As we wrap up National Preparedness Month, it is important to remember that everyone has the power to prepare for disasters. By taking advantage of the information we have presented this month, you can fully prepare your family with an emergency kit, a plan that includes communications, and an understanding of any local hazards.

We want you to know that the City of Southlake also prepares, and we have an entire office dedicated to it. Since June, Emergency Management has led the City's Executive Leadership Team and Emergency Preparedness Matrix Team in updating the City's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). As part of this comprehensive plan, the city intends to use all available resources to protect its citizens during hazardous incidents, major emergencies, and disasters that may threaten public health, safety, and property. There are a number of components to the EOP, ranging from alerting and warning citizens to shelter and mass care to emergency public information and response to terrorist incidents.

“Having an updated and effective plan is like having a playbook established before we even know which game we are playing,” says Amanda Meneses. “Our plans give us the proven framework for a response, and are created when we are all thinking with a level and calm head, not in the heat of the moment.”

Over the last three years, the City has used the EOP to respond to COVID-19, the 2021 winter storm, and the DalDen HAZMAT fire to just name a few. We looked at best practices and areas of improvement to incorporate into the plan in order to provide the best response to citizens.

“Our plan is created with an all-hazards approach so that we can respond effectively and efficiently no matter what the emergency,” says Meneses. “My hope is that every family has a plan they feel just as confident about.”

To learn more about how to prepare your family even further, visit the Office of Emergency Management's "Get Prepared" page or call 817-748-8903.