Our #ProtectSouthlake Team just got a little bigger! Explore the new Fire Department Tender as it debuts right here in this exclusive Minute with the Mayor.

As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to highlight safety and security, National Safety Month is part of the bigger picture when it comes to how Southlake operates. This week on Minute with the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem Shawn McCaskill took a field trip to Southlake DPS Station 1 to meet with Deputy Chief Jeremy Wilson about a specialty apparatus designed to kick our fire response up a notch.

In December 2022, the Fire Department received a new piece of equipment called the Tender. This apparatus is heavy-duty, complete with enough storage for 3,000 gallons of water. It is outfitted with a portable storage tank that allows the Protect Southlake Team to work without interruption.

“We really designed it to be able to dump water at a scene and respond back to another location and fill it up with water. It ensures that we have fire suppression if we lose water because of inclement weather or if we have events where we lose power and our pumps can't run,” said Deputy Chief Wilson.

This integral feature supports the efforts of the Southlake Fire Department to provide a rapid and relentless response to fires, especially in the upcoming heat of summer months.

Firefighters have been trained at Tarrant County College during the acquisition of this apparatus to better serve the community.

Although a large investment, this worthwhile piece of the safety and security puzzle provides Southlake’s citizens with the best possible protection. “Well, from a City Council perspective, we're ready, willing, and able — and y'all know this — to support you all with whatever equipment you need, including this new piece of equipment. And we're happy to do that and provide that in our budget,” said McCaskill.

To watch the full episode of Minute with the Mayor, click below.

National Preparedness Month is not limited to safety at home, it also expands to being prepared while on the go.

Whether your daily commute consists of work, home, school or long-distance trips, every driver should be prepared in the event an emergency happens while you’re in your car.

So how do you make a vehicle emergency kit? You can start gathering items you might need during an emergency.

You should also consider customizing your kit by adding items according to the size of your household. A family with small children may need essentials such as diapers, wipes and children’s medicine and a household with small pets may need extra bowls or food. Either way, personalizing your vehicle emergency kit will help you better prepare for those untimely events.

Here’s a list of items to keep in your vehicle:

  • Spare Tire
  • Jumper Cables
  • Tool Kit
  • Flashlight
  • Extra Batteries
  • First Aid Kit
  • Reflective Triangles and Vest
  • Rain Poncho
  • Blanket
  • Drinking Water and Nonperishable Food
  • Cell Phone Charger for Your Car
  • Duct Tape
  • Emergency Contact Info

Remember to check items every four to six months to avoid items from expiring. For more information on safety and preparedness, check out our Get Prepared webpage.

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