Fire chief urges unified ‘one voice’ messaging as Tamarac readies for hurricane season

Fire Chief Jonathan Fraser told the Tamarac City Commission on May 11 that hurricane season preparations are well underway and that the city will operate under an incident command structure when an emergency is declared.

“Everybody’s got a plan until they get punched in the mouth,” Fraser told the commission, urging officials to rely on the city’s incident command and public information office during a storm. He asked the commission to “empower the city manager” to request necessary emergency expenditures and to direct the city’s single public-information voice so residents receive consistent, verified instructions.

Fraser and the city’s emergency management staff described several immediate steps for community preparedness: a Code Red emergency notification sign-up, a new emergency website, outreach via Tamarac TV and CERT volunteers, and targeted communication to homeowners and homeowners’ associations.

Commissioners used the presentation to press for details about internal roles. Commissioner Patterson asked who would be designated as essential staff and how departments collaborate; staff said departments maintain continuity-of-operations plans and that Broward Sheriff’s Office conducts the rapid impact assessments after an event.

Vice Mayor Bolton asked how commissioners should use their social media channels. He said he will not simply reshare a single city post but would like the PIO to provide talking points and graphics that each commissioner can repackage for his or her audience. “If the idea is to put one message, one voice, but different graphic, that’s fine,” Bolton said, adding that some residents still rely on door hangers or flip phones.

On logistics, the commission heard that the city contracted a firm to provide sand, sandbags and staffing for distribution when activated. Staff also said building department procedures and pre‑storm inspections are used to secure construction sites.

The city attorney and staff discussed constraints on entering private property and proposed a consent agreement that property owners could sign to allow city crews to secure private property in their absence; the attorney noted that neighbors who help one another should also consider hold‑harmless agreements for liability protection.

Vice Mayor Bolton asked whether the permit fee for tree removal could be waived temporarily to encourage residents to cut dangerous trees before storms. Staff said a fee‑waiver resolution or ordinance could be prepared for a commission vote; the commission directed staff to return with options and timing.

Mayor Gomez closed the item after an hour and directed staff to return with more detailed materials, including exact program opening dates and clarified outreach materials for residents who do not use social media. The mayor emphasized that public safety is the top priority and that messaging must be inclusive for seniors and residents without smartphones.