EDIE ZUVANICH Special to the Press
Rigs, workshop engulfed in flames Hutto Fire Rescue, also known as Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 3, responded to a fire on Little Elm Way on the north end of the city Saturday night. The conflagration involved three 18-wheelers and a workshop.
The Round Rock Fire Department helped battle the blaze, and together, the agencies kept the flames contained until they were extinguished.
No injuries were reported. “Our crews did a great job. We had a quick response to the location. Once we were there, we were able to manage our resources and extinguish with no injuries,” said Hutto Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Rob Bocanegra.
Emergency-alert system missing sign-ups Over 20% of Hutto residents are not signed up to receive emergency alerts on their cellphones, according to Martin Ritchey, director of homeland security for the Capital Area Council of Governments.
The director was in Hutto last week for the city’s proclamation of September as Emergency Preparedness Month.
Little bits of big news
“CAPCOG is a community of 10 counties. We work together to help support communications across the region,” Ritchey said. He added it was important to sign up for the alert system “so that you can be informed of tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding, things of that nature as well as local emergencies that the Fire Department and the Police Department and Emergency Management Department can notify you about.”
After the presentation of the proclamation, Mayor Mike Snyder reminded residents to have a 72-hour supply of water and food on hand in case of emergencies.
“The first 72 hours of food and water is really on you,” Snyder said. “Our first responders are going to be going out saving lives immediately. Getting roads open, infrastructure working. They can’t go in and make sure everybody has water and food.”
To sign up for the emergency- alert system, go to warncentraltexas. org.
Candlelight vigil planned for suicide prevention month September is National Suicide Prevention Month. At 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24, the city will hold a candlelight vigil at City Hall, 500 W. Live Oak St., for families that have endured the loss of a loved one by suicide.
Khila Coleman, victims’ assistance coordinator for the Hutto Police Department, thanked city leaders and first responders for their compassion in helping suicide victims and others affected by such losses.
“I want to thank them for handling the families with care and dignity and respect. I also want to take the opportunity to encourage each and every one of you to acknowledge the fact that suicide is happening,” Coleman said. “It is a mental-health issue. We prioritize mental health in our agency and our city. We want to make sure you understand there are resources available. Please reach out to us.”
She added the Police Department has a team member who specializes in victim support for families and that other resources are available for the community. Coleman said grief-loss counselors and support groups will be at the vigil in case anyone needs additional help.
“We’re just going to have a community opportunity, one hour for the community to come and surround those families with love and appreciation and respect, and we’re going to put those families in a position of power and let them know that we do have a community that is caring and supportive,” Coleman said.
Photo courtesy of Hutto Fire Rescue
Firefighters put out a fire in north Hutto Saturday night.
