FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2017
Branson City Hall to Host Open House with Flood Emergency Response & Preparedness Showcase
Branson, MO (May 12, 2017) – Branson emergency responders accompanied by numerous city staff members from all departments worked round the clock the last weekend of April to ensure Branson was ‘over-prepared and underwhelmed’ when significant amounts of rainfall poured over the region, flooding a few Branson parks and neighborhoods. The City of Branson’s focus on safeguarding the community and its infrastructure delayed the Local Government Week Open House that was scheduled to be held during that time. This event will now be held with a new focus on the emergency management strategies that were implemented to ensure citizens were safe and Branson was "Open for Business," an effective and successful demonstration of teamwork between Branson residents, businesses, agencies and across city departments.
The City of Branson invites community members to the rescheduled Open House event to be held on Tuesday, May 23 at City Hall, 4:00-6:00PM at 110 W. Maddux Street in Branson.
This event will showcase the work of every city department, highlighting how each contributed to the deployment of a successful flood management strategy. Featured at this event will be three educational mini-series focused on emergency management, incident preparedness and response, and public safety.
Branson Fire Chief Ted Martin will host the first session at 4:30PM in council chambers entitled “Ted Talks: Be Over-Prepared and Underwhelmed,” sharing resources to plan for a weather-related emergency, where to find timely and accurate information during weather incidents, and will also share the inner-workings of the Emergency Operations Center and the factors that must be considered when executing an effective emergency response strategy.
Branson Police Chief Stan Dobbins will also host a public safety session at 5:15 in council chambers. This session will focus on the role of law enforcement during a weather-related emergency, demonstrating the ways police work with emergency responders to alert and assist citizens during evacuation procedures, as well as patrol of evacuated neighborhoods to prevent crime and looting until residents are able to return to their homes after the water recedes.
Both sessions will highlight a variety of communications resources to help citizens and visitors stay informed during a weather-related incident or other crisis. There will be a drawing for a NOAA weather radio during the first seminar, and a variety of other door prizes throughout both sessions.
The Public Works department will showcase the new GIS Mapping tool with demonstrations of the impact of rising water at different elevations and at various gate flow rates from Tablerock Dam, and Jim Babcock will provide photos of historic flooding dating back to the 1800’s from the archives kept at the Centennial Museum. Additionally, the Utilities department will share the benefits of the new Aqua Dam that protected the Compton Drive wastewater treatment plant, share samples of the new pathogen-free biosolids drying process at Cooper Creek, and answer questions about the waterline upgrades and leak detection survey progress.
With sustainability being one of the City of Branson’s key values, there will also be an environment and recycling station where visitors can learn more about recycling, green initiatives throughout the community, energy conservation, and how citizens can become involved in the new ‘Mayors for Monarchs – Bringing Butterflies to Branson’ initiative. The Parks & Recreation department will have information about parks, trails and sporting events for Branson residents and visitors, and other departments including Human Resources, Finance, Legal and Planning & Development will be available to answer questions and share information from their areas of responsibility.
Children will enjoy the showcase of city vehicles, fire trucks, police cars and the CAN-AM, and meet TYGO, the Branson Police K-9 and his officer. Photo opportunities will also be available with Branson Mayor Karen Best and Board of Aldermen, Fire Chief Ted Martin, and Police Chief Stan Dobbins.
Opening ceremonies begin at 4:00PM with a welcome by Branson Mayor Karen Best, and the presentation of colors by the Honor Guard at the flagpole in front of the main entrance to City Hall. Attendees are invited to stay for the Board of Aldermen meeting that takes place at 7:00PM to learn how decisions are made by elected officials that affect the future of Branson. Refreshments will be served 4:00-6:00PM.
Be sure to join us to learn all of the ways the City of Branson promotes a foundation for Branson to be the best city in which to live, work, play....and visit!
Media inquiries related to this content may be directed to Jennifer Langford, City of Branson Communications Manager at JLangford@BransonMO.gov or by calling 417.337.0017.
Receive Updates Via Text/SMS and Branson Alerts
The City of Branson provides multiple options for residents and visitors to STAY INFORMED via multiple information resources:
- Receive updates via email or Text/SMS messages delivered to mobile devices by subscribing at: http://mo-branson.civicplus.com/list.aspx.
- Social Media – For up to date news and weather information throughout the City of Branson, follow social media updates posted on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/CityBranson, www.Facebook.com/BransonMOFireRescue, and www.Facebook.com/BransonPolice, or on Twitter at: @CityofBranson, @BransonMOFire, and @BransonPD.
- BransonALERTS is a free subscription service provided to all community members wherein users can select to receive updates via SMS/Text message to mobile devices, email, and automatic telephone calls. Visit http://mo-branson.civicplus.com/390/Branson-Alerts, then click the “Everbridge” option to get started.
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About the City of Branson, Missouri: Located in Southwest Missouri, the City of Branson is committed to its citizens and to those who visit here, to ensure a safe and environmentally sound community. We will work as a team to maintain and promote the growth of our City, and to provide professional, courteous service to all through fair and open communication. We look to tomorrow, remembering yesterday, dedicated to excellence today.