March might be going out like a lion, and Southlake’s Office of Emergency Management wants you to be safe during Severe Weather Awareness Week and beyond. Emergency Manager Amanda Meneses has the information you need to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at us.

“We live in North Texas and are prone to severe weather mainly in the Spring months, however, it could happen any time of the year,” says Meneses. “Giving our community the tools to be prepared all the time is what is important.”

Severe weather can come in the form of thunderstorms, large hail, strong winds, and even tornadoes and flash flooding. The best way to be prepared is by staying weather aware and having multiple ways to receive weather alerts.  Also having a plan on what to do during these situations can take the anxiety and stress out of the situation.  Meneses states “The week is an ideal moment for families, schools, communities, and local businesses to discuss their emergency strategies and make arrangements for the upcoming season of crazy weather.”

The Office of Emergency Management has created events for all ages to take part in Severe Weather Awareness week:

• April 3^rd - Information Booth in Town Hall.  Come get all the information you could need on how to prepare for severe weather, create an emergency kit, or hazards that could affect the Southlake area.
• April 3^rd – Southlake Senior Center.  Emergency Management will be talking with the Senior Community on ways to stay weather aware and plan for any special needs they may have.
• April 3^rd – 7^th – Southlake Library.  A little scavenger hunt for the kiddo to enjoy focused on severe weather.
• April 5^th – Bob Jones Nature Center.  Book reading and storm/siren simulation.  This will allow the kids to hear the sirens and teach them actions to take if they ever hear them.
• April 5^th – Test of Southlake Emergency Notification System.  At 1 pm we will be testing the Outdoor Warning Sirens as well as the Alert Southlake Emergency Notification System.
• April 6^th – Town Hall.  Emergency Manager Meneses will be at the information booth in Town Hall to answer any questions on severe weather, preparedness, or anything emergency management related from 12 pm to 2 pm.

“We are hoping to reach as much of the community as possible,” says Meneses “ I welcome and hope to see the whole City at our events!”

Watch this year's Severe Weather Awareness Week PSA by Southlake DPS! It's the same weather preparedness messaging you’ve heard since the 80s, but you’ve never heard it like this!