During Hurricane Harvey, Pearland Police and Fire weren't the only city service departments that were braving high water and rain to keep the city running: The Public Works Department worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that critical city infrastructure such as water production and wastewater treatment were protected and maintained throughout the disaster. Public Works employees also served on teams with Police and Fire employees that were responsible for high-water rescues and evacuations in the city. In the months following Harvey, the Public Works Department has taken numerous steps to be better prepared for the next disaster.Public Works employees have received Incident Command Structure training and participated in exercises offered by the Texas Public Works Association to handle disaster mitigation specific to the city's utility system. Following an extensive evaluation of the response to Harvey, the Public Works Department has developed preparedness plans and schedules for equipment procurement should a severe weather event threaten the area.In May, 2018 the American Public Works Association unveiled a new symbol to aid the public with identification of Public Works employees and recognize the critical services they provide to citizens. The National Public Works First Responder Symbol uses familiar colors-orange, black and white-and a design reminiscent of road construction, signs, safety cones and orange construction barrels.By displaying the symbol wherever appropriate, public works agencies can raise awareness among all citizens, government officials, and other first responders about the critical role public works plays in emergency management efforts. The Public Works Department aims to embody the First Responder mentality of action and purpose in everyday work and now employees proudly display the symbol on their uniform shirts.www.pearlandtx.gov/d epartments/public-wo rks