During the February 4 Southlake City Council session, a mutual aid agreement with the North Central Texas Public Works Emergency Response Team was approved. PWERT provides resources during an emergency or disaster to support local governments. There are currently 62 cities that are PWERT members. The organization is voluntary and there is no cost associated with membership.

“Being prepared for emergencies is more than just weather alerts. If a disaster strikes, we want to be prepared to get basic services like water back up and running as soon as possible,” Director of Public Works Rob Cohen said. “This agreement will help us request any necessary resources to make that happen.”

By becoming a PWERT member, the City’s goal is to restore core services as quickly as possible after an emergency or disaster. The agreement not only works to expedite recovery after a disaster, but works out legal and financial issues in advance. Member cities have access to request resources such as personnel, equipment, vehicles, generators and sand bags.

The partnership with PWERT allows Southlake to achieve high performance management standards by collaborating with partners for the benefit of citizens.