HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 26-01 Adopting the 2025 Tarrant Co Hazard Mitigation Action Plan
Town of
Westlake
Jurisdictional Annex to the
Tarrant County Hazard Mitigation Plan
2025
EXHIBIT “A” RESOLUTION 26-01
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
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Town of Westlake i
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Planning Process Point of Contact ............................................................................................................ 1
Annex Organization ................................................................................................................................... 1
Hazard Mitigation Action Plan (HazMAP) Adoption .................................................................................. 1
Supporting Maps ....................................................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 2: Planning Process 7
Development and Adoption Process ......................................................................................................... 7
Organizing the Planning Effort .................................................................................................................. 7
Local Planning Team ............................................................................................................................. 7
Chapter 3: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment 9
Changes in Development since 2020 ........................................................................................................ 9
Community Profile ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Critical Infrastructure ............................................................................................................................... 10
Profiles of Natural Hazards ..................................................................................................................... 10
Geographic Area Affected ................................................................................................................... 11
Probability of Future Occurrence ......................................................................................................... 11
Drought .................................................................................................................................................... 13
Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Earthquake .............................................................................................................................................. 14
Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 14
Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 14
Expansive Soils ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 15
Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 15
Extreme Heat ........................................................................................................................................... 16
Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 16
Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 16
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Flooding ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 17
Flooding Associated with Dam Failure ................................................................................................ 19
Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program .................................................................... 19
Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 22
Thunderstorm .......................................................................................................................................... 23
Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 23
Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 23
Tornado ................................................................................................................................................... 24
Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 24
Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 24
Wildfire ..................................................................................................................................................... 25
Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 25
Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 25
Winter Storm ............................................................................................................................................ 26
Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 26
Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 26
Historical Events ...................................................................................................................................... 27
Overall Vulnerability ................................................................................................................................. 27
Chapter 4: Capabilities Assessment 28
Planning and Regulatory ......................................................................................................................... 28
Administrative and Technical .................................................................................................................. 29
Financial .................................................................................................................................................. 30
Education and Outreach .......................................................................................................................... 31
Opportunities to Expand and/or Improve Capabilities ............................................................................. 32
Chapter 5: Mitigation Strategy 33
Mitigation Goals ....................................................................................................................................... 33
2020 Action Items .................................................................................................................................... 33
New Mitigation Action Items .................................................................................................................... 41
Incorporating the Plan into Existing Planning Mechanisms .................................................................... 44
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Town of Westlake iii
Steps for Implementing This HazMAP into Local Plans ...................................................................... 44
Integration into Local Planning Mechanisms ....................................................................................... 44
Continued Public Involvement ............................................................................................................. 45
List of Figures
Figure 1: Development Activities Map of the Town of Westlake ................................................................... 2
Figure 2: Land Use Plan of the Town of Westlake ....................................................................................... 3
Figure 3: Parks and Open Space Plan of the Town of Westlake.................................................................. 4
Figure 4: Residential Subdivisions Map of the Town of Westlake ................................................................ 5
Figure 5: Planned Developments Map of the Town of Westlake .................................................................. 6
Figure 6: Location of Commonly Flooded Roads in the Town of Westlake ................................................ 18
List of Tables
Table 1: Town of Westlake Local Planning Team Members for the 2025 HazMAP ..................................... 8
Table 2: Town of Westlake Community Profile ............................................................................................. 9
Table 3: Critical Assets in the Town of Westlake ........................................................................................ 10
Table 4: Ranking of Hazards for the Town of Westlake ............................................................................. 10
Table 5: Extent Scale for Natural Hazards .................................................................................................. 12
Table 6: Drought Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake ........................................................................ 13
Table 7: Earthquake Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake ................................................................... 14
Table 8: Expansive Soils Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake ............................................................ 15
Table 9: Extreme Heat Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake ............................................................... 16
Table 10: Flooding Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake ..................................................................... 17
Table 11: Possible Flooding Areas in the Town of Westlake ...................................................................... 18
Table 12: Data for the Town of Westlake for the National Flood Insurance Program ................................ 20
Table 13: NFIP Floodplain Management Capabilities and Compliance ..................................................... 20
Table 14: Thunderstorm Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake ............................................................. 23
Table 15 Tornado Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake ....................................................................... 24
Table 16: Wildfire Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake ....................................................................... 25
Table 17: Winter Storm Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake .............................................................. 26
Table 18: Assessment of Planning and Regulatory Capabilities of the Town of Westlake ........................ 28
Table 19: Assessment of the Regulations and Ordinances Capabilities of the Town of Westlake ............ 28
Table 20: Assessment of the Administrative Capabilities of the Town of Westlake ................................... 29
Table 21: Assessment of the Technical Capabilities of the Town of Westlake .......................................... 29
Table 22: Assessment of the Financial Capabilities of the Town of Westlake ........................................... 30
Table 23: Assessment of the Education and Outreach Capabilities of the Town of Westlake ................... 31
Table 24: Capabilities that the Town of Westlake Could Expand or Improve ............................................. 32
Table 25: Status of Actions in the 2020 Plan of the Town of Westlake ...................................................... 33
Table 26: 2025 Mitigation Actions for the Town of Westlake ...................................................................... 42
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iv Town of Westlake
Table 27: Types of Plans That the Town of Westlake Can Use for Mitigation Actions ............................... 45
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Chapter 1: Introduction
Planning Process Point of Contact
The point of contact during the Tarrant County Hazard Mitigation Action Plan (HazMAP) planning process
for the Town of Westlake was the Emergency Management Coordinator.
Annex Organization
This annex has five chapters that satisfy the mitigation requirements in 44 CFR Part 201:
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Planning Process
• Chapter 3: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
• Chapter 4: Capabilities Assessment
• Chapter 5: Mitigation Strategy
The information in this annex is for the Town of Westlake alone. All pertinent information that is not
identified in this annex is identified in the other sections of this HazMAP or in the respective annexes.
Hazard Mitigation Action Plan (HazMAP) Adoption
Once the Tarrant County HazMAP has received the designation “Approved Pending Local Adoption” from
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Town of Westlake will take the HazMAP to the
Town Council for final public comment and local adoption. A copy of the resolution will be inserted into the
HazMAP and held on file at Tarrant County.
Supporting Maps
Figure 1 through Figure 5 are maps of the City of Westlake that show the City’s:
• Development Activities
• Land Use Plan
• Parks and Open Space Plan
• Residential Subdivisions
• Planned Developments
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2 Town of Westlake
Figure 1: Development Activities Map of the Town of Westlake
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Figure 2: Land Use Plan of the Town of Westlake
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4 Town of Westlake
Figure 3: Parks and Open Space Plan of the Town of Westlake
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Figure 4: Residential Subdivisions Map of the Town of Westlake
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6 Town of Westlake
Figure 5: Planned Developments Map of the Town of Westlake
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Chapter 2: Planning Process
(In compliance with 201.6(c)(1))
Development and Adoption Process
To apply for federal aid for technical assistance and post-disaster funding, local jurisdictions must comply
with Part 201.3 of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000), implemented in the Code of Federal
Regulations 44 CFR Part 201.6. While the Town of Westlake has historically implemented measures to
reduce vulnerability to some hazards, the passage of DMA 2000 helped Town officials recognize the
benefits of a long-term approach to hazard mitigation. This approach is achieved by gradual ly decreasing
hazard-associated impacts by implementing a hazard mitigation action plan (HazMAP). The city’s
involvement in the Tarrant County HazMAP represents the collective efforts of the Hazard Mitigation
Planning Team (HMPT), participating Local Planning Teams (LPTs), the public, and stakeholders.
The Town of Westlake developed this annex in accordance with Part 201.6(c)(5) of DMA 2000. The
HazMAP and this annex identify hazards and mechanisms to minimize damage associated with these
hazards.
Organizing the Planning Effort
A comprehensive approach was taken in developing the HazMAP. An open involvement process was
established for the public and all stakeholders, which provided an opportunity for everyone to be involved
in the planning process and to make their views known. The public meeting was advertised with notices in
the local newsletter and on social media.
Two teams worked simultaneously on this Tarrant County HazMAP:
1. Hazard Mitigation Planning Team (HMPT): This team consisted of points of contact from each
participating jurisdiction. The HMPT met to discuss county -wide topics, including hazards and
mitigation strategies. The points of contact were the leads of their LPT.
2. Local Planning Team (LPT): Each jurisdiction had an LPT that consisted of the Emergency
Management Coordinator for that jurisdiction and designated representatives from that jurisdiction.
This team met to assess capabilities, hazards, and mitigation strategies in the jurisdiction.
Local Planning Team
This annex to the Tarrant County HazMAP was developed by the Town of Westlake’s LPT. The efforts of
the LPT were led by the city’s Emergency Management Coordinator. The LPT was assembled in 2017
with representatives from the Town of Westlake.
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8 Town of Westlake
Table 1: Town of Westlake Local Planning Team Members for the 2025 HazMAP
Jurisdiction Agency/Organization Position Role in the Local
Planning Team
Town of
Westlake
Fire/Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) Department
Fire Chief/ Emergency
Management
Coordinator
General oversight, hazard
identification, and plan
development
Town of
Westlake
Fire/EMS Department Deputy Fire Chief Hazard identification and
plan development
Town of
Westlake
Public Works Department Public Works Director Hazard identification and
plan development
Town of
Westlake
Economic Development Assistant to Town
Manager
Hazard identification and
plan development
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Town of Westlake 9
Chapter 3: Hazard Identification and Risk
Assessment
(In compliance with 201.6(c)(2)(i), 201.6(c)(2)(ii), 201.6(c)(2)(ii)(A), 201.6(c)(2)(ii)(B), 201.6(c)(2)(ii)(C),
201.6(c)(2)(iii), and 201.6(c)(3)(ii))
The following information helped the Town of Westlake determine and prioritize mitigation action items to
reduce losses from identified hazards.
Changes in Development since 2020
(In compliance with 201.6(d)(3))
Increasing Vulnerability
New development in hazard-prone areas:
• There has been no development in hazard-prone areas since 2020.
Decreasing Vulnerability
Mitigation actions implemented to reduce risk or adopted codes to protect future development:
• There has been no changes in the mitigation actions completed since 2020.
• All 2021 ICC codes have been adopted in the last 5 years.
Community Profile
The following sections present the community profile, vulnerable facilities in the jurisdiction, and the
critical facilities and infrastructure that are exposed to the identified hazards and can be impacted. This
information was gathered from the United States Census and the Town of Westlake.
Table 2: Town of Westlake Community Profile1
Metric Information
Population 1,623
Persons 65 years and over 9.7%
Median Household Income $250,000+
Persons in Poverty 9.9%
Disabled Population 4.3%
Persons without health insurance coverage 4.6%
1 Quick Facts from the U.S. Census Bureau
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10 Town of Westlake
Critical Infrastructure
Critical infrastructure is the assets that a community considers vital to public health and safety. Due to the
sensitivity of these assets in the Town of Westlake, certain assets are restricted from public viewing. The
Town of Westlake currently has 6 assets identified. Some of the critical and vulnerable facilities listed in
Table 3: Critical Assets in the Town of Westlake are in the hazard area for all or some of the hazards
identified in the Town of Westlake.
Table 3: Critical Assets in the Town of Westlake
Facility/Asset Name
or Description and
Address
Type of
Assets
Capacity Square
Feet
Structure
Value
Content Value
Solana Business
Complex
Government/
Commercial
1,100 people 2,128,001 $259,959,403 $129,979,500
Westlake Water
Pump/Storage
Station
Utility 2 people N/A $4,000,000 $4,800,000
Fidelity Investments Commercial 4,500 people 3,054,288 $141,135,543 $70,567,500
Deloitte University Commercial 3,000 people 765,000 $139,130,626 $68,000,000
Westlake Fire
Station
Fire Rescue 20 people 4,500 $300,000 $4,500,000
Westlake Academy Primary/
Secondary
Charter
School
660 people 55,704 $8,132,000 $3,750,000
Profiles of Natural Hazards
The Town of Westlake’s LPT ranked potential hazards in order of risk, with Thunderstorm being the
highest (see Table 4). Risk, for the purposes of hazard mitigation planning, is the potential for damage or
loss created by the interaction of natural hazards with community assets. If a natural hazard could not
impact the Town of Westlake, not applicable (N/A) is used as its rank and its reasoning is noted in the
hazard profile section of this chapter.
Table 4: Ranking of Hazards for the Town of Westlake
Rank of Risk Score Geographic
Area Affected
Probability of
Future
Occurrence
Maximum
Probable Extent
Thunderstorm 1 Extensive Likely Major
Tornado 2 Limited Occasional Major
Wildfire 3 Significant Occasional Medium
Winter Storm 4 Extensive Occasional Minor
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Rank of Risk Score Geographic
Area Affected
Probability of
Future
Occurrence
Maximum
Probable Extent
Flooding 5 Negligible Unlikely Minor
Extreme Heat 6 Extensive Highly Likely Minor
Drought 7 Negligible Occasional Minor
Earthquake 8 Negligible Unlikely Minor
Expansive Soils 9 Negligible Unlikely Minor
The following terms are used to describe the geographic area affected, the probability of occurrence, and
the maximum probable extent.
Geographic Area Affected
• Negligible: Less than 10 percent of the planning area.
• Limited: 10 to 25 percent of the planning area.
• Significant: 25 to 75 percent of the planning area.
• Extensive: 75 to 100 percent of the planning area.
Probability of Future Occurrence
• Unlikely: Event possible in the next 10 years.
• Occasional: Event possible in the next 5 years.
• Likely: Event probable in the next 3 years.
• Highly Likely: Event probable in the next year.
MAXIMUM PROBABLE EXTENT
(Magnitude/Strength of Hazard using the extent scale in Table 5)
• Minor: Limited classification on scientific scale, slow speed of onset, or short duration of event.
• Medium: Moderate classification on scientific scale, moderate speed of onset, or moderate duration
of event.
• Major: Severe classification on scientific scale, fast speed of/immediate onset or long duration of
event.
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12 Town of Westlake
Table 5: Extent Scale for Natural Hazards
Hazard Minor Medium Major
Drought Presence-Sensing Device
Initiation (PDSI) -1.99 to
1.99+
PDSI -2.00 to -2.99 PDSI -3.00 to -5.00
Earthquake Mercalli Scale: I–V;
Richter Scale: 0–4.8
Mercalli Scale: VI–VII;
Richter Scale: 4.9–6.1
Mercalli Scale: VIII–XII;
Richter Scale: 6.2–8.1+
Expansive
Soils
EI Expansion Potential:
21–50 (Low);
0–21(Very Low)
EI Expansion Potential:
51–90 (Medium)
EI Expansion Potential:
91–130 (High)
>130 (Very High)
Flooding Outside of 100-yr and
500-yr flood zones, Zone
A, AE, X
500-yr flood zone, Zone X 100-yr flood zone, Zone AE
Extreme Heat Heat Index: 80°F–105°F Heat Index: 105°F–129°F Heat Index: >130°F
Thunderstorm Hail: H0–H4, 5–40mm;
Wind Force: 0–3;
Knots: <1–10
lightning activity level
(LAL): 1–2
Hail: H5–H6, 30–60mm;
Wind Force: 4–6;
Knots: 11–27;
LAL: 3–4
Hail: H7–H10, 50–>100mm;
Wind Force: 8–12;
Knots: 28–64+
LAL: 5–6;
Tornado EF0 EF1–EF2 EF3–EF5
Wildfire Keetch-Byram Drought
Index (KBDI): 0–200
KBDI: 200–400 KBDI: 600–800
Winter
Storms
Temperature: 40°F to
35°F
Wind chill 36°F to 17°F
Temperature: 30°F to
45°F;
Wind chill 25°F to -4°F
Temperature: 15°F to
-20°F;
Wind chill 7°F to -98°F
The full description of each of these hazards is in Section 3 of this HazMAP.
LOCATION
Drought, earthquakes, expansive soils, extreme heat, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and winter storms do
not have geographic boundaries and can impact the entire county, including all participating jurisdictions.
Wildfires can threaten rural and urban jurisdictions with undeveloped land. Flooding is a severe threat to
jurisdictions containing 100-year floodplains or bodies of water.
The following hazards are listed in alphabetical order and describe the location and extent of each
hazard, details of previous occurrences, probability data on future events, and vulnerability to each
hazard.
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Town of Westlake 13
Drought
Overview
The Town of Westlake receives its water supply from the City of Fort Worth and supplies it to homes and
businesses. There is a voluntary compliance in conjunction with the “Eye on Water” software.
Table 6: Drought Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake
Category Response
Risk Ranking 7
Geographic Area Affected Negligible
Probability of Future Occurrence Occasional
Maximum Probable Extent Minor
Potential Impact • Property damage Loss of water supply
• Increase in grassfire potential and intensity
• Negative impact on citizens, including water restrictions and
lack of drinkable water supply
• Impact on car washes, parks, and pools
Vulnerabilities There are no historical data for drought damage in the city. All
populations, economy, structures, improved property, critical
facilities and infrastructure, and the natural environment are
exposed to this hazard. Rises in water costs would affect the
population living below the poverty line.
Summary
The entire Town of Westlake is vulnerable to drought. Considering its historical frequency, there is a
significant chance of droughts occurring each year. Drought can affect people’s health and safety.
Examples of drought impacts on society include anxiety or depression about economic losses, conflicts
when there is not enough water, reduced incomes, fewer recreational activities, higher incidents of heat
stroke, and even loss of human life. Drought conditions can also provide a substantial increase in wildfire
risk. As plants and trees wither and die from a lack of precipitation, increased insect infestations, and
diseases—all associated with drought—they become fuel for wildfires.
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Earthquake
Overview
The Town of Westlake has experienced zero earthquakes in the past 20 years. However, there is still a
risk, and it would be catastrophic for all populations and assets in the community.
Table 7: Earthquake Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake
Category Response
Risk Ranking 8
Geographic Area Affected Negligible
Probability of Future Occurrence Unlikely
Maximum Probable Extent Minor
Potential Impact • Injury or death
• Property and infrastructure damage
• Water contamination or loss from broken pipes
• Transportation and communication disruption or damage
• Increase in traffic accidents
• Building collapse
• Natural gas leak Displaced residents
• Power outages
• Damage to the natural environment, including protected
species and critical habitats
Vulnerabilities The citizens of Westlake, property-commercial and residential,
critical facilities and infrastructure are all at risk in the event of a
large earthquake. Since earthquakes have not occurred in the
area, studies are needed to advise staff on the proper way to
protect the Town of Westlake.
Summary
The Town of Westlake could be subject to an earthquake, but none has been reported. A significant
earthquake event would cause a substantial loss of life and billions of dollars in damage to critical
infrastructure.
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Town of Westlake 15
Expansive Soils
Overview
Not much damage occurs to roadways in the Town of Westlake, so the Town does not spend much on
road repairs. Most road damage is due to breakdown over time.
Table 8: Expansive Soils Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake
Category Response
Risk Ranking 9
Geographic Area Affected Negligible
Probability of Future Occurrence Unlikely
Maximum Probable Extent Minor
Potential Impact • Property damage from foundation damage
• Water contamination or loss from broken pipes
• Building and infrastructure damage
• Road damage
• Transportation delays due to road condition
• Damage to utility lines
Vulnerabilities Because of the manner in which data for expansive soils are
collected, the exact amount of damage in the town was
unavailable, as only road data are available. Expansive soils are
a major consideration for all existing and future structures. All
populations, economy, structures, improved property, critical
facilities and infrastructure, and the natural environment are
exposed to this hazard.
Summary
The nature of expansive soils makes it difficult to predict the locations and the impacts that they might
have. The town has seen impacts on critical assets in the public infrastructure.
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Extreme Heat
Overview
Approximately 9.7% of the population of the Town of Westlake is 65 years old or older, and approximately
9.9% live below the poverty line. Individuals in vulnerable or underserved populations are not only more
likely to experience the effects of extreme temperatures , but they also are likely to be impacted to a
higher degree than their counterparts. In addition, various Town facilities have experienced heat-related
power failure, making critical facilities vulnerable.
Table 9: Extreme Heat Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake
Category Response
Risk Ranking 6
Geographic Area Affected Extensive
Probability of Future Occurrence Highly Likely
Maximum Probable Extent Minor
Potential Impact • Heatstroke or death.
› People should stay indoors to prevent heatstroke; elderly
people who cannot afford air-conditioning are at greatest
risk.
• Property damage
• Loss of water supply
• Increases grassfire potential and intensity
• Impact on logistics
• Power outages
• Road buckling
• Disruption in critical infrastructure operations
• Vehicle engine failure
Vulnerabilities While extreme heat pose a serious threat to any population,
issues with housing and mobility could make it difficult for the
elderly to seek shelter in response to such a threat. The elderly,
homeless, and outdoor laborers should take proper precautions.
People should stay indoors to prevent heatstroke; elderly people
who cannot afford air-conditioning are at greatest risk. Westlake
is an affluent community and does not have resident populations
who are vulnerable to extreme heat. The vulnerable populations
would include only daytime outdoor laborers (e.g., construction
and landscape laborers).
Summary
The Town of Westlake is vulnerable to extreme temperatures, affecting people ’s health and safety.
Therefore, it is essential to have proper measures in place to prevent critical structures from being
vulnerable to utility failure during extreme temperatures.
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Town of Westlake 17
Flooding
Overview
Since 2019, there have been no flash flooding events recorded by NOAA. However, flooding events still
cause public safety and transportation issues. The Town of West Lake has been undergoing a highway
expansion, and there have been two major flooding issues caused by construction debris blocking
culverts. As a result, Highway 170 (Alliance Gateway), which is six lanes across, was closed for 3 hours.
Table 10: Flooding Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake
Category Response
Risk Ranking 5
Geographic Area Affected Negligible
Probability of Future Occurrence Unlikely
Maximum Probable Extent Minor
Potential Impact • Loss of electricity
• Loss of, or contamination of, water supply Loss of property
• Structure and infrastructure damage – flooded structures and
eroded roads
• Displaced residents
• Snakes migrate and mosquitoes increase
• Fire – as a result of loss of water supply
• Debris in transportation paths
• Emergency response delays
• Disruption of traffic can lead to impacts on the economy.
• Damage to the natural environment, including protected
species and critical habitats
Vulnerabilities Based on historical data, flooding has caused zero injuries and
fatalities per year and is expected to have the same results in the
future. Commuters and any buildings in a floodplain are the most
at risk. All future development in the floodplain may be at risk. An
increase in population will likely increase the number of buildings
and infrastructure. New development in unincorporated areas
could occur in areas prone to flooding and increase vulnerabilities
and potential losses. However, most land use regulations require
the consideration of flooding during the development process.
• Names of creeks or rivers that flood: Marshall Branch, Higgins Branch, and Kirkwood Branch.
• Intersections or traffic routes impacted by flooding: Roanoke Road at Marshall Branch, J.T.
Ottinger Road at Marshall Branch, and Dove Road at Kirkwood Branch and Higgins Branch. See low-
water crossings below. These roads can flood.
• Low-Water Crossings: A low-water crossing provides a type of bridge when water flow is low. Under
high-flow conditions, water runs over the roadway and precludes vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
These crossings can be dangerous when flooded. Crossings are identified with a yellow dot.
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18 Town of Westlake
LOW -WATER CROSSING TYPES DEFINED
• Bridges are open-bottomed structures with elevated decks. They may be designed with one or
several piers. Low-water bridges generally have greater capacity and are able to pass higher flows
underneath the driving surface than most vented and unvented fords.
• Vented fords have a driving surface elevated above the streambed, with culverts (vents) that enable
low flows to pass beneath the roadbed. The vents can be one or more pipes, box culverts, or open -
bottomed arches. In streams carrying large amounts of debris, the driving surface over the vent may
be removable, permitting the debris to be cleared after a large flow event.
Figure 6: Location of Commonly Flooded Roads in the Town of Westlake
Table 11: Possible Flooding Areas in the Town of Westlake
Road Flooding Source Low-Water Crossing Type
2200 Highway 377 Marshall Branch Vented Ford
2000 Highway 377 Marshall Branch Vented Ford
1800 Highway 377 Marshall Branch Vented Ford
2400 Roanoke Road Marshall Branch Vented Ford
3600 Highway 170 Marshall Branch Vented Ford
2200 Roanoke Road Marshall Branch Vented Ford
2000 Roanoke Road Marshall Branch Vented Ford
1800 Roanoke Road Marshall Branch Vented Ford
3700 Thornton Drive Marshall Branch Non-vented Ford
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Town of Westlake 19
Road Flooding Source Low-Water Crossing Type
3200 J. T. Ottinger Road Marshall Branch Vented Ford
3100 J. T. Ottinger Road Marshall Branch Vented Ford
2300 J. T. Ottinger Road Marshall Branch Vented Ford
2800 Highway 114 Marshall Branch Bridge
2900 Dove Road Marshall Branch Vented Ford
2400 Dove Road Marshall Branch Vented Ford
2400 King Fisher Drive Marshall Branch Bridge
2100 Highway 114 Marshall Branch Vented Ford
2200 Capital Parkway Marshall Branch Vented Ford
2200 Destiny Way Marshall Branch Vented Ford
1300 Davis Boulevard Marshall Branch Vented Ford
1300 Post Oak Place Marshall Branch Bridge
1800 Placid Oaks Place Marshall Branch Vented Ford
1500 Meandering Drive Marshall Branch Vented Ford
1800 Lakeshore Drive Marshall Branch Bridge
1800 Dove Road Marshall Branch Vented Ford
1700 Dove Road Marshall Branch Vented Ford
1400 Solana Boulevard Kirkwood Branch Vented Ford
2000 Sam School Road Kirkwood Branch Vented Ford
1900 Sam School Road Kirkwood Branch Vented Ford
1400 Dove Road Higgins Branch Vented Ford
2000 Highway 114 Kirkwood Branch Vented Ford
Flooding Associated with Dam Failure
There are six dams monitored by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality within the Town of
Westlake. Information related to flooding risk associated with these dams can be found in Appendix C of
the Base Plan, titled Dam Profile Information. For homeland security purposes, this profile data is being
profiled together in a separate section.
Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program
Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is based on a voluntary agreement between
a community and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For communities that adopt a
floodplain management ordinance to reduce flood risks to new construction, federally backed flood
insurance is made available to property owners in the community. Compliance with the NFIP , however,
extends beyond mere participation in the program. NFIP has three basic components: (1) floodplain
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20 Town of Westlake
identification and mapping risk, (2) responsible floodplain management, and (3) flood insurance. The
Town of Westlake is a participant in the NFIP and provides details about the community and its
participation below. The following information was requested:
Table 12: Data for the Town of Westlake for the National Flood Insurance Program2
Category Response
Community Identification Number 480614#
Community Name Town of Westlake
County Tarrant and Denton Counties
Initial Flood Hazard Boundary Map Identified 12/10/76
Initial Flood Insurance Rate Map Identified 06/02/93
Current Effective Map Date 04/18/2011
Regular-Emergency Date 06/02/93
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) questions in Table 13 were answered to the best of the
Town of Westlake’s ability.
Table 13: NFIP Floodplain Management Capabilities and Compliance
Floodplain Management
Who is the floodplain manager? Is this their
primary or secondary role?
Fire Chief/ Emergency Management Coordinator
Does the floodplain manager have adequate
training and capacity or their role? If not, what
else is needed?
No
How does the community enforce its
floodplain rules? Does enforcement include
monitoring compliance and acting to correct
violations?
Ordinance
When was the community’s most recent
Community Assistance Visit (CAV)?
None
Were any violations noted on the community’s
most recent CAV?
NA
Is there an upcoming CAV? If no, is one
needed?
Unknown
When was the most recent floodplain
management ordinance adopted?
Unknown
Does your community participate in the
Community Rating System (CRS)? If so,
describe the steps the community has taken
to achieve the CRS goals.
No
2 http://www.fema.gov/cis/TX.html
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
Town of Westlake 21
Floodplain Management
Does the community’s floodplain management
ordinance include any higher standards? If so,
please list.
No
Who is responsible for permitting? Planning Department
How does the community issue development
permits in the special flood hazard area
(SFHA)?
Floodplain Development Permit, they need to do
some mitigation actions first.
Does the community maintain elevation
certificates?
Yes
Does the community track the number of
buildings in the special flood hazard area
(SFHA)? If yes, are there any trends?
Yes, and no identified trends
How many repetitive loss (RL) structures does
the community have? (List number and type of
structure)
0/Residential
How many severe repetitive loss (SRL)
structures does the community have? (List
number and type of structure)
0
Have any RL/SRL properties been mitigated
since the last plan update?
None
Who is responsible for making substantial
damage/substantial improvement
determinations?
Emergency Management Coordinator
How does the substantial damage/substantial
improvement process work in your
community?
Substantial damage: cost of restoring the structure
to its before damaged condition would equal or
exceed 50 percent of the market value of the
structure before damage occurred.
Substantial improvement: reconstruction,
rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a
structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50
percent of the market value of the structure before
“start of construction of the improvement.
Is there sufficient staff and training to make
substantial damage/substantial improvement
determinations?
No
How are substantial damage/substantial
improvement requirements messaged to the
public before and after an event?
When a building permit involves the floodplain, a
summary of the permit request is reviewed to
determine SD/SI. If applicable, we discuss this
with the applicant.
Have any substantially damaged/substantially
improved structures been mitigated since the
last plan update?
Not that we are aware.
How will the community remain in compliance
with the NFIP moving forward? (Simply stating
“the community will continue to comply with
the NFIP” will not meet FEMA’s planning
requirements.)
By maintaining the Town ordinances, continuing to
inform the public, maintaining and analyze
records, etc.
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
22 Town of Westlake
Floodplain Mapping
How does the community support map change
requests? This could be requests during the
Risk MAP process or through Letters of Map
Amendment or Revision.
For developments: we play an active role in
reviewing flood studies and ultimately sign the
Community Acknowledgement Form before it is
sent to FEMA.
When did the latest Flood Insurance Rate Map
(FIRM) become effective?
For a resident inquiring, we help educate on the
process they would need to take and forms they
need to fill out.
When was the latest FIRM adopted? For Town Projects: We contract with consultants
and are actively involved in reviewing plans/flood
studies.
Is the FIRM and Flood Insurance Study (FIS)
report in an accessible location? How would
the public get access to their flood map
information?
4/18/2011
Does the community use any Risk MAP
products? If so, describe.
04/18/2011
Does the community collect updated
floodplain data or modeling? Is this shared
with partners and with FEMA?
Not used yet
Flood Insurance and Outreach
How does the community educate the public
on floodplain management and the availability
of flood insurance, in and out of the
floodplain?
No
How does the community engage with
insurance agents on flood insurance?
Community engages directly with insurance
agents on flood insurance
Does the community (or state) have flood
hazard disclosure laws?
Texas has a number of laws that require flood
hazard disclosures for sellers, landlords, and
renters
How familiar is the public with their flood
insurance options?
Somewhat familiar
Are there any areas where flood insurance is
lacking?
Unknown
How many NFIP policies are in the
community? What is the total premium and
coverage?
Policies in force: 13
Insurance in force: $5,002,000
Written premium in force: $2,030
Summary
Residential, commercial, and public buildings and critical infrastructure, such as transportation, water,
energy, and communication systems, may be damaged or destroyed by flood waters. During a flood
event, chemicals and other hazardous substances may contaminate local bodies of water. Flooding kills
animals and, in general, disrupts the ecosystem.
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
Town of Westlake 23
Thunderstorm
Overview
In the Town of Westlake, damage from thunderstorms, and specifically hail, has caused thousands of
dollars’ worth of damage. Lightning is a challenge for residential homes. House fires caused by lightning
destroy about 1–3 homes a year.
Table 14: Thunderstorm Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake
Category Response
Risk Ranking 1
Geographic Area Affected Extensive
Probability of Future Occurrence Likely
Maximum Probable Extent Major
Potential Impact • Property damage to fences, vehicles, equipment, and roofs
• Transportation delays
• Injuries and deaths
• Debris from trees and damaged property
• Electrical grid problems
• Communication problems – phone and internet lines down
• Damage to the natural environment, including protected
species and critical habitats
Vulnerabilities Given the dynamic nature of thunderstorms, all populations,
economy, structures, improved property, critical facilities and
infrastructure, and the natural environment are exposed to this
hazard. While thunderstorms pose a serious threat to any
population, issues with mobility could make it difficult for the
elderly to evacuate ahead of such a threat or relocate after a
damaging hailstorm has occurred. In addition, power failures
could affect medical equipment needed by the elderly or
populations with functional and access needs.
Summary
The Town of Westlake is subject to severe weather hazards, including thunderstorms, wind, lightning, and
hail. Associated damage includes impacts on utilities, residential and commercial buildings/property, and
agricultural losses. High wind can cause trees to fall and cause injuries or death; lightning can lead to
house fires and serious injuries. Hail can cause injury and severe damage to homes and automobiles.
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
24 Town of Westlake
Tornado
Overview
There has been no reports of a tornado since 2020. There is limited vulnerability to Town facilities from
tornadoes.
Table 15 Tornado Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake
Category Response
Risk Ranking 2
Geographic Area Affected Limited
Probability of Future Occurrence Occasional
Maximum Probable Extent Major
Potential Impact • Injury or death
• Power outages
• Blocked roadways from trees
• Rerouting traffic
• Damaged or destroyed property and infrastructure
• Natural gas pipeline breaks – fire injuries, possible deaths
• Transportation disruption
• Displaced residents
• Damage to the natural environment, including protected
species and critical habitats
Vulnerabilities Tornadoes can impact the entire Town of Westlake. All existing
and future buildings, emergency facilities, critical facilities, critical
infrastructure, improved property, and the entire population of the
Town is exposed to this hazard. However, the Town of Westlake
has had no reported damage from tornadoes since 2020.
Summary
The entire population, all critical facilities, buildings (commercial and residential), and infrastructure are
vulnerable to tornadoes. While all assets are considered at risk from this hazard, a tornado would only
cause damage along its specific track. The weakest tornadoes, EF0, can cause minor roof damage, and
stronger tornadoes can destroy frame buildings and badly damage steel-reinforced concrete structures.
Given the strength of the wind impact and construction techniques, buildings are vulnerable to direct
impact, including potential destruction, from tornadoes and wind debris that tornadoes turn into missiles.
Structures constructed of light materials, such as mobile homes, are most susceptible to damage.
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
Town of Westlake 25
Wildfire
Overview
The most vulnerable locations are green space in the town and properties in the wildland–urban interface
are the most vulnerable to wildfires. Approximately 70% of Westlake is undeveloped land—primarily
grazing pasture. The areas of most concern are the fields along the roadways that have the greatest
chance of being in contact with an ignition source.
Table 16: Wildfire Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake
Category Response
Risk Ranking 3
Geographic Area Affected Significant
Probability of Future Occurrence Occasional
Maximum Probable Extent Medium
Potential Impact • Injury or death
• Property and fence damage
• Road closure
• Traffic accidents
• Loss of power – burning utility poles
• Loss of property
• Structure and infrastructure damage
• Displaced residents
• Loss of resources
• Damage to the natural environment, including protected
species and critical habitats
Vulnerabilities Given the dynamic nature of wildfires, all populations, economy,
structures, improved property, critical facilities and infrastructure,
and the natural environment in the town are exposed to this
hazard.
Approximately 70% of Westlake is undeveloped land, and there is
concern about areas that have the greatest chance of being in
contact with an ignition source.
Summary
The areas of most concern for wildfire are along Ash Creek, Walnut Creek, and around Eagle Mountain
Lake. These areas have rural–urban interfaces. Access to fight wildfires is often difficult because of thick
trees and undergrowth, semi-swampy terrain, and lack of roads.
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
26 Town of Westlake
Winter Storm
Overview
Bridges and overpasses can be impacted by a winter storm. Westlake has identified overpasses on
Highways 114,170, and 377 as areas of concern. Vehicle crashes are possible and there might be traffic
issues because drivers must slow down to navigate iced-over bridges. There would be a delay in
emergency response and an increase in life-safety concerns.
Table 17: Winter Storm Hazard Profile for the Town of Westlake
Category Response
Risk Ranking 4
Geographic Area Affected Extensive
Probability of Future Occurrence Occasional
Maximum Probable Extent Minor
Potential Impact • Structural damage Injuries or death
• Power outages
• Loss of ability to use roads for driving Increased traffic
accidents
• Loss of heat
• Stranded travelers/motels at full capacity
• Tree debris creates fuel load for fire hazard
• Delayed emergency response time
• Frozen/burst pipes leading to loss of water
• Disruption of traffic
• Impacts on the economy
• Reduced communications capabilities
Vulnerabilities Given the dynamic nature of winter storms, all populations,
economy, structures, improved property, critical facilities and
infrastructure, and the natural environment in the town are
exposed to this hazard.
Summary
The Town of Westlake is subject to extreme winter weather which can cause traffic issues due to having
to slow down to navigate iced over roads causing potential traffic accidents. Travel can be delayed and
cause longer response times for first responders.
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
Town of Westlake 27
Historical Events
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, no natural hazards have occurred in the
Town of Westlake since 2019, although the neighboring cities of Keller and Southlake have experienced
various events, including thunderstorms, flash flooding, and tornadoes.
Overall Vulnerability
The Town of Westlake identified the following as its greatest vulnerability and concern:
• Commuters and outside laborers are the most vulnerable to the damaging effects of all the identified
hazards. Westlake has current building standards; therefore, existing or future structures experience
minimal risk of thunderstorms, severe weather, and other natural hazards. In addition, most current
homes and facilities have installed lightning rods .
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
28 Town of Westlake
Chapter 4: Capabilities Assessment
(In compliance with 201.6(c)(3))
This capability assessment examines the city’s ability to implement and manage a comprehensive
mitigation strategy. The strengths, weaknesses, and resources of the jurisdiction are identified as a
means to develop an effective HazMAP. The capabilities identified in this assessment were evaluated
collectively to develop feasible recommendations to support the implementation of effective mitigation
activities.
To initiate this assessment, a questionnaire was distributed to the Town of Westlake’s LPT. It included
questions regarding existing plans, policies, and regulations that contribute to or hinder the ability to
implement hazard mitigation activities, including the following: planning and regulatory capabilities,
administrative and technical capabilities, financial capabilities, and education and outreach capabilities.
Planning and Regulatory
Planning and regulatory capabilities are the plans, policies, codes, and ordinances that prevent and
reduce the impacts of hazards.
Table 18: Assessment of Planning and Regulatory Capabilities of the Town of Westlake
Plan Does it address
hazards? (Y/N)
How can the plan be used to
implement mitigation actions?
When was it last
updated? When will
it be updated next?
Capital
Improvement Plan
Y Can help reduce risk and build
community resilience by
incorporating hazard mitigation
principles into the CIP projects.
Economic
Development Plan
Y Communication with local
businesses, providing them
resources and guidance.
Local Emergency
Operations Plan
Y Identifies capabilities and resources
available to implement actions.
Table 19: Assessment of the Regulations and Ordinances Capabilities of the Town of Westlake
Regulations and
Ordinances
Does this regulation/
ordinance effectively
reduce hazard impacts?
Is it adequately
administered
and enforced?
When was it last
updated? When will it be
updated next?
Building Code Y Y 2021
Flood Insurance Rate
Maps
Y Y 2011
Floodplain Ordinance Y Y
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
Town of Westlake 29
Regulations and
Ordinances
Does this regulation/
ordinance effectively
reduce hazard impacts?
Is it adequately
administered
and enforced?
When was it last
updated? When will it be
updated next?
Subdivision Ordinance Y Y
Zoning Ordinance Y Y Revised annually
Fire Department ISO Rating – 2 Y
Site Plan Review
Requirements
Y Y With all new development
Administrative and Technical
Administrative and technical capabilities include staff and their skills. They include tools that can help you
carry out mitigation actions. If you do not have local staff, consider how state and regional partners can
help.
Table 20: Assessment of the Administrative Capabilities of the Town of Westlake
Administrative Capability In Place?
(Y/N)
Is staffing
adequate?
Is staff trained
on hazards and
mitigation?
Is coordination
between
agencies and
staff effective?
Chief Building Official Y Y Y Y
Civil Engineer Y Y Y Y
Community Planner Y Y Y Y
Emergency Manager Y Y Y Y
Floodplain Administrator Y Y Y Y
Geographic Information System
(GIS) Coordinator
Y Y Y Y
Planning Commission Y Y Y Y
CERT (Community Emergency
Response Team)
N N N N
Active VOAD (Voluntary
Agencies Active in Disasters)
N N N N
Table 21: Assessment of the Technical Capabilities of the Town of Westlake
Technical Capability In Place?
(Y/N)
How has the capability
been used to assess/
mitigate risk in the past?
(Answer or N/A)
How can the capability
be used to assess/
mitigate risk in the
future?
Mitigation Grant Writing Y Funding source Funding source
Hazard Data and
Information
Y Hazard priority
determination
Hazard priority
determination
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
30 Town of Westlake
Technical Capability In Place?
(Y/N)
How has the capability
been used to assess/
mitigate risk in the past?
(Answer or N/A)
How can the capability
be used to assess/
mitigate risk in the
future?
GIS Y Hazard priority
determination
Hazard priority
determination
Warning Systems/ Services
(e.g., Reverse 911, outdoor
warning signals)
Y Y Outdoor warning system,
Reverse 911
Financial
Financial capabilities are the resources to fund mitigation actions. Talking about funding and financial
capabilities is important to determine what kinds of projects are feasible given their cost. Mitigation
actions, such as outreach programs have lower costs and often use staff time and existing budgets. Other
actions, such as earthquake retrofits, could require substantial funding from local, state, and federal
partners. Partnerships, including those willing to donate land, supplies, cash, or in-kind matches, can be
included.
Table 22: Assessment of the Financial Capabilities of the Town of Westlake
Funding Resource In Place? (Y/N) Has this funding
resource been
used in the past
and for what types
of activities?
Could this
resource be
used to fund
future mitigation
actions?
Can this be
used as the
local cost
match for a
federal grant?
Capital Improvement
Project (CIP)
Funding
Y Y – CIP projects
across departments
Y Y
General Funds Y Y Y Y
Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program
(HMGP/404)
Y Y Y N
Building Resilient
Infrastructure &
Communities (BRIC)
This is available
through the state
N Y N
Flood Mitigation
Assistance (FMA)
This is available
through the state
N Y N
Public Assistance
Mitigation (PA
Mitigation/406)
Available only
after federally
declared
disaster in our
county
N Y N
Community
Development Block
Grant (CDBG)
Y N Y N
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
Town of Westlake 31
Funding Resource In Place? (Y/N) Has this funding
resource been
used in the past
and for what types
of activities?
Could this
resource be
used to fund
future mitigation
actions?
Can this be
used as the
local cost
match for a
federal grant?
U.S. Army Corps
(USACE) Programs
N N N N
Property, Sales,
Income, or Special
Purpose Taxes
Y N Y Y
Stormwater Utility
Fee
Y N Y N
Fees for Water,
Sewer, Gas, or
Electric Services
Y N Y N
Impact Fees from
New Development
and Redevelopment
Y N Y N
General Obligation
or Special Purpose
Bonds
Y Y Tax Increment
Reinvestment
Zones
Y N
State-funded
Programs (Please
describe)
Y N Y N
Education and Outreach
Education and outreach capabilities are programs and methods that could communicate about and
encourage risk reduction. These programs may be run by a participant or a community -based partner.
Partners, especially those who work with underserved communities, can help identify additional education
and outreach capabilities.
Table 23: Assessment of the Education and Outreach Capabilities of the Town of Westlake
Education and Outreach Capability In Place?
(Y/N)
Does this resource
currently incorporate
hazard mitigation?
Notes
Hazard Awareness Campaigns (such
as Firewise, Storm Ready, Severe
Weather Awareness Week, School
Programs)
Y Y
Public Meetings/Events (Please
Describe)
Y Y
Emergency Management Listserv N N
Local News Y Y Website
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
32 Town of Westlake
Education and Outreach Capability In Place?
(Y/N)
Does this resource
currently incorporate
hazard mitigation?
Notes
Distributing Hard Copies of Notices Y Y Public libraries, door-
to-door outreach
Insurance Disclosures/Outreach Y Y Flood insurance
Organizations that Represent,
Advocate for, or Interact with
Underserved and Vulnerable
Communities
N N
Social Media (Please Describe) Y Y
Opportunities to Expand and/or Improve Capabilities
Actions that can expand and improve existing authorities, plans, policies, and resources for mitigation
include budgeting for mitigation actions, passing policies and procedures for mitigation actions, adopting
and implementing stricter mitigation regulations, approving mitigation updates, and making additions to
existing plans as new needs are recognized.
Table 24: Capabilities that the Town of Westlake Could Expand or Improve
Capability Opportunity to Expand and/or Improve
Planning and
Regulations
Continue to identify areas for improvement in ordinances
Administrative and
Technical
The ability to achieve our capabilities would be enhanced with additional staff,
more training, and additional equipment.
Full-time emergency manager to train and educate the responders and the
public would be beneficial.
Financial Additional capacity-building would require additional revenue, grant funding, or
free training.
Education and
Outreach
Increase awareness of the flood insurance program and ensure that we are
using all the tools we have to reach all populations (such as social media,
newsletters, water bills, handouts at Town facilities, public speaking events) on
all hazards, and create consistency in messaging by holding ourselves
accountable; increase accountability through regular monthly meetings of EM
and Communications to touch base.
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
Town of Westlake 33
Chapter 5: Mitigation Strategy
(In compliance with 201.6(c)(3)(i), 201.6(c)(3)(i), 201.6(c)(3)(ii), 201.6(c)(3)(iv), 201.6(c)(3)(iii), and
201.6(c)(4)(ii))
The mitigation strategy serves as the long-term blueprint for reducing the potential losses identified in the
risk assessment. The Stafford Act directs local mitigation plans to describe hazard mitigation action s and
establish a strategy to implement those actions.1 Therefore, all other requirements for a local mitigation
plan (or hazard mitigation action plan) lead to and support the mitigation strategy.
Mitigation Goals
The Tarrant County HMPT collectively reviewed the extensive list of mitigation goals of the 2020 HazMAP
and unanimously chose to streamline the mitigation goals for this update. Therefore, the new goals are to
protect life and reduce bodily harm from natural hazards, and to lessen the impacts of natural hazards on
property and the community through hazard mitigation.
2020 Action Items
The Town of Westlake’s action items in the 2020 Tarrant County HazMAP were determined by the 2020
LPT. Table 25 lists the action items from the 2020 plan and the status of each action.
Table 25: Status of Actions in the 2020 Plan of the Town of Westlake
Hazard(s) Addressed Earthquake, Thunderstorm, Tornadoes
Ensure the structure to serve as Fire Department/Training Facility/Emergency Operations
Center in the Town of Westlake is tornado-resistant and hail-resistant, to include but not
limited to, the installation of a safe room.
Participating Jurisdiction Town of Westlake
Priority: 1
Estimated Cost: $9,000,000
Estimated Benefit: $54,000,000
Potential Funding Source(s): Town funds, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Fire Department
Implementation Schedule: 24 months
Status: Completed
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34 Town of Westlake
Hazard(s) Addressed Drought, Earthquakes, Expansive Soils,
Extreme Heat, Flooding, Thunderstorms,
Tornadoes, Wildfire, Winter Storms
Provide the Public Works Department with a hardened facility/workshop for housing critical
equipment to mitigate the damage from the identified hazards.
Participating Jurisdiction Town of Westlake
Priority: 2
Estimated Cost: $2,000,000
Estimated Benefit: $12,000,000
Potential Funding Source(s): Town funds, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Public Works Department
Implementation Schedule: 24 months
Status: Carry forward to new plan.
Hazard(s) Addressed Winter Storms
Enhance sanding and de-icing capabilities with more equipment to mitigate the impact of winter
storms.
Participating Jurisdiction Town of Westlake
Priority: 3
Estimated Cost: $6,000
Estimated Benefit: $36,000
Potential Funding Source(s): Town funds, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Public Works Department
Implementation Schedule: 6 months
Status: Delete, not eligible.
Hazard(s) Addressed Thunderstorms
Implement lightning protection device standards (e.g., lightning rods) in building
codes/standards.
Participating Jurisdiction Town of Westlake
Priority: 4
Estimated Cost: $5,000
Estimated Benefit: $30,000
Potential Funding Source(s): Property owners, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Building Department
Implementation Schedule: 24 months
Status: Delete, only for residential not public
infrastructure.
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
Town of Westlake 35
Hazard(s) Addressed Earthquakes, Thunderstorms, Tornadoes
Implement standards for storm hardened construction or safe rooms into building
codes/standards for new and existing critical and vulnerable facilities.
Participating Jurisdiction Town of Westlake
Priority: 5
Estimated Cost: $6,000
Estimated Benefit: $36,000
Potential Funding Source(s): Town funds, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Building Department
Implementation Schedule: 24 months
Status: Delete; required for all new buildings
Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding
Review and enhance the Town of Westlake’s floodplain mitigation ordinances and policies as
needed.
Participating Jurisdiction Town of Westlake
Priority: 6
Estimated Cost: $4,500
Estimated Benefit: $27,000
Potential Funding Source(s): Town funds, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Public Works Department
Implementation Schedule: 24 months
Status: Carry forward
Hazard(s) Addressed Drought
Review Town of Westlake’s water conservation/drought contingency plan and update as
necessary to mitigate the effects of drought.
Participating Jurisdiction Town of Westlake
Priority: 7
Estimated Cost: $1,500
Estimated Benefit: $9,000
Potential Funding Source(s): Town funds, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Public Works Department
Implementation Schedule: 24 months
Status: Carry forward
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36 Town of Westlake
Hazard(s) Addressed Extreme Heat
Conduct a study to determine the feasibility of expanding monitoring of populations at risk of
extreme heat.
Participating Jurisdiction Town of Westlake
Priority: 8
Estimated Cost: $1,5000
Estimated Benefit: $9,000
Potential Funding Source(s): Town funds, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Office of Emergency Management
Implementation Schedule: 12 months
Status: Delete
Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding
Replace existing bridge at Ottinger Road, located between Westlake Cemetery and State
Highway 170. This bridge lies below historic flood levels and is regularly inundated.
Participating Jurisdiction Town of Westlake
Priority: 9
Estimated Cost: $350,000
Estimated Benefit: $2,100,000
Potential Funding Source(s): Town funds, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Public Works Department
Implementation Schedule: 12 months
Status: In progress, move forward.
Hazard(s) Addressed Drought, Earthquakes, Expansive Soils, Extreme
Heat, Flooding, Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Wildfire,
Winter Storms
Enforce latest edition of buildings codes.
Participating Jurisdiction Town of Westlake
Priority: 10
Estimated Cost: $1,500
Estimated Benefit: $9,000
Potential Funding Source(s): Town funds, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Building Department, Office of Emergency Management
Implementation Schedule: 36 months
Status: Completed
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
Town of Westlake 37
Hazard(s) Addressed Earthquakes
Conduct an earthquake risk assessment in the community using Hazus data and geographic
information system (GIS) mapping.
Participating Jurisdiction Town of Westlake
Priority: 11
Estimated Cost: $3,000
Estimated Benefit: $18,000
Potential Funding Source(s): Town funds, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Office of Emergency Management
Implementation Schedule: 12 months
Status: Delete; no longer needed.
Hazard(s) Addressed Drought, Earthquakes, Expansive Soils, Extreme
Heat, Flooding, Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Wildfire,
Winter Storms
Enhance existing public integrated outreach program, informing residents on hazard mitigation
measures related to the identified hazards.
Participating Jurisdiction Town of Westlake
Priority: 12
Estimated Cost: $1,500
Estimated Benefit: $9,000
Potential Funding Source(s): Town funds, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Office of Emergency Management
Implementation Schedule: 12 months
Status: Carry Forward
Hazard(s) Addressed Drought, Earthquakes, Expansive Soils, Extreme
Heat, Flooding, Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Wildfire,
Winter Storms
Implement an education program, separate from the public education for residents, to educate
construction contractors, homeowners, and business owners about mitigation techniques.
Participating Jurisdiction Town of Westlake
Priority: 13
Estimated Cost: $3,000
Estimated Benefit: $18,000
Potential Funding Source(s): Town funds, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Building Department, Office of Emergency Management
Implementation Schedule: 12 months
Status: Delete; no longer needed
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38 Town of Westlake
Hazard(s) Addressed Wildfire
Identify wildfire hazard areas, assess overall community vulnerability, and regulate development
in wildfire hazard areas.
Participating Jurisdiction Town of Westlake
Priority: 14
Estimated Cost: $3,000
Estimated Benefit: $18,000
Potential Funding Source(s): Town funds, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management
Implementation Schedule: 12 months
Status: Carry forward; change from “identify” to “monitor.”
Hazard(s) Addressed Drought, Earthquakes, Expansive Soils, Extreme Heat,
Flooding, Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Wildfire, Winter
Storms
Provide alternative power solutions to new and existing critical facilities and infrastructure, to
include the purchase and installation of generators.
Participating Jurisdiction Town of Westlake
Priority: 15
Estimated Cost: $20,000
Estimated Benefit: $120,000
Potential Funding Source(s): Town funds, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Office of Emergency Management
Implementation Schedule: 24 months
Status: Carry forward
Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding
Schedule a Community Assistance Visit (CAV) by FEMA or a state agency on behalf of FEMA to
ensure that the city is adequately enforcing its floodplain management regulations.
Participating Jurisdiction: Town of Westlake
Priority: 16
Estimated Cost: $1,000
Estimated Benefit: $6,000
Potential Funding Source(s): City general fund, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Office of Emergency Management
Implementation Schedule: 24 months
Status: Delete; no longer needed
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
Town of Westlake 39
Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding
Require that the floodplain administrator be certified.
Participating Jurisdiction: Town of Westlake
Priority: 17
Estimated Cost: $2,000
Estimated Benefit: $12,000
Potential Funding Source(s): City general fund, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Public Works Department
Implementation Schedule: 24 months
Status: Delete; no longer needed
Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding
Conduct NFIP community workshops to provide information and incentives for property owners
to acquire flood insurance.
Participating Jurisdiction: Town of Westlake
Priority: 18
Estimated Cost: $500
Estimated Benefit: $3,000
Potential Funding Source(s): City general fund, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Office of Emergency Management
Implementation Schedule: 24 months
Status: Delete; no longer needed
Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding
Remove existing structures from flood-prone areas to minimize future flood losses by acquiring
and demolishing or relocating structures from voluntary property owners and preserving land
subject to repetitive flooding.
Participating Jurisdiction: Town of Westlake
Priority: 19
Estimated Cost: $1,000,000
Estimated Benefit: $6,000,000
Potential Funding Source(s): City general fund, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Office of Emergency Management
Implementation Schedule: 24 months
Status: Delete; no longer needed
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
40 Town of Westlake
Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding
Use bioengineered bank stabilization techniques and revetments to protect against flooding.
Participating Jurisdiction: Town of Westlake
Priority: 20
Estimated Cost: $1,000,000
Estimated Benefit: $6,000,000
Potential Funding Source(s): City general fund, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Office of Emergency Management
Implementation Schedule: 24 months
Status: Delete; no longer needed
Hazard(s) Addressed Earthquakes, Thunderstorms, Tornadoes
Require construction of safe rooms in new schools, daycares, and nursing homes.
Participating Jurisdiction: Town of Westlake
Priority: 21
Estimated Cost: $1,000,000
Estimated Benefit: $6,000,000
Potential Funding Source(s): City general fund, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Office of Emergency Management
Implementation Schedule: 24 months
Status: Delete; no longer needed
Hazard(s) Addressed Wildfire
Promote conservation of open space or wildland–urban interface zones to separate developed
areas from high-hazard areas.
Participating Jurisdiction: Town of Westlake
Priority: 22
Estimated Cost: $100
Estimated Benefit: $600
Potential Funding Source(s): City general fund, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Office of Emergency Management
Implementation Schedule: 24 months
Status: Delete; no longer needed
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
Town of Westlake 41
Hazard(s) Addressed Flooding, Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Wildfire, Winter
Storms
To protect power lines, bury overhead power lines, ensure ordinances for proper vegetation
management practices, replace wood poles with steel or composite ones, and/or reinforce utility
poles with guy wires.
Participating Jurisdiction: Town of Westlake
Priority: 23
Estimated Cost: $300,000,000
Estimated Benefit: $1,200,000,000
Potential Funding Source(s): City general fund, hazard mitigation grants
Lead Agency/Department Responsible: Office of Emergency Management
Implementation Schedule: 24 months
Status: Delete; no longer needed
New Mitigation Action Items
The Town of Westlake’s action items were determined by the LPT for the 2025 HazMAP. These include
mitigation actions that qualify for mitigation funding and enforcement, maintenance, and response actions
that the Town has identified as opportunities to increase its resilience to hazards.
During the capabilities assessment and hazard analysis, previously impacted assets and populations
were analyzed to determine the highest probability of damage and potential loss of life per hazard. As $1
spent in mitigation saves a community an average of $6 in recovery,2 the LPT used these data to develop
a cost–benefit analysis: Estimated Cost × 6 = Estimated Benefit.
Priority will be assigned to projects with the greatest positive impact on community resilience, including
life safety and property protection. Table 26 lists the action items for this HazMAP.
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
42 Town of Westlake
Table 26: 2025 Mitigation Actions for the Town of Westlake
2025 Mitigation Action Hazard
Addressed
Priority Timeline Agency or
Dept
Responsible
Estimated
Cost
Estimated
Benefit
Funding Source
Provide the Public Works
Department with a hardened
facility/workshop for housing
critical equipment to mitigate
the damage from the
identified hazards.
All Hazards 1 24 months Public Works
Department
$2.0 Mil $12.0 mil Town funds, Hazard
Mitigation Grant
Program (HMGP)
Review and enhance the
Town of Westlake’s
floodplain mitigation
ordinances and policies as
needed.
Flooding 2 24 months Public Works
Department
$4,500 $27,000 Town funds, HMGP
Review Town of Westlake’s
water conservation/drought
contingency plan and
update as necessary to
mitigate the effects of
drought.
Drought 3 24 months Public Works
Department
$1,500 $9,000 Town funds, HMGP
Replace existing bridge at
Ottinger Road, located
between Westlake
Cemetery and State
Highway 170.
This bridge lies below
historic flood levels and is
regularly inundated.
Flooding 4 12 months Public Works
Department
$350,000 $2,100,000 Town funds, HMGP
Enhance existing public
integrated outreach
program, informing
residents on hazard
mitigation measures related
to the identified hazards.
All hazards 5 12 months Office of
Emergency
Management
$1,500 $9,000 Town funds, HMGP
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
Town of Westlake 43
2025 Mitigation Action Hazard
Addressed
Priority Timeline Agency or
Dept
Responsible
Estimated
Cost
Estimated
Benefit
Funding Source
Monitor wildfire hazard
areas, assess overall
community vulnerability, and
regulate development in
wildfire hazard areas.
Wildfire 6 12 months Fire
Department,
Office of
Emergency
Management
$3,000 $18,000 Town funds, HMGP
Provide alternative power
solutions to new and
existing critical facilities and
infrastructure, including the
purchase and installation of
generators.
All hazards 7 24 months Office of
Emergency
Management
$20,000 $120,000 Town funds, HMGP
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
44 Town of Westlake
Incorporating the Plan into Existing Planning Mechanisms
Based on Requirement 201.6(c)(4(ii) and the State of Texas Mitigation Plan, the vulnerability and
capabilities assessments for the town were carefully reviewed and considered when developing the
mitigation actions for this plan. The LPT will establish a process in which the mitigation strategy, goals,
objectives, and actions outlined in this plan will be incorporated into the existing local planning strategies.
Once the plan is adopted, the LPT will coordinate implementation with the responsible parties in the town
and external stakeholders as needed.
Steps for Implementing This HazMAP into Local Plans
• Change is proposed by an elected official or other interested party.
• The proposal is placed on the local agenda of the governing body.
• The agenda is published at least 10 days in advance of the meeting at which it will be discussed, so
members of the public have an opportunity to attend the discussion meeting. Publication may be
made by posting the agenda on the city’s website, in the Town newsletter, or on a public bulletin
board.
• The proposal is discussed at the public meeting, including any comments by members of the public
attendance.
• The proposal is voted on by the governing body.
• If the proposal is passed, the change is implemented by the appropriate local authority.
Integration into Local Planning Mechanisms
Incorporating the underlying principles of the HazMAP and its recommendations into other plans is a
highly effective and low-cost way to expand their influence. All plan participants will use existing methods
and programs to implement hazard mitigation actions where possible. As previously stated, mitigation is
most successful when it is incorporated into the day-to-day functions and priorities of government and
public service. This plan builds on the momentum developed through previous and related planning
efforts and mitigation programs, and it recommends implementing actions, where possible, through these
other program mechanisms. These existing mechanisms include:
• Regularity Capabilities
• Administrative Capabilities
• Fiscal Capabilities
Implementation and incorporation into existing planning mechanisms will be conducted by respective
planning authorities and will be done through the routine actions of:
• Monitoring other planning/program agendas;
• Attending other planning/program meetings;
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
Town of Westlake 45
• Participating in other planning processes; and
• Monitoring community budget meetings for other community program opportunities.
The successful implementation of this mitigation strategy will require constant and vigilant review of
existing plans and programs for coordination and multi -objective opportunities that promote a safe,
sustainable community. Regular efforts should be made to monitor the progress of mitigation actions
implemented through other planning mechanisms. Where appropriate, priority actions should be
incorporated into HazMAP updates. Existing planning mechanisms in which the HazMAP will be
integrated are listed in Table 27.
Table 27: Types of Plans That the Town of Westlake Can Use for Mitigation Actions
Type of Plan Department Responsible Integration Method
Capital
Improvement
Plan
Public Works Department When reviewing the Capital Improvement Plan, the
leadership team will review this HazMAP to see
which action items can be addressed in the fiscal
and administrative capabilities of the town.
Comprehensive
Plan
Town Administration The town staff will review development plans for
alignment with the Comprehensive Plan.
Although there are many possible benefits to integrating components of this HazMAP into other planning
mechanisms, the LPT considers this HazMAP, including development and maintenance, to be the
primary vehicle to ensure the implementation of local hazard mitigation actions. The successful
implementation of this mitigation strategy will require constant and vigilant review of existing plans and
programs for coordination and multi-objective opportunities that promote a safe, sustainable community.
Efforts should continuously be made to monitor the progress of mitigation actions implemented through
other planning mechanisms. Where appropriate, priority actions should be incorporated into Hazard
Mitigation Plan updates.
Continued Public Involvement
Continued public involvement is imperative to the overall success of the plan’s implementation. The
update process provides an opportunity to solicit participation from new and existing stakeholders,
publicize mitigation success stories, and seek additional public comment. The plan maintenance and
update process will include continued public and stakeholder involvement and input through attendance
at designated committee meetings, web postings, press releases to local media, and public hearings.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS FOR ANNUAL REVIEWS
The public will be notified through the Town website or any other publicly accessible social platform (e.g.,
local newspaper, Facebook, Twitter) well in advance of any public meetings or comment periods.
TARRANT COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION ACTION PLAN
46 Town of Westlake
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN FIVE -YEAR UPDATE S
When the LPT reconvenes for the five-year update, it will coordinate with all stakeholders participating in
the planning process—including those who joined the committee since the planning process began—to
update and revise the plan. In reconvening, the LPT will develop a plan for public involvement and will be
responsible for disseminating information through various media channels detailing the plan update
process. As part of this effort, public meetings will be held, and public comments will be solicited on the
plan update draft.
This completes the annex for the Town of Westlake. For additional information, see Appendices A and B.