There's no sense in finger-pointing over whether or not alerts went out fast enough in Texas, said Landry. As she sees it, preparing for the weather comes down to knowing the landscape where you live and planning out what to do if disaster strikes. "You have to be aware and prepared," she said.

David Richardson hasn't made public appearances, statements or social media postings since last week's flood. Former FEMA officials say that's concerning.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday dodged questions about whether state and local officials bore any blame in the deadly Hill Country floods. Abbott and other state and local officials have sought to dismiss questions about the lack of a warning system along the flood-prone Guadalupe River or whether more could have been done to prevent the catastrophe.