May 3, 2019
Stay safe, be prepared for spring storms
Cleburne Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management know rain and thunderstorms are common this time of year and urge residents to be prepared before severe storms strike.

Severe storms can have multiple impacts to residents in their homes, drivers on their commute, or those outside with threats of high winds, hail, lightning, flooding, and more. Cleburne Fire Department says the best thing residents can do when severe weather is on the horizon is to be alert and aware of current weather conditions.

The City’s Office of Emergency Management provides the CivicReady software, which will text, call, and email emergency alerts to people that have signed up. Those interested can sign up on the City’s website.

Many people are already using cellphones and it helps to download a weather app, especially those from local news stations, which can text updates and alerts directly to your phone. Also having a weather radar app on phones can help people know where a storm is and where it’s moving.

“Having this information will allow you to better plan your commute because no one wants to be caught driving in a hail storm,” Assistant Fire Chief Keith Scarborough said. “Most times you can just wait 15–30 minutes for the storm to pass.”

The National Fire Protection Association offers several severe weather tips:

  • Develop and practice an evacuation plan ahead of a severe weather event. Include a plan for pets and add any transportation routes and destinations in the plan
  • Prepare an emergency supplies kit for both family members and pets ahead of time to take with you. Be prepared to evacuate when authorities tell you to do so
  • Stay out of flood waters, if possible, and do not drive into flooded areas. Even water only several inches deep can be dangerous. Turn around, don't drown
  • Always assume fallen power lines are energized. Stay away from the area and report any downed lines to authorities immediately
  • Unplug appliances and other electrical items, such as computers and televisions, to prevent damage from surges caused by lightning strikes
  • If you evacuated, do not return to your home until local authorities say it is safe
  • Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency
  • Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, firefighters will be able to find you
Christmas in Action Community Volunteer Day needs your help
Christmas in Action is hosting its volunteer workday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 4. The event invites Cleburnites to help those without the means to improve their homes and yards. Several of these project homes are part of the City's and CIA's HOPE Program, which helps residents in need meet property maintenance codes.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Cleburne on May 4
You're invited to the Cinco de Mayo Celebration from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, at Hulen Park. The event will have vendors, antojitos mexicanos, Cleburne ISD performances, and contest. There will also be an afternoon full of entertainment with Mariachi, Ballet Folklorico, dancing horses, and more. Bring your lawn chairs and coolers. The event is free to the public.

Residents can properly dispose of household hazardous waste
Cleburne residents can drop off materials from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at the Cleburne Conference Center, 1501 W. Henderson St.

Residents can properly dispose of household hazardous materials including acids, antifreeze, old gas (less than 10 gallons), oil filters, brake and transmission fluids, batteries, degreasers, fertilizers, unbroken fluorescent light bulbs, paints and stains, thinners, varnish and solvents, herbicides, pesticides, craft, photo, pool chemicals, and expired personal care products (like hairspray).

Learn how to stop the bleed, CPR from Cleburne Firefighters
The Cleburne Fire Department is offering three free Stop the Bleed and CPR classes from 9 a.m. to noon on May 11 at the Cleburne Conference Center, 1501 W. Henderson St. Sessions begin at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11 a.m.

The Stop the Bleed class will teach attendees how to use a commercial and improved tourniquet and how to pack wounds. The CPR class will teach an effective method that does not include mouth-to-mouth.
Pets of the Week - Lorenzo
This big furball is Lorenzo! This guy is a 1-2 year-old mastiff/shepherd mix. Lorenzo is a little shy at first but is super friendly and has the goofiest smile. He seems to do well with younger female dogs but is not a fan of other dominant dogs. Come and meet this big boy today!

City of Cleburne | 10 North Robinson Street | (817) 645-0900 | theburne@cleburne.net | Cleburne.net