to find them, everyone stays safer.
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