TRADING BLUE FOR PINK
FINDING A “NEW NORMAL” AFTER A DISASTER
Webster Emergency Management Specialist branches out to rebuild communities
When the clouds have lifted and the dust has settled, the impact of a natural disaster can linger for months or even years, something that Webster Emergency Management Specialist Dena Mahan knows firsthand.
With more than two decades of experience in disaster recovery, Mahan has helped communities rebuild from some of the most catastrophic storms in recent history, and her efforts stretch far beyond the Webster city limits.
In July, Mahan deployed to Travis County as part of the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s Incident Support Task Force, where she spent 12 days assisting local officials in the wake of the Texas Hill Country floods. Mahan says the work can take an emotional toll, but it’s vital.
“We look at it as outsiders as a whole event, but it’s everything to that family that lost somebody or that lost everything they owned. It’s a lot to go through with people,” Mahan says.
While deployed to Travis County, Mahan worked 12 hours each day photographing and documenting damage, which is necessary to obtain a FEMA public assistance declaration. She says that recovery in these situations is a long and arduous process, but finding a “new normal” can present opportunities for improvement.
“A lot of times it’s impossible to go back to what normal was. And sometimes that [new] normal is
better than what it started with. Sometimes disasters give you a chance to build better, and build higher, and build stronger.”
Over the years, Mahan has coordinated response efforts for Hurricanes Katrina, Harvey, and Beryl, and she stresses the importance of emergency readiness, because your efforts to prepare now could ease the road to recovery.
Before a storm strikes, she recommends gathering important documents, including your insurance information, and taking it with you if you evacuate. That way, you can start your claim as early as possible, even while you’re away from home.
Mahan adds that everyone needs to know their risk and their coverage, as well as the reputable sources where they can get the latest information on natural disasters and their aftermath, including Ready.Gov, FEMA, the American Red Cross, and City of Webster emergency alerts.
During her time in Texas Hill Country, Mahan was encouraged by seeing private citizens stepping in to help, with some volunteers bringing their own equipment to clear brush and debris.
“To see that makes you feel good about humanity again, because these are people that are complete strangers,” she says.
Here in Webster, Mahan encourages everyone to get to know their
Dena Mahan surveys flood damage in Travis County.
neighbors, especially those who might need help before, during, or after a storm. She says those connections can go a long way in helping everyone bounce back after a disaster.
“Communities that are tight like that recover so much faster, because they are there to help each other out.”
WEBSTER PD SPREADS AWARENESS & SUPPORT
Every October, Webster police officers can trade in their everyday badge for something a little more colorful – and with a lot of heart.
Officer David Torres is among the men and women in uniform who will be wearing a pink badge this month, honoring those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer, including two of his own loved ones: his mother-in-law who passed away in 1999, and his wife Deborah who was diagnosed in November of last year.
“Cancer is just everywhere. It has no discrimination whether you’re rich or poor. If you’ve got it, you’ve got it,” Officer Torres says.
Deborah Torres immediately scheduled a mammogram after discovering a lump last October, and a biopsy confirmed her diagnosis. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, early detection is key to a positive prognosis, and thanks to swift treatment, Deborah was later declared cancer-free.
Officer Torres previously served with the Galveston Police Department, where he wore a pink T-shirt under his uniform every October. Now he’s proud to wear the pink Webster PD badge, not only for his wife of 28 years, but also for fellow survivors in the community.
Ofcer
David Torres is proud to wear a pink police badge every October.
“When they see the pink badges, they get a little twinkle in their eye and they say, ‘Hey, thank you. My mother was a survivor, or passed, or my sibling or family member passed.’ And it’s nice to see the support, or bringing awareness to it.”
Statistics from the American Cancer Society indicate that one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Webster Police Chief Pete Bacon says it’s important to acknowledge the impact the disease has had on so many citizens and their families.
“The Webster Police Department proudly supports breast cancer survivors and stands in solidarity with all those affected by this life-altering disease. We recognize the strength and resilience of survivors, honor the memory of those we’ve lost, and reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness and supporting ongoing efforts to find a cure, not just for breast cancer but for all forms of cancer,” Chief Bacon says.
Knowing the facts can empower more people to take charge of their health, and it could help save a life. Take a look at these breast cancer statistics for a deeper understanding:
On average, a woman is diagnosed every 2 minutes in the U.S.
Approx. 15% of women diagnosed have a family history of breast cancer.
There are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
Halloween is almost here, and the Webster Police Department wants to make sure you and your children celebrate safely. Call Webster PD at 281-332-2426 if you see anything suspicious (or 911 in an emergency), and keep these tips in mind when trick-or-treating:
Be visible. Add reflective tape to costumes or candy buckets, or use glow sticks/flashlights.
Go with an adult, or in a large group, and stay together throughout the evening.
Only visit houses with porch lights on, and never enter a stranger’s home.
Inspect candy before eating. Throw out any unwrapped or suspicious candy.
Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in the street, especially between parked cars.
Check costumes for tripping hazards, and consider face paint instead of masks that can obstruct a child’s vision.
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK: OCTOBER 5TH -
The National Fire Protection Association has announced “Charge Into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries In Your Home” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week this year.
Many of the electronics in our homes, including smartphones, tablets, power/lawn tools, laptops, and toys are powered by lithium-ion batteries. If damaged or not used correctly, these batteries can explode or start a fire.
Here are some precautions you can take when using or disposing of lithium-ion batteries:
LiLo & Stitch
Friday, October 10th
7 p.m.
RSVP to WChappell@WebsterFD.com
Snacks provided, must bring your own chairs.
Buy only listed products:
Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the product and packaging to ensure it meets safety standards.
Charge devices safely:
Always use the cables that come with a product to charge it, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Unplug the device or remove the battery when it’s fully charged to avoid over-charging.
Charge your device on a hard surface. Charging on a pillow, bed, or couch could cause a fire.
Dispose of/recycle batteries responsibly:
Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins, as this could cause a fire. Scan the QR code to view drop-off locations in your area.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ IN WEBSTER?
Webster will host the City-Wide Clean-Up from Monday, October 6th through Friday, October 10th. The City will offer free residential curbside pick up of trash, furniture, appliances, tree limbs, and more.
Discarded items can also be dropped off at the Webster Public Works Service Center, located at 855 Magnolia Ave. Proof of Webster residency is required.
Residents are encouraged to hold garage sales on Saturday, October 4th. Any unwanted items can be placed on the curb for pick up the following week.
Items that will not be picked up:
CITY COUNCIL RECAP
• City Council voted to authorize the Mayor to execute a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (“PILOT”) agreement to ensure the City of Webster receives the equivalent of property taxes it will be owed as the BayPointe Apartments becomes a taxexempt property for affordable housing.
• City Council voted to hold a public hearing on the City of Webster Proposed Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
• City Council voted to accept the Investment Report for the quarter ending June 30, 2025.
• City Council voted to authorize Change Order 3 for costs of structural design services incurred by CSA Construction on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Aeration Improvements project for $113,606.00.
• Webster Police Chief Pete Bacon presented Lifesaving Awards to two citizens who saved a child from drowning in a pool.
• City Council approved the first of two readings of an ordinance amending the Flyway Planned Development Guidelines by removing the standards for electric vehicle charging stations and modifying the vision statement.
• City Council approved the first of two readings of an ordinance amending Chapter 98, “Zoning,” of the Code of Ordinances, to reduce redundancy, provide clarity, and ensure alignment with long-range planning objectives.
• City Council approved the first of two readings of an ordinance adopting and establishing charges for the provision of utility services, repealing other such fee schedules heretofore adopted by ordinance, resolution, or motion of the City Council.
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!
OCTOBER
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WEBSTER CITY COUNCIL
