The duties of the Emergency Management / Homeland Security Office includes, but are not limited to:

• Serving as the City's primary liaison for emergency preparedness issues
• Coordinating training programs and emergency operations drills
• Assisting City departments with emergency and mitigation plans
• Operating the Emergency Operations Center
• Serving as first responder to man-made or natural event of significant impact to the city
• Serving as the City's primary Homeland Security liaison

The Office of Emergency Management / Homeland Security invites you to be part of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. This program trains people to be better prepared to respond to disasters and other emergency situations. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community. Click here for more information about the CERT Program.

Every home and business should be prepared for natural disasters or other emergencies. Learn how you can be prepared at www.ready.gov.

Other Safety Tips:

• First Aid supplies should be updated regularly.
• Know current First Aid practices.
• Make plans with your neighbors to help each other--especially those that might need special assistance with movement or relocation.
• Never enter a disaster area. Should an emergency involve a family member who is away from home (such as school), let authorities deal with the situation.
• Cooperate with emergency and relief workers.
• Help well be on the way but everything cannot be done at once.
• You and your family may have to be totally independent for three or more days without any outside assistance.
• Read and practice materials distributed by Emergency Management and the American Red Cross. Related Links
• North Richland Hills Emergency Management can provide materials on planning and preparedness before disasters occur.

Stay Informed

• Use official information to make sound decisions.
• Listen to Weather Radio SAME broadcasts on special radios (tuned to 048439MHz in the North Richland Hills area).
• Broadcasters and cable-TV systems will use the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to relay official information.
• The Texas Department of Transportation highway displays will call attention to threatening conditions.
• Different disaster warnings are used.
• An Advisory is an early notice of a situation that could become important.
• A Watch is issued when conditions are right for significant events to develop
• A Warning is issued when immediate actions are required due to current events.
• Loudspeakers and local warning systems may be used in some buildings or neighborhoods.

Respond Appropriately

• Local government officials will issue official information when disasters threaten.
• They may ask you to shelter in place; secure your home as directed.
• Bring loose items indoors.
• Know to turn off your electricity, gas, and water service if needed
• If flooding is expected, sandbags from most fire stations can be used to keep water away from your home.
• During high winds, protect windows with shutters or keep blinds and drapes closed in case glass breaks.
• Do not use your phone except to report new events to 9-1-1.
• Disconnect and ground outside antennas during thunderstorms.
• Have a Safe Room prepared in your home with supplies and materials to allow you and your family to survive and recover if needed.
• Officials may ask for an evacuation.
• Leave the area and report to the assigned location.
• Take important papers with you.
• You will also need personal items such as prescriptions and comfort materials.
• Generally, food and bedding will be provided at the reception area.
• Follow traffic and travel instructions carefully.
• Pets cannot be brought into Shelter areas (Seeing Eye dogs are permitted).