Title
Presentation to the City of Deer Park for the 2023 President’s Award by Emergency Management Association of Texas (EMAT).
Body
Summary:
2023 continued to present challenges to Emergency Managers in Texas. January 24, 2023 was not an ordinary day. Heavy rains and thunders storms were tracking through Southeast Texas. At around 2:30 pm a EF3 tornado tracked across SE Harris County causing significant damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. The Cities of Deer Park and Pasadena were impacted the most.
Both cities Emergency Management Offices coordinated with their departments to disseminate information through their notification and warning systems to alert the public. EOCs were activated and damage assessments began in the area.
Pasadena and Deer Park OEMs stayed in communication with each other to coordinate incoming resources and to communicate information that was consistent for the recovery operation. Working with local, state and federal partners damage assessments were conducted and a Disaster Assistance Center stood up withing three days to begin assisting residents in need. Debris operations began and unprecedented mutual aid was provided by other adjoining cities to assist in picking up debris and taking to temporary debris storage sites in Deer Park. Although no federal assistance was granted for IA or PA the cities continued to work with agencies and an SBA declaration was declared.
The cities continue to recover as homes have been rebuilt and business continue to open. This response is a great example of the importance of knowing your partners in advance and setting common priorities, goals and objectives to meet their community needs in a disaster.
Fiscal/Budgetary Impact:
N/A.
Recommended action
Accept the 2023 President’s Award from EMAT awarded to the City of Deer Park.