Title
Receive a presentation from Emergency Management regarding the City’s response and preparation during an emergency event or disaster.
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REQUESTOR:
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Roger Neal
BACKGROUND:
The City of Farmers Branch recognizes that effective emergency management is essential to protecting lives, property, and the continuity of government operations. Emergencies and disasters, whether caused by severe weather, infrastructure failure, or public health incidents, require a coordinated and well-prepared response. This report provides an overview of the City’s emergency management program, its collaboration with other jurisdictions, and the strategies used to prepare the community and ensure clear communication during times of crisis.
DISCUSSION:
The City maintains a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan that is consistent with the requirements of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This plan establishes clear roles and responsibilities for City staff and outlines procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. Annual training exercises and drills are conducted across departments to evaluate operational readiness and to ensure that staff can effectively carry out their responsibilities when an incident occurs.
Collaboration with other jurisdictions is a cornerstone of Farmers Branch’s emergency management strategy. The City maintains mutual aid agreements with surrounding municipalities, Dallas County, and state agencies. These agreements provide access to critical resources and personnel when local capacity is exceeded. Farmers Branch Fire and Police Departments also participate in regional task forces and planning efforts organized through the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), ensuring the City’s preparedness efforts are aligned with broader regional strategies.
Preparedness remains a continuous priority for both City staff and the community. Internally, departments maintain Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP) to ensure that essential government functions can continue during an emergency. Externally, residents are encouraged to participate in preparedness activities, including Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training and annual outreach campaigns such as National Preparedness Month. These initiatives build community resilience and provide residents with the tools needed to protect themselves and their families.
Additionally, communication is critical during any emergency. The City utilizes a layered approach to reach residents quickly and effectively, including CodeRED emergency alerts, the City website, social media platforms, and coordination with local media outlets. During large-scale incidents, a Joint Information System may be activated to ensure that messaging is consistent across jurisdictions. Farmers Branch continues to expand bilingual communication tools and targeted outreach strategies to ensure that all residents receive timely and accurate information, including vulnerable populations who may face barriers to accessing traditional communication channels.
At the request of Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Roger Neal, staff will present on emergency management, collaboration with other jurisdictions, preparedness, and communication during an emergency or disaster. Staff will answer any questions the Council may have.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Presentation