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MAY 2025

CALM BEFORE THE STORMS

SWIM SAFELY THIS SUMMER

As summer approaches and the weather heats up, more and more families will be cooling off in our local pools. However, this refreshing pastime could lead to tragedy if basic water safety guidelines aren’t followed.

“Water emergencies can happen in just seconds,” says Webster EMS Battalion Chief Brad Starkey.

Whether you’re swimming at home or in your community pool, Starkey says supervision is key. It can take less than 20 seconds for a child to go under, and an emergency can easily go unnoticed if no one is watching.

“Unlike what we often see in movies, drowning is usually silent and fast. There’s often no splashing or calling for help.”

Starkey adds that an adult needs to be focused solely on

watching the water, with no distractions. In group settings, adults can rotate “water watcher” duties every 15 to 20 minutes.

Caregivers should also know CPR, which can be lifesaving in those critical moments before emergency personnel arrive.

Another important factor in keeping kids safe in and around the water is enrolling them in age-appropriate swim lessons.

Kaitlin Keller, the General Manager of Goldfish Swim School in Webster, says children can start learning pool safety at just four months old, and there are basic techniques everyone should know.

“They should know how to float, and if they fall in, how to turn around, grab the side and climb out,” Keller says.

Physical barriers are also vital when it comes to limiting access to home pools, and Starkey recommends fences and alarms to keep kids out of the water when an adult is not present.

While floaties and inflatables may be a fun addition to your pool, Starkey says they are no substitute for close supervision or a life jacket, and they should not be relied on for safety.

Adults are also susceptible to water emergencies. Alcohol consumption, certain medical conditions, or simply overestimating one’s swimming abilities can lead to dangerous situations.

With awareness, supervision, and precautions in mind, families in Webster can beat the heat safely this summer.

THE 411 ON FLOATIES

Inflatables are a fun addition to your pool, but they are NOT life-saving devices.

Avoid relying on inflatable arm bands/water wings or inner tubes.

Look for life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard when buying personal flotation devices for children.

“Water

emergencies can happen in just seconds. Unlike what we often see in movies, drowning is usually silent and fast. There’s often no splashing or calling for help.”

-Webster EMS Battalion Chief Brad Starkey

Dry Drowning: Know the Signs

“Dry drowning” or “secondary drowning” refers to symptoms that can appear after a waterrelated incident. Dry drowning can occur when a small amount of water enters the lungs, causing inflammation and swelling. Seek medical attention if you notice the following symptoms:

HURRICANE READINESS: Season Starts June 1st

Build Your Hurricane Kit

Food: At least a several-day supply of non-perishable food

One gallon per person (and pets), per day, for several days

With the 2025 hurricane season on the horizon, Webster residents and business owners are encouraged to start planning now for the possibility of a natural disaster.

The Webster Emergency Operations Center recommends the following tips and resources to help you and your family stay safe in the event of a hurricane:

Know your evacuation route.

Have several ways to receive weather alerts. Monitor local news outlets and Webster Alerts for the latest information.

Start assembling a hurricane kit. Emergency planners recommend buying or gathering one item a week, rather than buying everything all at once.

If you or a loved one will need special healthcare or transportation assistance, register in advance for the STEAR (State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry) program.

Plan for your pets. Know which shelters or hotels accept pets, and have documentation and supplies on hand for each pet.

APRIL YARD OF THE MONTH WINNERS

The City’s annual landscaping contest is back, and we’re looking for the most beautiful yards in Webster!

From now through September, the City will look for landscape designs that really stand out... Think vibrant colors, textured foliage, and garden art for that extra wow-factor!

Winning homes will proudly display a Yard of the Month sign, and will be featured in the Webster Way. Both sides of Highway 3 will be judged together for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and honorable mention.

Public Works Week: May 18th- 24th

National Public Works Week is designed to educate the public about the impact of Public Works on their daily lives, and to celebrate dedicated Public Works professionals.

Here in Webster, our Public Works administration maintains and manages the City’s infrastructure, overseeing services such as parks, water and wastewater, drainage, solid waste and recycling, mosquito control, and animal control.

Public Works keeps our City beautiful, well-maintained, and running smoothly. Thank you, Public Works!

313 Hubert St.

Public Works crew planting on N. Kobayashi Rd.

Kingsgate Ln.

Slossen St. 626 W. Fork

512 Brad Ct. 427 Bartlett St.

515 Brad Ct. 18507 Kings Lynn St.

WHAT’S THE BUZZ IN WEBSTER?

Recipe

May 15th is National Chocolate Chip Day, and we want to help you celebrate deliciously. Enjoy this recipe from resident Rosalina Trujillo!

Easiest Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1/2 cup of butter (softened)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 10-ounce package Nestle Toll House dark chocolate morsels

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine all ingredients and place rolled dough on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Makes approximately two dozen cookies, depending on size.

Sexual Assault Prevention Month

During the April 1st City Council meeting, Mayor Donna Jasso presented a proclamation to Bay Area Turning Point, recognizing April as Sexual Assault Prevention Month. This initiative raises awareness about the impact of sexual assault, provides educational resources, and offers support to survivors of sexual assault in our area.

National Rescue Dog Day: May 20th

Scan the QR code for more info about adopting from Webster Humane Services!

CITY COUNCIL RECAP

• City Council conducted the first of two readings to amend Chapter 42 of the City’s Floods Ordinance, to prepare for participation in the federal Community Rating System (CRS).

• City Council voted to accept the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year that ended September 30, 2024.

• City Council accepted funds from a Homeland Security Grant Program for portable radios for the Fire Marshals Division and Webster Police Department.

• City Council voted to change a three-year Enterprise Agreement with Microsoft, upgrading the existing licensing for added cyber security.

• City Council voted to suspend the effective date proposed by CenterPoint Energy to increase rates. The proposed date of April 19th, 2025 is suspended for 45 days so the City can evaluate the data and calculations in CenterPoint’s rate application.

• City Council approved a resolution to cancel the unopposed General Election per state law, declaring unopposed candidates in the May 3rd General City Election elected to office.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE HELD 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!