Friday, March 29, 2024

City of Southlake Installs Specialized NOAA Radios Throughout City Facilities

Are you worried about how to stay informed during a weather emergency? The Office of Emergency Management has taken steps to help protect and keep employees informed when inclement weather strikes.

By installing weather radios throughout City facilities, they are providing a reliable source of communication that can operate without power or online access. With their ability to send out warnings and advisories, these radios are essential for those living in areas prone to severe weather and could help you get Weather Prepared.

Over the last several years, Southlake has had its share of weather events. In these instances, the Office of Emergency Management would utilize social media, Alert Southlake, and the Outdoor Warning Sirens to keep residents and employees safe and informed.

Over the next few weeks, OEM team members will install 30 NOAA Weather Radios throughout all City facilities. These radios operate within the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) national network, which encompasses a network of radio stations that broadcast continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Many may ask why NOAA weather radios when technology has advanced so much?” Emergency Manager Amanda Meneses stated.

“Everyone should have multiple ways to receive weather information; no one way is all-inclusive. Today, many people receive these alerts on their phones with many different services, such as Alert Southlake, but how often do we silence our phones and walk away? These radios will always alert of warnings, much like an alarm clock, and deliver pertinent safety information such as directions to seek shelter,” said Meneses.

All radios are NOAA certified, come equipped with a battery back-up in the event we lose power and can transmit emergency message audio alerts for Tornado Watches and Warnings, Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings, Flood Watches, Flash Flood Warnings, and many other inclement weather conditions.

The radios can also be utilized for non-weather-related emergency messages, such as Amber Alerts and Law Enforcement Warnings. Additionally, each radio can be customized to the local area for alerts that are relevant to our location.

In Meneses’ view, when it comes to weather, we should keep our communication options open.

“I hope we are setting the example for all to follow, we are not relying on a single method, and neither should residents,” said Meneses. “In Texas, the weather changes so quickly, and the storms have become much more violent; we have to have multiple ways to receive alerts to take the best safety actions.”

For more information about emergency management in Southlake, go to www.CityofSouthlake.com/EmergencyManagement.

 

Mayor John Huffman Wraps Up the Winter Ice Storm

This week on Minute with the Mayor, Mayor John Huffman takes some time to thank our dedicated City staff for their response to the winter ice storm last week.

Last week was a cold one! With temperatures below freezing combined with ice and freezing rain, it’s safe to say that cabin fever was common as residents were advised to stay inside and off the icy roads.

The #ProtectSouthlake Team worked relentlessly to safeguard as many people as possible, while still keeping City offices accessible via e-services. This all-hands-on-deck effort provided a quick and efficient response throughout Southlake.

Here are just a few highlights of the amazing work of City staff:

  • Between Monday, January 30, and Thursday, February 2, more than 117 hours were spent plowing, snowing, and sanding the streets.
  • 25 tons of sand were spread throughout Southlake streets.
  • More than 20 miles were plowed to clear hot spots and intersections.
  • Community Services Staff and Councilmember Talley called more than 500 seniors for a well-being check.
  • 29 STEAR participants were called for well-being and re-registration.
  • More than 120 customer service calls came in while staff managed responses working from home.
  • The Communication teams informed us with more than 60 social media posts and even suggested things to do while we were safe at home.
  • Crews worked around the clock to ensure the safety of the City and our infrastructure.

To add, dozens of other things went on behind the scenes to help ensure all levels of the response went smoothly. Thank you to all the City Staff that protected the City and our residents last week.

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

Southlake Departments of Safety Wins a 2022 Silver Circle Award

The Southlake Departments of Safety received the 2022 Silver Circle Award from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) for their video on emergency preparedness. The national award was presented at the 3CMA Annual Conference in September 2022.

This year’s theme, “Blazing a New Trail: Exploring the Communication Landscape,” was inspired by challenges communities have faced over the past two years, as well as utilizing new routes for communicating, educating, and informing them.

The video, “Prepare Right Now for Your Home,” was part of a severe weather awareness campaign. It was designed to capture people’s attention and empower them to help spread the word about emergency preparedness and knowing what to do when a storm hits.

As emergency management staff rocked out to a parody of the 1980s rock band duo Heart’s song “Alone,” they informed citizens about safety and preparedness.

“With the Facebook audience primarily being 35-44 years old and nostalgic of the ‘good ole days, the idea to create emergency management videos in the style of 80s rock bands was formed,” Southlake DPS Public Information Officer, Brad Uptmore said.

The video became an instant hit! Within two weeks, it had over 63,000 views and was featured on local newscasts. It also caught the eye of the legends themselves, Ann and Nancy Wilson.

Judges praised the video and the way creators were able to take a “typical emergency management preparedness message and completely own it and make it relevant for their audience.” They also commended the team on the graphics, creative use of song lyrics, and overall campaign.

As part of the video, Fire Chief Michael Starr also made his rock and roll debut. He believes the message of safety and preparedness reached a wide audience.

He stated, “We serve the citizens of Southlake, but this video was broad enough to reach everyone, no matter where they live.”

The national 3CMA Savvy awards utilize judges from across the United States and recognize outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing, citizen-government relationships, and salute skilled and effective city, county, agency, and district professionals who have creatively planned and carried out successful innovations in communications and marketing.

For more information on how you can prepare for emergencies, visit the Office of Emergency Management’s, “Get Prepared” page.

Watch the award-winning video below:

National Preparedness Month Creates Ideal Planning Opportunity for Residents

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.

A Lasting Legacy – Emergency Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month. The City of Southlake Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has committed to participating and increasing awareness throughout our community.

The 2022 theme, A Lasting Legacy, focuses on the importance of protecting every life by preparing for disasters. Ultimately, these efforts will help us create and preserve a long-lasting legacy.

Emergencies happen at unexpected moments,” said Southlake’s Emergency Manager Amanda Meneses. “It’s essential to take the time now to do some simple things that will help keep you safe when disaster strikes.

Meneses also noted that the region had witnessed the devastation that storms, flash floods, wildfires, and even drought can cause. So this month is a good time to take stock and ensure everyone is ready.

OEM wants residents of Southlake to make sure they and their families are prepared for a disaster by learning the hazards that affect our area. The Southlake Get Prepared webpage provides information for making an emergency preparedness plan.

Keeping the theme in mind, consider these four steps:

Step 1: Put a plan together.

Discuss the following questions with your household members, extended family, and friends.

  • How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
  • What is my shelter plan?
  • What is my evacuation plan?
  • What is my family/household communication plan?
  • Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?

Step 2: Consider the specific needs of your household.

Tailor your plan to include supplies for the day-to-day living needs for each family member. Having the necessary supplies on hand can help family members feel calm, even amid chaos. Factors to consider when developing a personalized plan:

  • Age of each household member,.
  • Dietary needs, store items that your family will eat,
  • Medical needs, including prescriptions and equipment,
  • Pet food and supplies,
  • Cultural and religious considerations,
  • Supplies to assist others,
  • Cleaning supplies and disinfectants,
  • And copies of important documents such as driver’s licenses, social security cards, and insurance information.

Step 3: Fill out a family emergency plan.

Whether completing the document provided by Texasready.gov or creating your own, the primary purpose is to provide answers to the overarching question, “What if…?”

  • What happens in the event of an emergency if you are not with your family?
  • Will you know how to reach them if cell service is down? How will you know they are okay?
  • How will they know you are okay?

Step 4: Practice makes proficient.

Practice your plan with your family/household. Ideally, your preparedness plan will become second nature after practice and discussion. It can also be written and placed in a central location where it can quickly be reviewed.

Now is a great time to make your preparedness plan. To receive tips and information, visit www.ready.gov and www.texasready.gov.

Stay Prepared While on the Go – How to Prepare Your Vehicle Emergency Kit

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.

How the City can Help You Get Your Yard Ready

The first day of spring is just days away, is your yard ready? If not, it’s perfectly fine, the good news is the City of Southlake offers a variety of programs to assist residents with their yard necessities, from irrigation systems, to mosquito traps, to landscaping, we’ve got you covered.

If you need help with your irrigation system, sign up for our W.I.S.E. Guys program. W.I.S.E. Guys is a voluntary water conservation program designed to help you understand how to run your irrigation system more efficiently. First, make sure you have an EyeOnWater account. Then, all you need to do is fill out the signup form and you will receive an automatic email from the program confirming you have signed up for an evaluation. A licensed irrigator will set up an appointment with you and perform an evaluation on your sprinkler system with you.  You can even apply for a rebate of up to $200 if you make any of the recommended repairs!

The City also helps with mosquito control efforts to reduce the risk of mosquito-transmitted disease. Our Office of Emergency Management can check your yard for mosquito-prone areas, all you have to do is call 817-748-8903 or email oem@ci.southlake.tx.us

If you need to know what to plant and where to plant, our Environmental Coordinator can provide you with resources to help you select native and adaptive North Texas plants for your landscaping. You can reach her at acarlisle@ci.southlake.tx.us, or you can check out our region’s Texas SmartScape website. After you’re done with planting, Republic Services offers bulk trash pickup so you can haul away your spring trimmings.

With these services available at your fingertips, your yard will be the envy of all yards.

Fight the Bite: Fight Mosquito Bites with the Four Ds

Few animals on Earth evoke the aggravation that mosquitoes do. Their itchy, irritating bites and bothersome presence can ruin a backyard barbecue or a hike in the woods. They have an uncanny ability to sense our intent, taking flight and disappearing milliseconds before a fatal swat.

The months of April through November are prime months for mosquito breeding and nuisance biting. The City of Southlake Office of Emergency Management and the Tarrant County Health department conduct vector control measures to test for diseased species and conduct ground spraying on public property. With that being said, the best weapon for protection against mosquitoes is personal responsibility.

The American Mosquito Control Association suggests understanding and following the four Ds to help protect yourself from mosquitoes:

  • Drain: Mosquito problems originate from water-filled containers or areas of standing water, as immature mosquitoes require water to develop. Eliminate standing water whenever possible in places such as buckets, gutters, pet water dishes, tree holes, abandoned swimming pools or tires, and other areas capable of breeding mosquitoes.
  • DUSK/DAWN: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. The mosquito that carries the Zika Virus is active during the daytime hours, so be sure to protect yourself at all times.
  • Dress: Close to 200 mosquito species in the United States are more attracted to dark clothing and can easily bite through tight-fitting garments. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to avoid mosquito bites. Long sleeves and pants will provide the most protection.
  • Defend: Use a mosquito repellent that has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and apply according to the label directions.

So City of Southlake, let’s take on the challenge to fight the bite by taking the necessary steps to help prevent mosquito bites for you and your family. Please contact the Office of Emergency Management at 817-748-8624 or 817-748-8903.

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