FIRE, STORMS & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, OH MY!
Fire! Fire! Fire!
A couple of years ago, while driving home from Decatur, I could see smoke billowing from the direction of my little town. As I got closer, I knew there was a problem. We were in a dry season and I live near the LBJ Grasslands, so I wasn't sure if what I was seeing was part of a controlled burn, or if there was a much more ominous explanation.
Soon, with the help of local television stations and Facebook, the reality came, that the Grasslands and surrounding areas were on fire, not from a controlled burn, but from some other source. Over the next few hours, I watched as ash sprinkled down on my very dry pasture and was grateful I lived in a metal home, but still concerned as to exactly what to do.
The end result was very scary, with over 500 acres burned, including some of the grasslands, a lot of damage, and a huge miracle. Firefighters from all over including state and local agencies, worked hard to save what they could, including a precious country church. Of course our property was not really very close to the fire, but watching the community and everyone come together, was just more confirmation that living in rural Texas, is really a blessing.
As a result of this effort, many of us in our community were introduced to Cody Powell, Wise County Emergency Management Coordinator, as well as other local fire officials, as they helped us understand the unique situations that take place during a fire in a rural area. Cody and some others gathered and informed us about what it takes to manage a large fire like that, and how we, as homeowners, landowners, and livestock owners need to prepare.
Many times, families move from a metropolitan area and are unaware of the circumstances that could be problematic when living in a rural area. While there is not room enough to explain in this email, there are a couple of things I want to mention:
* Keep the area around your house clean of debris, stacked wood, or other flammable items. If you have a lot of 'stuff' close to your home, it will probably be 'unsaveable.'
* Livestock in the way of a fire may be gathered and taken to a seperate location by the emergency officials. In order to retrieve it, you will have to have 'proof' they are yours. So keep your records close so you can claim your horses, cattle, etc. after the emergency is ended.
* Access to your property - if you happen to be in the way of the fire and you have a gate with a code, make sure you contact the local Sheriff's department and they can make a note of the code on your address to provide access to the property if you aren't home. This will enable all first responders to access your property quickly. Wise County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number is 940/627-5971.
While this is by no means an all-inclusive list, please make sure you are doing what you can to make it easier for the responders to do their job.
Control Burn on your property!
Also, if you wish to burn limbs or other items on your property, please take time to register your burn with the county. To check if we are in a Burn Ban and to log your burn, click on this link Wise County, TX. Learn before you burn!
To see and read the complete story of the Barclay Fire, go to Wise County grass fire burns through 500 acres | wfaa.com .
Spring Storms are Here!
We are also in the time when Spring Storms are rolling through. In Texas, it can be sunny one moment, then the sky grows dark and you are hiding in the bathtub praying the house is still standing. Make sure you know how to prepare for these storms. Here is a great article that will help you prepare.
Preparing for Spring Storms | PuroClean Restoration Specialists (purocleanmckinneyfrisco.com)
The biggest thing to remember when those storms roll through is to just stay safe. Don't stand outside looking and videoing those amazing cloud formations. Go to the innermost room of your house, with the fewest windows and wait it out. Take extra blankets if you need to and when it is over you can assess any potential damage.
Did you know you can register your storm shelter? If you have a storm shelter, make sure to register it with the EM Coordinator. The registration process offers a place for you to put vital information just in case you are 'blocked in' by debris. This may save your life! Here is a link to the registration site for Wise County Storm Shelter Registry | Wise County, TX. Check with your EM Coordinator if you live in a different area.
Emergency Management!
My husband and I lived in the metroplex for many, many years and never knew we even had Emergency Management. But here in Wise County, our Coordinator has provided a great website to give you some great information. Take a moment and visit the site and if you have any questions, give the EM office a call, they are a great resource for all Wise County Residents Office of Emergency Management | Wise County, TX.
Thank you to Cody Powell and his team for keeping us all safe!
A couple of years ago, while driving home from Decatur, I could see smoke billowing from the direction of my little town. As I got closer, I knew there was a problem. We were in a dry season and I live near the LBJ Grasslands, so I wasn't sure if what I was seeing was part of a controlled burn, or if there was a much more ominous explanation.
Soon, with the help of local television stations and Facebook, the reality came, that the Grasslands and surrounding areas were on fire, not from a controlled burn, but from some other source. Over the next few hours, I watched as ash sprinkled down on my very dry pasture and was grateful I lived in a metal home, but still concerned as to exactly what to do.
The end result was very scary, with over 500 acres burned, including some of the grasslands, a lot of damage, and a huge miracle. Firefighters from all over including state and local agencies, worked hard to save what they could, including a precious country church. Of course our property was not really very close to the fire, but watching the community and everyone come together, was just more confirmation that living in rural Texas, is really a blessing.
As a result of this effort, many of us in our community were introduced to Cody Powell, Wise County Emergency Management Coordinator, as well as other local fire officials, as they helped us understand the unique situations that take place during a fire in a rural area. Cody and some others gathered and informed us about what it takes to manage a large fire like that, and how we, as homeowners, landowners, and livestock owners need to prepare.
Many times, families move from a metropolitan area and are unaware of the circumstances that could be problematic when living in a rural area. While there is not room enough to explain in this email, there are a couple of things I want to mention:
* Keep the area around your house clean of debris, stacked wood, or other flammable items. If you have a lot of 'stuff' close to your home, it will probably be 'unsaveable.'
* Livestock in the way of a fire may be gathered and taken to a seperate location by the emergency officials. In order to retrieve it, you will have to have 'proof' they are yours. So keep your records close so you can claim your horses, cattle, etc. after the emergency is ended.
* Access to your property - if you happen to be in the way of the fire and you have a gate with a code, make sure you contact the local Sheriff's department and they can make a note of the code on your address to provide access to the property if you aren't home. This will enable all first responders to access your property quickly. Wise County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number is 940/627-5971.
While this is by no means an all-inclusive list, please make sure you are doing what you can to make it easier for the responders to do their job.
Control Burn on your property!
Also, if you wish to burn limbs or other items on your property, please take time to register your burn with the county. To check if we are in a Burn Ban and to log your burn, click on this link Wise County, TX. Learn before you burn!
To see and read the complete story of the Barclay Fire, go to Wise County grass fire burns through 500 acres | wfaa.com .
Spring Storms are Here!
We are also in the time when Spring Storms are rolling through. In Texas, it can be sunny one moment, then the sky grows dark and you are hiding in the bathtub praying the house is still standing. Make sure you know how to prepare for these storms. Here is a great article that will help you prepare.
Preparing for Spring Storms | PuroClean Restoration Specialists (purocleanmckinneyfrisco.com)
The biggest thing to remember when those storms roll through is to just stay safe. Don't stand outside looking and videoing those amazing cloud formations. Go to the innermost room of your house, with the fewest windows and wait it out. Take extra blankets if you need to and when it is over you can assess any potential damage.
Did you know you can register your storm shelter? If you have a storm shelter, make sure to register it with the EM Coordinator. The registration process offers a place for you to put vital information just in case you are 'blocked in' by debris. This may save your life! Here is a link to the registration site for Wise County Storm Shelter Registry | Wise County, TX. Check with your EM Coordinator if you live in a different area.
Emergency Management!
My husband and I lived in the metroplex for many, many years and never knew we even had Emergency Management. But here in Wise County, our Coordinator has provided a great website to give you some great information. Take a moment and visit the site and if you have any questions, give the EM office a call, they are a great resource for all Wise County Residents Office of Emergency Management | Wise County, TX.
Thank you to Cody Powell and his team for keeping us all safe!
Connecting you with Fun Happenings and Places!!!!!
Wise County Chamber of Commerce Presents Dinner with the Mayors - Thursday May 13th
(20+) Dinner with the Mayors | Facebook
Come learn about the growth and changes happening within Wise County from our Wise County Mayors. Open to the Public.
Sponsored By: First Financial Bank
Cost is $25 per person with registration by clicking on the FB link above. Tickets will not be available at the door. Includes dinner.
(20+) Dinner with the Mayors | Facebook
Come learn about the growth and changes happening within Wise County from our Wise County Mayors. Open to the Public.
Sponsored By: First Financial Bank
Cost is $25 per person with registration by clicking on the FB link above. Tickets will not be available at the door. Includes dinner.
Butterfield Stage Days Festival- Saturday May 8th
(20+) Butterfield Stage Days Festival | Facebook
This fun event will feature the IBCA BBQ Cook-Off, Live Entertainment, Food Trucks and so much more. Check out the FB page for more details.
(20+) Butterfield Stage Days Festival | Facebook
This fun event will feature the IBCA BBQ Cook-Off, Live Entertainment, Food Trucks and so much more. Check out the FB page for more details.