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Storms such as the one in Dallas this spring are a heady reminder of the need for emergency preparedness.
As an elected member of the Fort Worth City Council, I have a deep sense of duty to protect and serve the citizens of our vibrant, growing community. While we've been blessed to avoid major catastrophes in recent years, we can't become complacent. It's simply a matter of time before some crisis — whether natural or man-made — tests the mettle of our resilient city. That's why I'm committed to ensuring Fort Worth's leaders, first responders and residents are as prepared as possible for any potential emergency situation.
Michael D. Crain
I have tremendous admiration for the brave men and women of our police, fire and EMS departments who train tirelessly to respond when disaster strikes. Their dedication to protecting lives is unparalleled. However, effective crisis management requires a united front — our citizens and elected officials must also do our part to stay vigilant and ready to act.
That's why I recently attended Harvard Kennedy School’s “Leadership in Crises” seminar. Over an intense week, I learned from the nation's top minds by studying harrowing real-world cases to understand the critical decisions that mean the difference between harm and harm mitigation. We evaluated expected versus unexpected risks and how to adapt proven strategies to rapidly evolving crises. Every catastrophe tests a leader's ability to make tough calls under immense pressure while considering the psychological toll on all involved.
One key lesson was the necessity of regular citywide simulations to pressure-test our protocols. After discussing with the city manager, we realized it had been since 2019 that Fort Worth conducted an all-hands emergency drill involving every department as well as the mayor and council. That's too long—we need to bring everyone together again to identify vulnerabilities and refine our coordinated response.
Recent events have underscored the critical importance of emergency preparedness in Texas. Hurricane Beryl made landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast as a Category 1 hurricane, causing widespread damage, power outages affecting over a million people, and claiming at least two lives. The storm brought life-threatening storm surge, torrential rains, and powerful winds, leading to flash flooding and tornado warnings across eastern Texas. Meanwhile, the tragic Fourth of July shootings in Fort Worth further highlight the complex challenges facing public safety officials and the need for comprehensive crisis response measures that can address both natural disasters and human-caused emergencies simultaneously.
Thanks to this rigorous program, there's now a stronger foundation for leading our beloved city through even the darkest hours. The training I received has enhanced my ability to evaluate necessary actions, recognize when to pivot approaches and effectively communicate with and rally our resilient community. While we pray Fort Worth is spared from tragedy, we must remain vigilant and proactive.
By continuing to invest in elite crisis training for our leaders, conducting regular simulation drills and ensuring our first responders have the resources they need, we can face any challenge head-on. And I call on all Fort Worth residents to also do your part — visit fortworthtexas.gov/preparedness to create a family emergency plan and supply kit. Because when we prioritize preparedness at every level, we demonstrate the unbreakable spirit that makes Fort Worth so special.
Together, we will ensure our city remains strong, resilient, and ready to protect our friends, neighbors, and families when it matters most. Fort Worth is a community like no other, and no crisis will ever shake our united resolve.
Michael D. Crain is a member of the Fort Worth City Council, representing District 3.