Mission Statement
The Office of Emergency Management’s mission is to preserve, maintain, or otherwise reconstitute the city government’s ability to carry out executive, legislative, and judicial processes when threatened by or following a major emergency or disaster. The department plays a primary role in identifying and mitigating hazards and prepares for, responds to, and manages the recovery from emergency situations that affect our community.
Vision
The Office of Emergency Management will strive to continually improve upon our comprehensive all hazards approach to emergency management. We will be prepared to mitigate, respond to, and recover from any hazard the community may face. This will be accomplished through a coordinated partnership between public, private, and nonprofit organizations in a manner which serves Garland, along with its resources, infrastructure, and interests.
Heat Stress Tips
The City of Garland Office of Emergency Management would like to offer the following tips, from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), for recognizing, evaluating, and controlling heat stress:
Drink cool water. Anyone working in a hot environment should drink cool water in small amounts frequently – one cup every 20 minutes. Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, and caffeinated soft drinks, which cause dehydration.
Dress appropriately. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and change clothing if it gets completely saturated. Use sunscreen and wear a hat when working outdoors.
Work in ventilated areas. All workplaces should have good general ventilation as well as spot cooling in work areas of high heat production. Good airflow increases the evaporation of sweat cooling the skin.
Get medical attention immediately if someone has one or more of the following symptoms: mental confusion, loss of consciousness, flushed face, hot or dry skin, or if they have stopped sweating.
Certain medical conditions such as heart conditions, diabetes, and some medications can increase the risk of injury from heat exposure. Employees with medical condition or those who take medications should ask their doctors before working in hot environments.
Stay Aware of what the weather is going to be like throughout the day. Remember that children and the elderly are more subject to heat stress.
June, July, and August are typically the hottest months in our area. Please be sure to take precautions to prevent heat emergencies during this time.