The state is divided into "disaster districts" which utilize Department of Public Safety (DPS) district and subdistrict boundaries. Disaster district committees consist of counterpart representatives of each agency and departments having an emergency service function on the State Emergency Management Council. The Highway Patrol captain of each DPS district or lieutenant of the DPS subdistrict serves as the chairperson of this committee. This chairperson convenes the district disaster committee in the event of a disaster or threat thereof, or as directed by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Use of TxDOT resources off the highway is only authorized through the disaster district chairperson, TDEM director, or the Governor, unless there is an imminent threat to life and property.

When mayors or county judges have exhausted their resources in attempts to manage, control or mitigate the effects of an emergency or disaster, they may request state assistance through the disaster committee chairperson.