Carrollton is the first city in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to put into service a Public Works Emergency Response Team (PWERT) trailer and has just completed outfitting the unit for immediate operation.

The trailer is a federally-funded asset of the 2016 State Homeland Security Grant Program and contains equipment and materials needed in severe weather, floods, and other disaster situations that require a public works response. The trailer can be used for cutting and clearing of debris, providing power and support to equipment in the field, and evacuating water from critical facilities.

Carrollton Public Works maintains the trailer in a climate-controlled facility at its Central Service Center (2711 Nimitz Drive) and readies the trailer for deployment when requested via a PWERT activation. The trailer is designed to be able to respond regionally and to be self-supporting in the field as much as possible during disaster situations. It is equipped with chainsaws, pole saws, cut-off saws, air compressors, water pumps, generators, barricades, an industrial wet/dry vacuum, appropriate personal protective equipment, and extra supplies.

“The North Central Texas PWERT trailer is hosted by the City of Carrollton to provide a locally housed response platform to assist with the prompt and efficient removal of storm debris and help provide access to first responders,” said John Crawford, Public Works Director.

The Public Works Emergency Response Team was created by and for local governments and operates on a voluntary quid pro quo basis. The team was first deployed during the April 2012 tornado outbreak and continues to grow to meet regional needs. The use of the trailer is coordinated by the City of Carrollton and PWERT leadership to provide public works assistance when an emergency or disaster overwhelms local resources.

“The addition of the PWERT trailer greatly enhances our ability to quickly begin response and recovery operations and aids others in the North Texas region when requested,” said Elliott Reep, Carrollton Emergency Management Coordinator.

Reep helps with coordinating deployments and mission assignments based on needs in the region and manages the inventory for grant control and reporting purposes.

For more information on Carrollton’s emergency preparedness visit cityofcarrollton.com/emergencymanagement.