Mesquite officials outline tornado, flood and sheltering guidance; urge three-day self-sufficiency and STEER registration

Mesquite emergency management staff used a Town Hall Tuesday presentation to walk residents through tornado and flood safety steps, explain how the city uses outdoor warning sirens, and encourage people with medical or mobility needs to register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEER).

Deputy City Manager Raymond Rivas opened the meeting and introduced Fire Chief Keith Hopkins and the city’s emergency management coordinator, Robert Sullivan. Sullivan led most of the presentation, describing the four phases of emergency management—mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery—and practical measures residents can take to reduce risk.

Sullivan told attendees, "Every time I leave these types of things I get to tell myself: alright, well 0.05% more prepared in the city of Mesquite," and emphasized residents are the community’s primary resource: "Nobody has a better knowledge base on how to take care of the city than all of you." He…