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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, dep...
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