HURRICANE PREP:
6 How Increased Staffing is Helping Webster FD Reach a New Milestone, PG. 3
HURRICANE PREP: SECURING HOMES & BUSINESSES
Now is the time to plan for securing your home or business during a hurricane. Refer to the numbers on the graphic below to learn how to protect your property in the event of a storm.
Trim trees and shrubs: Remove branches that could fall on your home or vehicle during high winds.
Reinforce your roof: Inspect roof for damage prior to a storm, and secure loose shingles.
Secure windows: Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows. If shutters aren’t an option, board up windows with plywood.
Bring in loose items: Take trash cans, outdoor furniture, flower pots, and other items indoors.
Prep doorways: Check seals around doors, and consider sandbags to help prevent flooding in your home.
Disaster Assistance from the Small Business Administration
Did you know that the Small Business Administration can help homeowners and renters in addition to business owners after a disaster?
SBA disaster loans can be used for losses not covered by insurance or funding from FEMA for personal and business properties.
If the SBA has issued a disaster declaration in your area, you can apply for physical damage loans, mitigation assistance, and funding to cover small business operating expenses.
For more information, visit www.SBA.gov
Create a plan for evacuation and communication.
Have an alternate power source for critical systems.
Move valuable equipment to elevated areas.
Anchor large items to walls, and seal documents in waterproof containers.
Verify your insurance coverage.
WEBSTER FIRE REACHES NEW MILESTONE
Lt. Luis Gonzalez brings 26 years of firefighting experience to his new role in Webster, having served 20 years in La Marque and 6 years in West University Place.
Lt. Gonzalez says his love of the outdoors, as well as his love of helping the community, makes firefighting a good fit for him.
“Just being out and meeting new people, and especially helping people when they’re not having a great day, I think that’s been a lot of the reward.”
Recently, the Webster Fire Department began operating a second-out fire apparatus, marking a new milestone.
The addition of a second apparatus will allow for more personnel and equipment on emergency scenes, and will give Webster FD the ability to respond to simultaneous calls for service and training opportunities.
The new staffing model was made possible by the City Council’s 2024-2025 budget approval of three additional firefighters added to the current fire operations staff.
Meet our new lieutenants filling these critical roles:
Lt. Lenard Bettis comes to Webster after serving nearly 17 years with the Beaumont Fire Department.
Lt. Bettis was inspired to become a firefighter by his father, who served as a volunteer fire chief. Now, he says he’s thrilled to be part of the family environment of Webster FD.
“All fires are the same, just different cities, different street names. It’s the people you work with...Your success is based on the people you work with, your crew. I feel like I’ve been welcomed more than I can imagine here.”
Lt. Jacob Galvan was recently promoted within the Webster Fire Department, where he got his start as a firefighter in January of 2021.
“Growing with the City has been a lot of fun for me. I didn’t want to go to a stepping stone department. I wanted to get ‘hired to retire’ somewhere that I saw myself spending my career.”
Lt. Galvan also serves as president of the Webster Professional Firefighters Association, volunteering in the community and bringing visibility to the department.
Lt. Lenard Bettis
Lt. Jacob Galvan
Lt. Luis Gonzalez
School is back in session this month, and the Webster Police Department wants to remind everyone of school bus safety, for both drivers and students.
BACK TO SCHOOL: BUS SAFETY
For Students:
Stand at least three steps away from the curb when waiting for the bus.
Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and the driver to signal it is safe to board.
Cross the street in front of the bus, not behind it.
For Drivers:
Slow down in school zones and near bus stops.
Follow at a safe distance, and be prepared for frequent stops.
Stop when red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.
Never pass a stopped school bus.
Watch for children getting on or off the bus.
The Webster After-School Enrichment Program is a free program that contributes to the success of students in 2nd – 5th grade by developing and strengthening basic learning skills, and providing homework time and interactive activities.
Registration begins August 13th 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Webster Recreation Center 311 Pennsylvania Ave.
Movie in the Park
Friday, August 22nd
Starting at 8:00 p.m. Texas Avenue Park 17100 N. Texas Avenue
Provide 1 inch of water by watering lawn for 5 minutes, 2x per week.
IMPROVE YOUR WATER EFFICIENCY
Summer heat increases irrigation water use, so let’s work together to make the most of our precious water supply! By adopting a few easy habits, you can lower your bill, save water, and help our community stay environmentally sustainable.
Check for ponding on nearby pavement for hose and sprinkler leaks.
Water lawns before 8 a.m. to reduce evaporation and ensure healthy plant roots.
Choose low-water, drought-friendly plants to cut irrigation needs.
The event was full of patriotic fun, food, music, and fireworks, and was made possible by the hard work of City employees across multiple departments. We can’t wait to see you there again next year! 1 2 3 4 5 6
Use drip or soaker hoses to target roots of trees and flower beds.
4th of July Recap
The City of Webster would like to thank everyone who attended our annual 4th of July Celebration at Texas Avenue Park!
Spread mulch around plants to keep soil moist and reduce need for watering.
CITY COUNCIL RECAP
• City Council voted to adopt an ordinance amending the zoning classification of properties in Trophy Park Plaza.
• City Council voted to approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a Master Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with OMNIA Partners, Public Sector, Inc.
• City Council voted to authorize the Police Department to issue purchase orders for three Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs, and to upfit the SUVs.
• City Council voted to approve a resolution determining public necessity to acquire easements for the Lift Station #14 replacement project.
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING, VISIT OUR WEBSITE BY SCANNING THE QR CODE!
AUGUST SEPTEMBER
WEBSTER CITY COUNCIL
