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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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…?"
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.
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:
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.
