Hewitt Texas Community Preparedness
Individuals can make a difference in their own community by being prepared in
the case of an emergency. Our cities emergency firefighters, law enforcement
officers, EMT/paramedics, and other responders do an incredible job of keeping
us safe, but they cannot do it alone. We must all embrace our personal
responsibility to be prepared – in doing so; we contribute to the safety and
security of our communities as well.
If an emergency occurred tomorrow, would you be ready?
Preparing yourself and those in your care for emergencies and disasters, both
large scale and smaller local events is important. Emergencies can happen
unexpectedly to anyone. We’ve seen tornado outbreaks, river floods and flash
floods, and even water main breaks and power outages that impact
communities for days at a time. The most important step you can take in helping
your local responders is being able to take care of yourself and those in your
care for at least a short period of time following an incident; the more people
who are prepared, the quicker the community will recover.
You are not helpless in the face of an emergency. With just a few simple steps,
you can take action and be an example in your community.
Know your risk
Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. It is important to understand
potential risks where you live.
What you can do:
1. Bookmark weather.gov to stay informed on severe weather.
2. Learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts, messages that will be sent to your
phone during an emergency.
3. Get practical tips on preparing for disaster at ready.gov.
4. Visit cityofhewitt.com/emergency for local information.
Take action
Make sure that you and your family are prepared for an emergency. Ensure that
you can go for at least three days without electricity, water service, access to a
supermarket, or other local services.
What you can do:
1. Prepare a disaster supply kit with at least three days of food and water.
2. Create a Family Emergency Plan, so that your family knows how to
communicate during an emergency.
3. Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio.
4. Locally Sign up for Emergency Notification
The City of Hewitt partners with the Heart of Texas Council of Government
(HOTCOG) in a region-wide project which enables emergency responders to
alert the general public by sending mass telephone notices when danger
threatens.
This system provides a quick means of notifying Hewitt residents of dangers or
incidents that may cause harm to citizens or property.
This system also allows the ability to telephone all or targeted areas of the City in
case of an emergency situation that requires immediate action (such as a
missing child or evacuation notices).
The system's main purpose is to notify citizens or groups of citizens in emergency
situations; however the system has the ability to be used for non-emergency
notifications as well.
No one should automatically assume his or her phone number is included in
the ENS database. All businesses should register, as well as all individuals who
have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed their phone number or
address within the last year, and who use a cellular phone as their primary home
phone
The emergency notification system may be used for the following types of
Emergency Incidents:
• Utility outage
• Evacuation notice & routes
• Missing persons
• Fires or Floods
• Bomb threat
• Hostage situation
• Chemical spill or Gas leak
• Drinking Water Contamination
• Boil Water Notices
There is no charge to register your information in the ENS database. Register for
Emergency Notification
5. For local emergencies concerning your water such as a line breaks you
should contact the Water Department during regular working hours and
the Hewitt Police Department for after hours and weekend emergencies.
6. Warning Sirens:
The City of Hewitt is concerned about the safety of our citizens and visitors. Our
community is protected by an outdoor early warning siren system with 4 sirens to
alert the public in case of tornado or other emergencies.
When Will the Outdoor Warning Sirens Sound?
The City of Hewitt tests the sirens on the first Friday of each month at 10
a.m. If you hear the sirens at any other time, there is a possibility of a
weather-related or other emergency that could require you to take
precautions. For weather-related emergencies, the City of Hewitt will
activate the sirens during a tornado warning if a tornado is imminent.
What message is broadcast over the warning siren?
Message 1: A test of the Hewitt siren system will soon take place. Take no
action. This is only a test. The message ends with: This has been a test of
the Hewitt outdoor emergency warning system.
Message 2: Tornado warning – seek shelter immediately. When the threat
ends: All clear – the emergency is over.
Message 1 is used when the siren is being tested. The first dialog plays then
follows with the second when testing is complete.
Message 2 is used for a tornado warning when threat is near. The first
dialog plays then follows with the second when the threat is clear.
What Do I Do When I Hear An Early Warning Siren?
If you hear an early warning siren, take the following precautions:
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Seek shelter immediately.
Turn on your television or radio to a local channel and await
instructions.
In the event of a real emergency, the media will provide these
instructions.
What if a tornado is approaching?
The safest place to be during a tornado is underground. If you have
access to a basement or storm shelter, go there immediately.
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Stay away from doors and windows.
Move to a small interior room, like a bathroom or closet, or an interior
hallway.
Cover yourself with blankets to protect from flying debris
Remain in a safe place until the threat of tornado has passed.
What if I am in my car when I hear the siren?
Tornadoes can toss cars and trucks around like toys. Never try to outrun a
tornado. If you see a tornado, or hear a tornado warning issued on the
radio or by siren, get out of your vehicle and seek a safe structure or lie
down on your stomach in a low area with your hands covering the back
of your head and neck. Keep alert for flash floods if you are in a low-lying
area.
What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
A tornado watch simply means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to
develop. During a watch, be alert for changing weather and tune in to
your local radio and television weather reports. A tornado warning means
a tornado has been sighted in your area. If a tornado warning is issued,
seek shelter immediately. Don't wait until a siren sounds to decide what to
do.
For what other emergencies might the early warning sirens be activated?
The City of Hewitt may activate the sirens in the event of a hazardous
material spill that could require evacuation or sheltering in place. As with
a weather-related emergency, seek shelter immediately, turn on your
radio or television, and await instructions.
If instructed to shelter in place, locate a room with the fewest window or
door openings that is easy to seal off. Turn off the air conditioning or
heating unit, and seal openings with towels or blankets. Remain in place
until the threat has passed or you are asked to evacuate.
Be an example
Be a positive influence on your community by sharing your preparedness story.
Let your friends and family know that you’re prepared for an emergency – and
that they should be prepared too. Research has shown that many people won’t
prepare until they see others doing so.
What you can do:
1. Share your preparedness story on Facebook so that friends and family will
know what you’ll do in case of disaster.
2. Tell the world you’re prepared on Twitter using hashtag #NATLPREP.
3. Get involved with your local American Red Cross Chapter.
4. You don’t know when an emergency might occur. These simple steps will
help you be prepared for the worst.
Important Phone Numbers for Hewitt Residents
Emergency: Ambulance/Police/Fire
911
Hewitt City Hall
666‐6171
Hewitt Library
666‐2442
Hewitt Municipal Court
666‐1208
Hewitt Police Administration
666‐6272
Hewitt Water/Sewer
666‐3151
Utility Companies
Atmos Energy Gas Co.
1‐888‐286‐6700
Republic Services (Allied Waste)
1‐800‐860‐0123
TXU Energy
1‐800‐242‐9113
Electric company of your choice
Oncor Electric
www.powertochoose.com
1-888.313.4747