Protect

“When you overhear from a Parkland doctor, ‘If I ever have a heart attack I hope I’m in Farmers Branch when it happens,’ you know you’re in capable hands with the FB Fire Department. Our Police Department is equally effective and highly visible. We have the deepest appreciation for the dedicated professionals we have looking out for us every hour of every day.”

– Ellen Toliver
Search

Now is the time to prepare a disaster plan. Include every member of the household in the plan, even pets. For families with young children, make plans for childcare in case parents cannot get home in an emergency. Should the family be separated during a disaster, designate an out-of-area contact person for family members to check in with, and make sure everyone has the correct phone number and address. Most importantly, assemble a family disaster supplies kit and keep a smaller family disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your vehicle.

Supplies for a family disaster kit can be kept in a plastic tub, small suitcase or other container, but should include the following:

  • First-aid kit and first-aid manual
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Battery-operated radio and batteries
  • Supply of prescription medications
  • Credit cards and cash
  • Photocopies of identification for each family member
  • An extra set of car and home keys
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Glasses or contact lenses and solution
  • One change of clothing and footwear and one blanket per person
  • Sanitation supplies such as toilet paper, soap, feminine supplies, diapers and plastic garbage bags
  • Three-day supply of water in plastic containers (one gallon of water per person per day)
  • Three-day supply of non-perishable foods (foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking)
  • Non-electric can opener

Severe Weather Links

Weather Links for Kids

NOAA Weather Radio

To obtain information on local severe weather, the Farmers Branch Fire Department recommends purchasing an NOAA Weather Radio with an alert feature that activates an alarm and turns on the radio when severe weather threatens the area. Since the radio alerts a broad area, the Fire Chief recommends purchasing a weather radio with the Specific Area Message Encoder (SAME) feature that allows listeners to program their radios to alert them only for the county or counties they are interested in.

For more information on how to prepare for severe weather, please contact the Farmers Branch Fire Department at 972.919.2640.