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Vogt Engineering Celebrates National Bike Month

tmarascio@vogtentineering.com (Tiffany Marascio) — Fri, 17 May 2024 16:36:50 GMT

May is National Bike Month, but Vogt Engineering celebrates and encourages biking all year. Our team enjoys using our office bikes to get out and experience nature, taking advantage of our central location in The Woodlands Town Center.

About National Bike Month

National Bike Month, after many previous iterations, was officially established in 1956. Today, National Bike Month is sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists , which incorporates accessible ways to start biking by hosting smaller experiences such as National Bike to Work Week (usually held the third week of May), and Bike to Work Day (usually that Friday).

Health Benefits

According to the Harvard School of Public Health , biking can help “improve mental health by lowering stress levels and stimulating feel-good endorphins.” Other health benefits include:

improved cardiovascular fitness
stronger muscles
greater coordination and general mobility
reduced body fat

Vogt's Commitment to our Team and the Environment

One of Vogt Engineering’s major considerations when looking for an office was easily accessible trails for riding bikes and walking. We are fortunate to have found a great place to be with our great team of people.

Not only is biking and being outdoors good for mental and physical health, but we value working with the environment in everything we do. Although many civil engineering projects require earth movement, Vogt is committed to finding solutions that complement the natural surroundings of the site.

Get Involved

There are many local entities that organize Bike Month events, including The Woodlands, Harris County Precinct 3 (at Burroughs Park), and more.

Vogt Engineering Supports Pride Month

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 15:01:32 GMT

When hate is loud, love should be louder

Vogt Engineering was disheartened by the hateful comments posted online in response to The Woodlands Pride advertisement of their inaugural Summit earlier this month. We, at Vogt Engineering, believe that everyone has intrinsic value. We respect everyone, regardless of race, religion, color, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran’s status, disability, or neurology. No longer can we remain a silent ally. The voices of support must outweigh the voices of hate.

Pride month is celebrated annually in June. The word 'pride' is an integral cultural concept within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex (LGBTQI) community, representing solidarity, collectivity, and identity as well as resistance to discrimination and violence.

The Library of Congress explains, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. In the United States the last Sunday in June was initially celebrated as "Gay Pride Day," but the actual day was flexible. In major cities across the nation the "day" soon grew to encompass a month-long series of events. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

Locally, we are fortunate enough to celebrate Pride month alongside The Woodlands Pride. The Woodlands Pride is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect, celebrate, educate and foster relationships in the LGBTQIA community while promoting equality, unity, and love in The Woodlands and beyond.

Recently, Vogt Engineering attended the Talking With Pride Summit hosted by The Woodlands Pride. The event featured speakers from across the greater Houston area who were discussing topics from small business support to advocacy pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community. We walked away with the desire to see more businesses in attendance. Why? Because Vogt Engineering learned how to better support the LGBTQ+ community after hearing about their unique experiences. The business world should strive to hear and understand the different lens in order to be more welcoming and understanding.

Join Vogt Engineering in advocating for equity in our LGBTQIA community. The conversations we have with friends, colleagues, and strangers are conversations that not only create change but also create safe spaces for those whom we don’t know need a safe space.

To show your support for the LGBTQIA+ community, you can:

Follow The Woodlands Pride on their social media accounts
Be a vocal ally
Join them on October 21, 2023 for the Pride Festival in The Woodlands

Safety Saturday: Forklift Safety

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 22:25:53 GMT

This year celebrates the 10 ^th anniversary of National Forklift Safety Day! The day is observed on the second Tuesday in June each year and is an initiative by the Industrial Truck Association to promote safe forklift use and the importance of operator training. According to the National Safety Council, forklifts were the source of 70 work-related deaths in 2021 and 7,290 nonfatal injuries involving days away from work in 2020. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that over 70% of these accidents were preventable. National Forklift Safety Day is committed to the safety of those who work around forklifts, emphasizing operator training to reduce worker injuries and fatalities.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, nearly 20,000 workers are seriously injured in forklift-related incidents annually. Statistically, that means one of every ten forklifts in the US will be involved in an accident every year.

Forklift safety is greatly encouraged to prevent these dangers from happening in the workplace.

Only trained and certified workers should operate a forklift.
Always operate the vehicle according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Always wear a seatbelt when the forklift has one.
Keep your arms, legs, head, and feet inside the forklift when driving.
Never drive with the forks up.
Remove from service any forklift found to be in unsafe operating condition.
Do not carry an unbalanced load, nor exceed the rated load.
Use proper lockout/tagout procedures when forklifts are not in use.
Follow the Halo Rule.
Use a Spotter when possible.

The industrial truck manufacturing sector has been an important and active part of the American economy for 100 years. Texas is a state where industrial truck firms have generated one of the highest economic impacts, nearly $2.7 Billion. We can continue to be safe and free from injury by following these tips and by encouraging workers to stay abreast of forklift operator training.

Safety Saturday: Motorcycle Awareness

Sat, 27 May 2023 16:34:49 GMT

As the warmer season revs up, drivers are now more likely to be sharing the road with motorcycles. Motorcycle Awareness Month is observed in May and is a good time to remind drivers to take extra care while sharing the road.

Agencies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the National Safety Council, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) come together to remind vehicle drivers and motorists that safe driving and riding practices plus cooperation from all road users will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our nation's highways.

Did you know more than half of fatal motorcycle crashes result from collisions with other vehicles? Because of its small size, motorcycles can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots or masked by objects such as bushes or fences while at an intersection. Furthermore, the combination of congested roadways and distracted driving increase the difficulty of seeing motorcycles in traffic. These factors have led to many preventable fatalities each year.

On average, more than one motorcyclist is killed on Texas roads every day . In 2022, 562 motorcycle riders were killed in motor vehicle crashes, an 8% increase over the previous year. And another 2,422 people were seriously injured.

TxDOT’s annual safety campaign "Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles" aims to protect motorcyclists by

educating drivers on how to safely share the road. Below are a few safety precautions all motorists should

keep in mind to help prevent motorcycle crashes:

Stay alert. Give driving your full attention. Even a momentary distraction, such as answering a phone

call or changing the radio station, can have deadly consequences.

Pay special attention at intersections. One-third of all motorcycle fatalities happen

at roadway intersections.

Take extra care when making a left turn. Always assume motorcycles are closer than they

appear and avoid turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle.

Look twice when changing lanes. Check mirrors, check blind spots, and always use turn signals.

Following these safety tips can help save lives and reduce injuries on our Texas roads.

Safety Saturday: Stress Awareness

Sat, 29 Apr 2023 11:45:00 GMT

Can stress be a safety hazard? Yes! Stress is a common workplace concern that can lead to health and safety risks. While occasional stress poses little harm, prolonged stress affects the entire body and can negatively impact your well-being. Too much stress can take a toll and lead to accidents and injuries. This Safety Saturday will bring attention to the impact of stress and offer tips on managing stress.

Symptoms

There are many contributors to stress, whether it be in the workplace or not. Common causes of workplace stress include large workloads, high performance demands, or unstable work environments. The work-life balance is another major contributor to stress. Many people have difficulty separating work from home, particularly those who work from home.

Stress can manifest as physical health problems such as migraines, grinding teeth during sleep, eye-twitching, stomach aches, and heart problems. Stress can also increase the risk of job burnout, anxiety, depression, insomnia, hypertension, and frequent illnesses.

Stress Management

After polling the staff at Vogt Engineering, here are some of the ways our team manage stress: meditating, taking a walk and breathing in the fresh air, maintaining an optimal environment using temperature and lighting controls, listening to calming music, and squeezing a stress ball.

Additionally, the National Safety Council offers these tips to manage stress:

• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet starting with breakfast and get a good night’s sleep.

• Volunteer time and services; doing something for others can help a person forget their own problems and increase self-esteem.

• Keep moving! Studies show that exercising for 30 minutes a day reduces stress.

• Learn to express your feelings via hobbies such as journaling, gardening, and art.

• Determine the source of the stress; remove the stressor or try new coping strategies. If the stress can’t be removed from your life, learn to cope by developing a systematic and rational way of thinking through the situation.

• Seek professional help.

Stress in our lives is inevitable - we can only control how we manage that stress. Stress can impact your outlook on life, your relationships, and your performance in the workplace. Know it is never too late to form healthy habits. Making slight adjustments to manage your stress is crucial to staying safe while working and taking care of your physical and mental health.

Vogt Engineering Supports Montgomery County Food Bank

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 21:22:43 GMT

Fighting Hunger. Feeding Hope.

Food insecurity is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture as the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods. It is a condition of not having access to sufficient food or food of an adequate quality to live a healthy life. To learn more about food insecurity throughout the nation, Feeding America has an interactive map on their website. The Map the Meal Gap shows that food insecurity exists in every county and congressional district in the U.S.

Montgomery County Food Bank envisions a community where everyone has access to sufficient, nutritious food. Their mission is to unite the community to fight hunger. Did you know one in four children are food insecure in Montgomery County?

Each month, Montgomery County Food Bank serves children, seniors, and families in our area. In 2022, the food bank was able to serve an average of 65,000+ individuals each month. This was an increase of nearly 10,000 individuals monthly compared to 2021.

Astonishingly, the Montgomery County Food Bank worked collaboratively with a vast network of partners including other pantries and local school districts to serve over 10 million meals to our neighbors in need in 2022!

Every $1 raised provides up to 4 meals for those facing hunger in Montgomery County!

At their recent 2023 Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope Gala, the Montgomery County Food Bank raised over $585,000 which will provide up to 2.3 million meals for our neighbors in need of food assistance.

To continue to raise funds to combat hunger in Montgomery County, the food bank is hosting a 5K Trail Run and community event. The “Outrun Hunger” will be held at The Lake House at Grand Central Park in Conroe on Sunday, May 7, 2023, starting at noon. All ages and experience levels are encouraged to attend this family-friendly event for live music, kid-friendly summer activities, a splash zone, vendors, food trucks, and more! Learn more and sign up at: www.mcfoodbank.org/outrunhunger23

By donating food and contributing money, you can help to ensure that those in need have access to the nutrition they need to survive. This can help to reduce poverty and can also help to improve the overall quality of life in the community.

Safety Saturday: Poison Prevention

Sat, 18 Mar 2023 07:30:00 GMT

Prepare. Prevent. Protect.

National Poison Prevention Week is observed annually during the third full week in March. The week is dedicated to raising awareness to poison control centers and the national Poison Help Hotline (1-800-222-1222) . A poisoning is when someone is exposed to something in the wrong way or the wrong amount. When someone suspects a poisoning, they might rush to an emergency room or call 9-1-1. Others might turn to the internet for answers. But there is a different resource that can help: the Poison Help Hotline. Millions of poisonings happen every year. Alarmingly, someone calls a U.S. poison center about every 15 seconds. But poisoning is preventable.

As a new mother, I called the Poison Control Center. When my first child was about 8 months old, I suspected

she ingested some rat poison. While exploring outdoors, she, of course, was putting everything in her mouth.

I noticed a blue pellet in her mouth. I traced our route and found some animal control bait that had been laid

out by our pest control provider. After a moment of panic, I called the national hotline number and got immediate

attention and advice.

Children are curious and put all sorts of things in their mouths. Even if you turn your back for a moment, they can quickly get into things that could hurt them. When seconds count, calling a poison center is faster and more accurate than an internet search. Calls are answered by nurses, pharmacists, and doctors. Astonishingly, according to America’s Poison Centers, callers can be helped in more than 150 languages !

Although many might associate the poison hotline with children who accidentally ingest a substance, the hotline is also fielding calls affecting adults. Shockingly, more than 60% of all poison fatalities occur in adults aged 20 to 49 .

Unfortunately, 3,809 poison-related deaths were reported in 2021. Furthermore, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 260 people die from alcohol overdose every day. These numbers serve as an important reminder that while poison exposures and accidents do occur, they can also be prevented with education and awareness.

HOME SAFETY TIPS

Store cleaning products, household chemicals, and cosmetics up & away.
Keep potentially harmful substances in their original containers.
Read product labels before each use.
Don't mix cleaning products together.
If you come into contact with harmful substances:
Wash the skin area thoroughly with soap and water.
Thoroughly rinse your eyes for 20 minutes.

On average, 90% of poisonings happen in American homes each year, and more than 70% of people who call Poison Help get the help they need right away, right where they are — saving the cost of a trip to a doctor or hospital. Vogt Engineering encourages you to save the Hotline number (1-800-222-1222) in your phone to easily contact them if you have questions or suspect a poisoning.

Vogt Engineering Supports Mosaics of Mercy

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:30:00 GMT

Helping families navigate mental health and addiction recovery

There is great need in our community for mental health and addiction resources. Finding the help when you need it can be a tremendous challenge. Mosaics of Mercy recognized this need and set out to bridge the gap separating those in need from the help available to them.

Through the nature of his job, Montgomery County’s Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace, and co-creator of the Behavioral Health and Suicide Prevention Task Force, Judge Wayne Mack sees the negative effects of mental health struggles and addiction in our community. He says,

“1 in 4 people are going to have a mental health event sometime in their lifetime. Not having resources, not knowing

where to go, and not having the ability to put your hand out and someone to grab your hand and guide you through

that process is overwhelming. Mosaics of Mercy will put their hand out for families that need hope, healing, and help.”

Mosaics of Mercy has created a website that hosts a wealth of information accessible within a centralized database at no cost. Members of the community as well as mental health professionals, medical professionals, schools, and churches can access this vital information with ease. In the database, one can find resources for mental health, addiction, eating disorders, crisis assistance, and more.

Bridging the gap

Stephanie Skipworth, Operations and Development Manager for Mosaics of Mercy, says

“Mosaics of Mercy bridges the gap between providers in our area and those who are struggling with mental health

and/or substance abuse. We have family navigators who take calls and help the community walk through the process

of finding and connecting with available and appropriate resources for all levels of care. We also recently launched a

public facing searchable resource database hosted on our website as an additional resource for Montgomery County!

As the issues with substance abuse and mental health grow in our community, so have we in an effort to ensure people

are able to connect with the help they need when they need it.”

Mosaics of Mercy, alongside Junior League of The Woodlands, will be hosting Addressing Her, a women's mental health conference, on Friday, March 31 ^st at StoneBridge Church. This free event will have a morning full of speakers, resources, and encouragement for the women of our community. Vogt Engineering is supporting the event by sponsoring a coffee station for attendees. You can attend with us by registering here: https://addressing-her.raisely.com

Follow Mosaics of Mercy on social media; watch for the announcement of their 2nd Annual Family 5K Fun Run & Festival happening in Fall 2023; and contribute if you are able, https://mosaicsofmercy.com/online-giving/ .

Safety Saturday: Rainwater

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 11:45:00 GMT

The rainy season in Texas is typically in the spring (March-May) as the season begins to change; but, according to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, December 2022 and January 2023 saw an above average rainfall in Montgomery County. The showers were generally short and intense, with rainfall lasting 1 - 2 days. Although it might sound like a dull topic, rainwater can cause hazards for us all; thus, it is an important topic for this #SafetySaturday.

Hazards to Community

As we are soon approaching March with increased rainfall from last year, this is a great time to understand the potential safety concerns while reminding ourselves how we can be safe. To start off, wet surfaces due to rainwater can contribute to safety accidents such as slips and falls. It is imperative that you be aware of floor conditions when entering a store or a work building. Taking short steps and walking at a slower pace can help you react quickly to a change in traction and avoid slipping on a wet floor. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds us that the first 10 minutes after rain begins is the most dangerous time to be on the road as water mixes with oil on the road surface and becomes slippery.

Heavy rain can come with wind causing tree limbs to fall, creating dangerous road hazards. Further, the combination of rainwater and cold air can also create icy road conditions, adding to our already hectic daily commutes.

After the rain, dogs and people alike can walk into and track puddled and standing water. Rainwater can carry bacteria, parasites, viruses, and chemicals that could make us sick, and rainwater has been linked to disease outbreaks.

Hazards to Workers

Road and other construction workers will likely not be at the jobsite during a downpour or in inclement weather. In some cases, however, construction workers might be working in drizzle. While there aren’t any specific guidelines around working in the rain, OSHA recommends:

Moving cautiously, particularly on ladders or at heights
Using the correct equipment and tools that can be used in the rain with non-slip handles
Wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) including proper footwear and trousers that don’t drag on the floor
Wearing high-visibility clothing to make sure all workers can be seen by each other and by drivers if they are working outdoors

Heavy rain can increase the danger of using cranes and hoists for those working in construction as they can become lightning rods during thunderstorms. Additionally, slippery conditions can endanger the loading crew and increase the chances of a dropped load. Not every construction job can stop just because rain starts. When the job must go on rain or shine, the right safety precautions combined with proper safety equipment is key to keeping safe and getting the work done on time. Following the above recommendations and prioritizing safety, can aid in maintaining the efficiency of the project and can, more importantly, mitigate the hazards of working in the rain.

Safety Saturday: New Year, New Password

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 16:55:46 GMT

Anyone can become a victim of internet crime.

Computers carry a lot of sensitive and important data; therefore, keeping that data safe is a major priority. Anyone can become a victim of internet crime. To prevent compromise, experts recommend changing your password often, using biometrics such as your face or fingerprint for mobile sign-on when available, and opting-in to alerts for unusual activity.

In 2021, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received a record number of complaints from the American public: 847,376 reported complaints - a 7% increase from 2020. The potential losses of reported complaints exceeded $6.9 billion.

Scammers hack accounts so they can send phony messages from a trusted email address in hopes of enticing recipients to act. The goal could be to get these email contacts to send money, turn over personal information, or click a link that installs malware, spyware, or a virus on a device. An email hack could also put your colleagues, friends, and family members in your contacts list at risk for being scammed too.

According to a study completed in 2020 by LastPass, 91% of people know the risks of reusing passwords across their online accounts, but 66% do it anyway. Regularly changing your password will reduce your risk of exposure and will help avoid several IT Security dangers.

To reduce the risk of unauthorized access, experts recommend:

not only changing your password but also creating a complex password, increasing the password strength. Strong passwords consist of both uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols and numbers and avoid easy-to-determine references like important dates or names. Secure passwords should also contain at least 12 characters.
using a unique password for every account.
changing your security questions. The hacker may have gotten access to your account by guessing the answers to security questions. They could hack your account again if you don’t change these questions and answers. Avoid choosing questions with answers that can easily be guessed or found online.
turning on two-step verification. Also known as multi-factor authentication, this extra security measure typically requires you to enter your username and password along with a temporary passcode to get into an account.

Locally, The Woodlands Township has announced Project 365, an initiative for 2023 to educate the community on Identity Theft and Scam prevention. Events will be hosted throughout the year to better help you from becoming a victim of Identity Theft and learn the signs and warnings of scams.

Knowledge is the key to prevention: by educating yourself about possible threats and ways to protect yourself, you can thwart threats before they cause damage.

Vogt Engineering Supports CISD Project Mentor

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 00:13:45 GMT

The word “mentor” has roots dating back to the 8 ^th century - from the character named Mentor in Homer’s Odyssey. The personal name Mentor has been adopted in Latin and other languages, including English, as a term meaning someone who imparts wisdom to and shares knowledge with a less-experienced person.

National Mentoring Month is recognized in January and is a perfect time to incorporate cultivating new relationships that support and nurture the youth in our community. According to MENTOR, 1 in 3 young people in America are growing up without a mentor outside their family. By volunteering to be a mentor, we have an opportunity to provide a valuable friendship while supporting growth.

Project Mentor connects community members with Conroe ISD students to foster meaningful relationships that promote positive youth development so that students can successfully navigate school and life.

The CISD mentoring program uses traditional one-on-one mentoring by matching a mentee (student) and mentor (community volunteer) during school hours.

Rachel Gentry, one of the facilitators of CISD’s Project Mentor, says “Mentoring is a way to support the next generation of leaders. By connecting young people with caring adults, we promote academic success, participation in extra-curriculars and explore new opportunities. Project Mentor currently serves 9 campuses in the Conroe Feeder Zone where there is currently a waitlist of about 40 students. You can help close the mentoring gap by volunteering to mentor one of them. Additionally, we are excited to be expanding the program to Caney Creek Feeder Zone soon.”

Statistics compiled by MENTOR show mentoring has tangible effects. With a mentor, young people are:

52% less likely to skip a day of school.
78% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities.
130% more likely to hold a leadership position in a club or sports team.

This National Mentoring Month, join Vogt Engineering in committing to encourage, motivate, and strengthen mentorship for our youth by volunteering for CISD Project Mentor. The next training class will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Visit their website to learn more and fill out this form to register for the next training.

Safety Saturday: Impaired Driving

Sat, 17 Dec 2022 06:30:00 GMT

Drinking and driving is a behavior that endangers lives.

Drunk driving collisions increase throughout the month of December as more people travel and attend events where alcohol is served. Because of that, December is recognized as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month and the focus for this issue of Safety Saturday.

Shockingly, approximately 32 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes every day. That is one person every 45 minutes. The number of daily deaths increase during the holidays, but these deaths are all preventable.

Alcohol, some over-the-counter and prescription drugs, as well as illegal substances can impair driving. Consumption of alcohol and/or drugs reduce coordination, reduce the ability to track moving objects, impairs reflexes, and inhibits the ability to problem solve.

Furthermore, interactions between alcohol and certain medications increase impairment and make driving riskier.

We can prevent tragedies by modeling responsible behavior.

Evidence shows that drug-impaired driving is dangerous. By following these tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration we can all be safer.

Plan your safe ride home before you start the party, choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.
If someone you know has been drinking or under the influence of drugs, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.
If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Call a rideshare service or a sober friend.
If you’re hosting a party where alcohol or other substances will be served/used, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
Always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.

Being a responsible driver is simple: if you are drinking, do not drive . Stay safe this holiday season.

Safety Saturday: National Injury Prevention Day

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 08:30:00 GMT

Did you know injuries remain the leading cause of hospitalizations, death, and disability for people ages 1 to 44? The good news is that most injuries are preventable. National Injury Prevention Day will be recognized on November 18, 2022. The day is dedicated to raise awareness, educate, and empower people to address injury and violence.

Every day in the United States, people needlessly die from preventable injuries, 20 of which are children. According to the American College of Surgeons, a trauma injury occurs every four seconds in the United States. Injuries lead to more deaths than all other diseases combined. Many of these injuries are preventable with the use of safety practices, products, and policies.

Memorial Hermann’s Trauma Prevention & Community Outreach Coordinator Melanie Bradshaw states the top 3 causes of traumatic injury in The Woodlands continue to be falls, motor vehicle crashes, and motorcycle crashes.

The experts at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Trauma Center recommend the following to prevent or reduce injury:

Fall Prevention

· Slips and Trips, the most common types of falls, can be prevented by removing clutter from walkways, ensuring adequate lighting, and securing any loose rugs.

· Older adults need to remain as active as possible. Look for programs that improve both strength and balance, such as Tai Chi.

· Use caution with medications and alcohol. These are often contributing factors to falls.

Motor Vehicle Safety

· Always wear a seatbelt, which can reduce your chances of severe and fatal injury by 50%.

· Never pick up your phone while driving. Driving requires visual, tactile, and cognitive processing. When you take any of those off the task of driving, your chances for crashing increase dramatically.

· Keep children safe by having them ride in the back of the vehicle in a properly secured car seat or booster seat.

· Stay within the posted speed limit. The odds of being killed or severely injured in a crash double for every 10 mph over 50 mph.

Motorcycles/Bicycles/ATV Safety

· Always wear a helmet which can reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries by 85%.

Vogt Engineering is committed to creating a safe environment and contributing to the safety and well-being of our community with civil engineering designs that first and foremost uphold public safety. For more tips on preventing traumatic injury, visit Memorial Hermann The Woodlands or email woodlandstrauma@memorialhermann.org.

Vogt Engineering Supports Compassion United

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 18:25:59 GMT

No one should have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate or a roof over their head; but the reality is hunger and homelessness are widespread problems affecting far too many people. During Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, November 12-20, 2022, we are provided another opportunity, as a society, to identify resources and share knowledge to end hunger and homelessness.

Restoring Hope. Transforming Futures.

Compassion United is committed to restoring hope and transforming futures. Compassion United has been serving the forgotten, marginalized, and hopeless of Montgomery Co. through outreach, relief, and empowerment since 2006.

Whether it be food, clothing, housing, employment or spiritual guidance, Compassion United’s programs bring tangible relief to those in need. Founder Luke Redus said:

Since January 2022, homelessness in Conroe has increased by 10%. Emergency shelters have turned away over 300 people each

month for August, September, and October of this year. The vast majority of the unsheltered are considered "newly homeless."

This means that they have been homeless for less than 12 months, thus disqualifying them from any government programs or

resources.

[Positively], since January 2022, Compassion United, through our own programs, and through collaborations with other agencies,

has helped 30 people transition out of homelessness.

Many Americans are living on the edge, forced to choose between necessities like purchasing food, paying rent, or going to the doctor. According to the Annual Homeless Assessment Report, on a single night in 2021, more than 326,000 people were experiencing sheltered homelessness in the United States. Additionally, according to the USDA, more than 33 million people lived in food-insecure households. While there has been slow but steady progress, there are still a tremendous number of people around the world who live in extreme poverty. Worldwide, 795 million people do not have enough to eat.

Every person deserves food on their plate and a roof over their head. Unfortunately, far too many people in Montgomery County experience hunger and homelessness. Compassion United has helped our community by:

distributing 603,538 pounds of food through their pantry distributions and mobile markets from November 2021 to November 2022.
serving 32,762 hot meals so far in 2022.
providing groceries for over 3,500 families and 12,570 individuals.

As the holidays approach, people take time to consider what they’re thankful for and many choose to donate some of their time, attention, and resources to others. In that spirit of giving, those seeking volunteer opportunities with Compassion United can contact the Volunteer Coordinator Morrisa Collom at volunteer@compassionunited.us . Volunteer opportunities range from food distribution with our mobile pantry, unloading and sorting food from our food bank partners, working with at-risk youth, providing hot meals to our homeless friends, and more.

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is co-sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness. The event originated at Villanova University in 1975 and now takes place each year in hundreds of communities across the country.

Vogt Engineering Recommends etchXpress

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 11:00:05 GMT

Last month, Vogt Engineering used etchXpress services to personalize an employee anniversary gift. We were so pleased we want to share the word. In fact, we were repeat customers! etchXpress is in our community, located in Conroe, and is a Small Business just like us. More importantly, they provide exceptional service and a fast turnaround.

They offer a variety of items that can be customized and personalized with names, logos, or stock designs. You can also bring your own items to them for engraving. Their local shop can engrave one single item or many items. Additionally, they are great for customizing corporate gifts with your company name and logo. etchXpress will also gift wrap and, for added detail, can personalize the gift with a special wooden token.

Transform ordinary gifts into memorable ones!

With the holiday season approaching, etchXpress can turn ordinary gifts into memorable ones. The best gifts are thoughtful and desirable so whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, a birthday, or an office promotion, etchXpress can help you design an item that will bring a sense of elegance to any occasion. We recommend etchXpress for customized gifts that will be kept and treasured!

Safety Saturday: Crime Prevention

Sat, 22 Oct 2022 10:00:00 GMT

October is National Crime Prevention Month. The goal of crime prevention is to decrease crime and increase security, but also to prevent harm caused by crime. Together, we can protect the well-being and safety of ourselves, our families, and our neighbors.

Did you know a burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States? Furthermore, a high percentage of burglaries occur in the daytime, between 10am and 3pm.

We have compiled tips from law enforcement agencies to bring awareness of best safety practices to reduce preventable crimes.

Crime Prevention Tips

At Home:

Make Your Home Look Occupied. Leave some lights and a radio on when you're out.
Lock Your Doors. Never leave your house open for “just a moment,” always lock your doors when you're out.
Use Deadbolt Locks: A deadbolt lock is a good deterrent to burglars.
If you have a security alarm system, activate it!

When out in the community:

Be aware of your surroundings. A criminal may target you simply because you are preoccupied.
Be prepared. Have your keys in hand.
Avoid isolated areas. When possible, always park in well-lit areas.
Never risk your personal safety for valuables. Your safety is the most important thing.

In the evenings:

Remove valuables from your vehicle.
Lock the car doors.
Have a nighttime routine: verify all doors are locked and vehicles secured.

Criminals look for easy targets. You can make it more difficult for them by following these simple prevention tips. Many vehicle burglaries and vandalisms occur as a result of vehicles being left unlocked. Criminals walk through neighborhoods trying vehicle door handles, hoping to find an unlocked vehicle. The best way to prevent vehicle burglaries is to remove all your valuables, lock your vehicle’s doors upon exiting and take the keys to the vehicle inside your residence.

The best way to build a safer community is to know your neighbors and your surroundings.

The Harris County Constable’s office, Montgomery County Sherriff department, and The Woodlands Township have partnered together to raise awareness about important crime prevention initiatives. As The Woodlands continues to grow so does the need for residents to be vigilant and continue to take part in crime prevention efforts in their homes and in their neighborhoods.

Neighbor knowing neighbor is one of the most effective ways to prevent crime. Together, we can protect the well-being and safety of ourselves, our families, and our neighbors.

Important Phone Numbers

Non-emergency phone numbers:

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office: 936-442-7797

Harris County Constable - Precinct 4: 281-376-3472

For emergencies, please call 9-1-1 first.

Safety Saturday: National Preparedness Month

Sat, 10 Sep 2022 11:15:00 GMT

National Preparedness Month is observed every September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. Residents are encouraged to develop emergency preparedness plans for their families and their neighbors.

In this issue of Safety Saturday, we provide information on how to prepare for natural emergencies, including hurricanes.

Prepare & Plan

It’s been five years since a devastating Category 4 hurricane hit the greater Houston area and the Texas Gulf Coast, bringing more than 50 inches of rain, more than $125 billion in damage, and more than 100 deaths. Hurricane Harvey was a defining moment for our community and one that showed us the value in being prepared.

This National Preparedness Month, we are reminding you to plan and prepare before disaster strikes. Hurricane season runs from June to November which means we are in the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, so it isn’t too late to prepare. Ready.gov, FEMA, and the National Weather Service websites are excellent resources to use to help you prepare and plan for emergencies. Start by building your emergency kit. Keeping your kit stocked with necessities can make the difference in the face of a disaster.

An emergency kit should have everything you need to survive for several days, such as:

Non-perishable food and water that can last several days
Flashlights, radios & extra batteries
First aid kit
Prescription medications
Toiletries

Locally, you can sign up for Emergency Alert Notifications and news from The Woodlands Township at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/stayinformed . In addition to area Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio stations KTRH 740 AM and KUHF 88.7 FM, The Woodlands Township has an arrangement with K-STAR Country 99.7 FM radio to broadcast emergency information specific to The Woodlands in the event of a community-wide emergency.

Disasters disrupt thousands of lives every year, leaving behind lasting effects on people and property. After a disaster, many others in the community need help as well. For this reason, local first responders and other assistance may not be able to reach you right away. You and your family can take simple steps now to prepare for emergencies. By doing so, you take back control—even in the uncertainty of disaster.

Safety Saturday: Traffic Awareness Month

Sat, 13 Aug 2022 05:02:31 GMT

It is back-to-school time and one of the results is an increase in traffic, especially school traffic. Coincidentally, August is also National Traffic Awareness Month. The safety campaign aims to raise awareness to traffic safety rules and pedestrian safety. With a recent reported rise in preventable accidents and fatalities on our roadways, this serves as a good reminder to practice caution behind the wheel and to always be mindful of the pedestrians and cyclists you may be sharing the road with.

To protect yourself against the hazards of the road, drivers should obey posted speed limits, state driving laws, as well as traffic signals and signs.

For commuters, traffic and road hazards can alter an ordinary day into a nightmare. Debris on the road, drivers following too closely, and traffic created by onlookers surveying accidents on the other side of the road are reasons why it is crucial to be focused and alert to all that is happening around you.

Drive cautiously near schools and stop for school buses as children are loading and unloading from the bus.

Did you know: It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children?

As schools are coming back into session, drivers should remain vigilant with young pedestrians and school buses. In a school zone when flashers are blinking, it is important to decrease your speed, to stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection, and to always stop for a patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign.

Traffic safety is always important, but National Traffic Awareness Month takes place when you’ll likely see an increase of motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians on the roadways, including younger children headed to and from school. Vogt Engineering encourages you to observe National Traffic Awareness Month alongside us.

Safety Saturday: Heat-Related Illnesses

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 11:45:00 GMT

According to the National Weather Service, excessive heat warnings and heat advisories are currently in effect throughout 28 states, including Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

Exposure to heat can cause illness and death. There are precautions that should be taken any time temperatures are high and the job involves outdoor, physical work.

With these scorching temperatures, it is vitally important to be aware of the symptoms of heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat-related illnesses may initially manifest as a rash or cramps but can quickly escalate to heat exhaustion and heat stroke if simple preventative measures are not followed.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:

Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting
Weakness and cool, pale, clammy skin
Mood changes, irritability, confusion
Nausea, vomiting

Symptoms of Heat Stroke:

Dry, hot skin with no sweating
Mental confusion or loss of consciousness
Seizures or convulsions

Hot summer months pose special hazards for outdoor workers

Construction workers are also prone to heat stress in various high temperature settings, such as on rooftops or in open excavation sites which may lack air movement. Additionally, outdoor workers in agriculture, lawn maintenance, and personnel handling utility projects or road work such as laying asphalt are other examples of those exposed to heat stress.

Prevention is the best way to avoid heat-related illness

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that employers have a plan in place to prevent heat-related illnesses. The plan should include hydration (drinking plenty of water), acclimatization (getting used to weather conditions), and schedules that alternate work with rest.

OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) also suggests wearing lightweight, light colored, loose- fitting clothes, blocking out direct sun and taking frequent breaks in the shade or indoors where there is air conditioning.

Employers should also educate workers about the hazards of working in hot conditions.

Deaths attributed to natural heat exposure represent a continuing public health concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an annual average of 702 heat-related deaths in the United States. During the summer, we must all take precautions to ensure our bodies don’t get over heated. Preparedness and response initiatives that limit exposure during periods of extreme heat can reduce the rate of fatalities.

Vogt Engineering Supports Bayou Land Conservancy

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 11:00:05 GMT

The BLC preserves land along streams for flood control, clean water, and wildlife.

Flooding in our region is one of the greatest threats to the health of our communities. The preservation of natural floodplains is critical to reducing flood risk to people, homes, schools, and businesses. Protecting and preserving natural land is the best first line of defense against flooding and is a focus for Bayou Land Conservancy. Bayou Land Conservancy is a non-profit nationally accredited land trust that preserves land.

BLC (formed in 1996) has been dedicated to preserving the land that protects us.

VE supports the BLC because of the work they are doing in the community, such as:

Protecting over 5,000 acres of wetlands via conservation easements
Preserving over 14,000 acres of habitat in 14 counties
Focusing on the 4,000 square miles of the Lake Houston watershed

Lake Houston is the largest source of drinking water for the City of Houston, and its watershed encompasses some of the fastest growing communities in the nation, including: The Woodlands, Conroe, Tomball, and Kingwood. There are several large waterbodies that eventually flow to Lake Houston, including Lake Conroe, Spring Creek, the San Jacinto River, and Lake Creek. Protecting these watersheds protects our local habitats, our water quality, and gives floodwaters room to flow.

But protecting and preserving isn’t all that BLC has to offer. Construction on an outdoor classroom is anticipated to start in the fall. On the 117-acre Arrowwood Preserve, donated to Bayou Land Conservancy by private donors, a partnership with adjacent Lone Star College-Tomball was recently announced. The outdoor classroom will give students access to unique, hands-on learning opportunities to enhance the concepts they learn in textbooks.

If you are interested in preserving our natural resources and creating a healthier Texas for all, the Ambassador Program is for you! The Spring Creek Greenway Ambassador program is a free, educational program offered twice a year with classes held on weekends. As an Ambassador, you will learn about the unique features of the local ecology and all the exciting work that BLC does. Our own Amanda Van Dusen recently graduated from the Ambassador Program and now serves on the Community Conservation Committee. The Fall session of the program will be opening soon.

Bayou Land Conservancy wants to help everyone have healthier lives and a healthier planet by making sure that our beautiful watersheds are protected. Support the BLC by liking their social media pages, sharing their content, and donating to their mission!

Save the Date - The Bayou Land Conservancy land lover gala is set for Saturday, November 12 at the Glade Cultural Center!

Safety Saturday: Trench Safety

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 08:00:42 GMT

Trenching and excavation is among the most hazardous work in the construction industry. Shockingly, two workers are killed every month in trench collapses on the jobsite; furthermore, thousands are seriously injured each year due to cave-ins. With statistics like that, we are amplifying the message of Trench Safety Month alongside the National Utility Contractors Association.

Following these safety tips can reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries that occur each year in the construction industry; as well as make others, such as municipal and industrial workers who are exposed, aware of these serious hazards.

Enter only trenches that have been sloped at the proper angle, shored, or shielded by trench boxes.
Stay alert when working in or near previously disturbed soil conditions.
Do not permit vehicles near the edge of the trench.
Never climb on shoring or shields. Use a ladder or ramp to safely get in and out of the trench.
Wear hard hats when working in or around trenches.
Eliminate or control water accumulation before entering the trench.
Check regularly for hazardous materials and oxygen levels in the trench.
Stay out from under raised loads.
Inspect trenches at the start of each shift and as needed, throughout the workday.

OSHA Trench Requirements to Increase Safety

To protect workers, OSHA requires employers to train all their workers about trench safety. OSHA also requires every excavation 5 ft or more in depth to be protected by a trench protective system – sloping, shoring, or shielding. In addition, even when trenches are less than 4- or 5-ft deep a competent person must make a judgement call about whether or not it is safe to enter into the trench and then take appropriate action. According to OSHA, a competent person is someone who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. If in doubt, one should exercise caution and use a trench protective system to ensure workers are not injured or worse, killed in the trench.

Practice the 3 S's of Trench Safety

Trench walls collapsing can happen in an instant, burying the workers under potentially thousands of pounds of soil. These types of incidents are tragic. They are also preventable. Vogt Engineering and the National Utility Contractors Association urges you to practice the 3 S’s of Trench Safety: Sloping, Shoring, and Shields.

Vogt Engineering Supports the YMCA

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 18:53:06 GMT

The YMCA is not just a place, they are a purpose.

For over 135 years the YMCA of Greater Houston has focused on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across our growing communities.

In 2021 alone, the local YMCAs served 105,412 meals to families and seniors in the Houston area totaling 2 million pounds of food; 30,000 children received school supplies through YMCA Operation Backpack; and the Y’s Child Sex Trafficking Advocates helped 106 youth victims of sex trafficking by providing intensive emotional support and victim-centered services.

The needs of our community are diverse and evolving, and the Y is needed now more than ever. Together, we can strive to create a stronger community and bring about meaningful change for the betterment of all. The Greater Houston YMCA has launched its annual campaign to ensure everyone has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Every day, our local YMCA works to support the people and neighborhoods that need it most by addressing community issues, such as school readiness, chronic diseases, and drowning prevention.

Your support is vital.

Please consider supporting the efforts in strengthening the community through the YMCA as we face new challenges that create a greater need for the work the YMCA does. All funds raised stay in our community and will help establish new opportunity centers and senior wellness sites in Montgomery County.

The child who gains confidence through learning opportunities, the active older adult who is no longer isolated and is living a healthy and active lifestyle, a family given opportunities to spend quality time together: these opportunities positively impact so many in our area. Vogt Engineering is happy to have shown our support through a donation this year. Donating to the YMCA is easy and can be done anytime. Please consider contributing, alongside Vogt Engineering.

Safety Saturday: Water Safety

Sat, 21 May 2022 10:15:03 GMT

Know the essentials for keeping safe around water!

The start of summer is just around the corner and Vogt Engineering wants you to be safe all summer long! In this issue of Safety Saturday, we will discuss water safety, boating safety, and the importance of wearing sunscreen.

International Water Safety Day and concurrently, Learn to Swim Day is observed annually in May and both events are dedicated to spreading awareness of the ongoing drowning pandemic, educating the community about the importance of learning to swim, and general water safety. Did you know drowning is a leading cause of unintentional death for children? Nearly 4,000 people drown in the United States every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another estimated 8,000 are treated for nonfatal drowning injuries. We're shining a spotlight on this so you know the essentials for keeping yourself, your family, and friends safe around water every day.

Water safety is about equipping yourself with the tools you need to be confident in and around water. Understanding essential water safety skills is a must and enhancing those skills through formal swimming lessons can help reduce the risk of drowning while also providing a sense of accomplishment through new learned skills.

Learning to swim is a necessity around swimming pools but when in a boat the use of personal floatation devices (PFDs) takes precedence. As the summer boating season kicks off, the single most important action you can take to prevent drowning while boating is to wear a PFD. Over the last few years, the U.S. Coast Guard reports a consistent increase in boating accidents, fatalities, and damage to property.

Whether you’re in a swimming pool, the lake, or the ocean, here are some safety tips to keep everyone safe:

Maintain constant supervision with swimmers.
Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well.
Always swim with a partner or as a pair. Never swim alone!
Swim and boat only in designated and supervised areas.
Always wear a PFD while boating, regardless of swimming skill.
Be aware! Know what’s always going on around you at all times. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents last year were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.
Swim and Boat Sober. Be responsible with alcohol consumption around water activities as alcohol continues to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

With all this fun in the water, we want to remind you how important it is to stay safe and protect yourselves against the sun. Due to the sun’s damage and skin cancer affecting people of all skin tones, you should limit your sun exposure and always apply SPF 30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. And don’t forget to reapply every couple hours!

Remember, while children are at a higher risk, anyone can drown. A great number of aquatic - related emergencies can be avoided by following our Safety Saturday tips.

Safety Saturday: Work Zone Awareness

Sat, 23 Apr 2022 10:45:03 GMT

Every spring, the Federal Highway Administration sponsors National Work Zone Awareness Week

National Work Zone Awareness Week is an annual campaign held at the start of construction season to bring attention to motorist and worker safety in and around work zones. The key message is to encourage drivers to use extra caution and exercise safe driving through areas where road repairs are taking place.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2021, traffic crashes in the state’s work zones claimed the lives of 244 people, a 33% increase over the previous year. This increase in fatalities reflects a deadly trend nationwide making it all the more important for drivers to slow down and stay focused while approaching and passing through a roadway work zone.

Drivers and their passengers accounted for the majority of those who died in Texas work zone crashes last year: 195 motorists or vehicle passengers were killed, along with 38 pedestrians, four bicyclists and three roadside construction workers. Speeding, driver inattention, and rear-end collisions were among the leading causes of crashes and are all preventable.

Currently, more than 36,000 road construction employees are working in 3,200 active work zones on our Texas roadways. These work zones are hazardous environments and everyone - drivers, workers, and pedestrians - play a part in work zone safety. It is each person’s responsibility to help ensure drivers/cyclists and road workers reach their most important destination: Home!

These tips can increase road safety and decrease traffic accidents:

Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions
Dedicate your full attention to the roadway
Avoid changing the radio station, using a mobile phone, eating, or other distractions that can remove your concentration from the road
Pay Attention to the Road
Watch for brake lights on vehicles ahead
Follow the directives on the signs
Watch traffic around you and be prepared to react
Don't Tailgate
Obey the Posted Speed Limit
Workers may be present just feet away
Fines may be doubled for moving traffic violations
Be prepared to slow down further if conditions indicate the need
Follow Instructions from Flaggers
Expect the Unexpected!
Be Patient!

Vogt Engineering Supports New Danville

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 19:35:09 GMT

New Danville, located in Willis, changes lives.

Founded in 2005, New Danville provides a community where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those needing similar services, can LIVE, LEARN, WORK, and GROW.

New Danville staff members and volunteers look at holistic solutions to enabling clients to learn and develop. Helen Keller said, “I cannot do everything, but I can do something. I must not fail to do something that I can.” At New Danville, the team seeks to help clients find their own “something.” Fitness, socialization, artistic expression, and sense of independence are ingredients to the mix of classes, programs, excursions, and opportunities made available to clients.

Guided by its mission to “serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and those needing similar services, in a rural environment promoting dignity, respect and the opportunity to live enriched and purposeful lives,” the nonprofit provides a day program and a residential community to develop and empower clients. They maximize personal independence by offering learning opportunities that reinforce personal growth and freedom of choice. They also provide meaningful work experience through their J.O.B.S. (Jobs Outcome Based Services) program.

Eva Aguirre, president and CEO of New Danville, said, “We have come out of 2020 and 2021 stronger, wiser, and more clearly focused on a vision that expands and enhances what we offer to adults with IDD. More opportunities for programs, classes, residences, and jobs for clients drive our steps to the future. Of course, we are always looking for partners, collaborators, and supporters to help us champion adults with IDD and to help fill the gaps in services to that population.”

The Spring Thing (formerly known as Tea on the Lawn) will be held on April 22, 2022, and Vogt Engineering is proud to be a sponsor of this event. Spring Thing, New Danville’s major fundraising event, enables the organization to carry out their mission while making meaningful, positive impacts on the lives of those they serve.

Tickets are still available for you to support New Danville’s Spring Thing event: https://spring-thing.org/

Safety Saturday: Ladder Safety

Sat, 26 Mar 2022 10:30:03 GMT

Every year, more than 100 people die from a ladder-related accident that could be prevented with correct ladder use. March is National Ladder Safety Month. It was created to raise awareness of ladder safety and to decrease the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities. Join Vogt Engineering in putting safety first; together, we can promote ladder safety and decrease the number of ladder-related incidents that happen every year.

Here are some common ladder safety rules:

Prior to climbing the ladder, inspect it to ensure it is not damaged and in good working condition
Set the ladder on even, stable ground
Secure the base of the ladder and lock the spreaders
Wear proper footwear
While on the ladder, maintain 3 points of contact on the ladder and stay centered between the rails
Don't stand on the top two rungs of the ladder

Falls remain a leading cause of unintentional injury nationwide, and many fatal falls in the last decade have involved a ladder.

As spring cleaning begins, don’t let a simple task put you out of commission. Make sure you are ready to safely tackle all your jobs by following the ladder safety tips listed above!

Whether at work or at home, keep ladder safety front of mind.

Vogt Engineering Supports United Way

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 15:42:50 GMT

Earlier this month, Vogt Engineering was proud to support and attend the United Way’s annual Women Who Rock event. This fundraising event salutes extraordinary young parents in our community and empowers them to continue their education while utilizing the Women Who Rock childcare scholarship. The 600 guests in attendance heard from scholarship recipients how the scholarships have transformed their lives. The scholarship pays childcare and provides financial literacy classes for deserving young parents who are committed to pursuing post-secondary education.

Did you know the average annual cost of childcare in Houston is more than $13,000 per child? The cost to take a fulltime course load for one year at Lone Star Community College is approximately $3,000. In comparison, the cost of childcare for that school year is more than 3 times the cost of tuition. In 2021, supporters in the greater Houston area contributed to the United Way Women Who Rock event to help raise funds for 10 childcare scholarships. Additionally, the Scholarship has supported more than 100 young parents and has celebrated 22 graduates.

Yasmin has a lot to be proud of: she is the first person in her family to graduate from college and she is the mother of two

beautiful baby girls. As she worked to earn her associate degree from Lone Star College and then her bachelor’s degree

from Sam Houston State University, United Way’s Women Who Rock Child Care Scholarship helped her secure childcare

that allowed her to focus on school knowing her daughters were well cared for. Yasmin received the scholarship for three

years, which she says not only relieved the financial burden of childcare while she pursued her education, but also ensured

that she could put her girls in a safe and quality childcare center where they could learn and grow.

United Way of Greater Houston engages caring people to improve lives & build a stronger community.

Even before the pandemic, economic fallout, and winter storm of 2021, too many families in our community were struggling to pay for necessities, let alone save for the future or an unexpected expense. These families often must make impossible choices, such as deciding whether to buy food, pay for health care, or make rent.

With your support, the United Way can continue to make a difference in our community. Join us in supporting Montgomery County through United Way! Be on the lookout early next year to purchase your tickets to support Women Who Rock benefitting young parents in our community.

Safety Saturday: Bacteria in our Waterways

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 11:45:03 GMT

TCEQ rates the waterways in The Woodlands “of serious concern” as the screening levels are impaired.

The State of Texas assesses its waterways every two years and classifies them using the state water quality standard. Based on findings from the 2018 and 2020 Texas Integrated Report of Surface Water Quality produced by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), multiple stream segments throughout the Spring Creek Watershed are listed as impaired for contact recreation. The primary issue for the increased water quality concerns in Spring Creek and its tributaries are elevated levels of fecal indicator bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli). Other concerns include nutrient levels, low dissolved oxygen, and impacts on ecological communities.

Our local waterways, in The Woodlands, are designated as tributaries of Spring Creek and many of them have ratings that don't meet the national standard. In fact, the current report shows little improvement from 2020 to 2022.

This high level of bacteria is preventable.

Did you know 76% of the bacteria found in our local waterways are from animal waste? Unfortunately, it is common for pet owners to not pick up after their pets; shockingly, some pet owners who do pick up after their pets choose to dispose of their bagged pet waste in stormwater drains. These two factors have major impacts for our community and our neighbors. As a result, there is a frequent exceedance of state water quality standards for Escherichia coli (E. coli).

This is important because ultimately these waterways drain into Lake Houston--an important source of drinking water for our region.

What can you do?

The bottom line is that three-fourths of the bacteria in our waterways can be easily reduced by simply picking up pet waste. Always pick up and dispose of pet waste in the trash. Additionally, to help reduce our water quality issues, you can spread awareness among your neighbors as well as volunteer to mark the storm drain inlets. You can also volunteer with the Spring Creek Watershed Partnership. Local members of the Spring Creek Watershed Partnership work together to identify and implement feasible solutions to address these water quality challenges based on sound science and community insights.

Vogt Engineering Supports Dancing Thru Life

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 20:27:56 GMT

Dancing Thru Life: a nonprofit organization in our community

Dancing Thru Life strengthens the emotional and physical well-being of our entire community through dance. They provide dance programs that build confidence, promote healthy lifestyles, and bolster countless other skills that empower all ages, especially our youth, to have a successful life.

They accomplish this by offering free dance classes at schools and at assisted living facilities. In thanks to generous donors, free classes are offered to students at schools with a high population of economically disadvantaged families. When students advance to competitions, sponsors continue to help the students thrive by assisting with registration fees, costumes, and travel expenses.

Due to the COVID pandemic and restrictions, many places have stopped allowing outside programming; but, Dancing Thru Life has been able to further their mission by hosting students in small settings at Fred Astaire Dance Studios. They continue to explore partnerships with local school districts and assisted living facilities for ways to engage and support the student dancers during this pandemic.

To sustain their dance skills, financially support their college dreams, and help create their professional futures, the young adults at Dancing Thru Life are given opportunities to intern for college credit as well as opportunities to pay it forward by volunteering within the Early Development Program and Honor Years Program.

Dancing is Fun

It’s no secret that listening to and feeling music move through you can evoke emotions. Whether ballroom dancing or bobbing your head and strumming the steering wheel in the car, dancing is fun. You can dance as a form of exercise, as a hobby, as a form of expressive art or you can even dance to embarrass your kids! No matter your age, there are many benefits to dance. Dancing is a great way to foster creativity, enhance emotional development, and spur friendships. Dancing can also reduce stress, improve flexibility and agility, as well as help with balance and weight loss.

Dance brings people together and provides them a sense of community with people that have the same interests and passion. Here are ways you can support Dancing Thru Life :

Like & Follow their social media here and here .
Share their content.
Contribute to their mission with a monetary donation.
Volunteer with them.
Attend an upcoming event being hosted by Dancing Thru Life.

Resolve to learn more about environmental conservation and preservation in 2022

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 21:33:36 GMT

Resolve to learn more about environmental conservation and preservation in 2022. We all have the capacity to impact our environment in positive ways but sometimes we are stumped on where or how to start. The good news is there is a local organization who can guide you: The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N.

The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. (TWG) or GrassRoots Environmental Education Network is a volunteer-driven organization that has served The Woodlands since 1989. They offer insight into topics from backyard beekeeping to “going green” to recycling to rain barrels to what you might see while walking in the woods.

For 30 years they have been a growing organization, enhancing our community by promoting natural resource conservation, recycling, solid waste reduction, safe and sensible care of air and water resources, and other responsible actions that protect the environment and its inhabitants.

Currently, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N.'s mission of building a sustainable community through education and action is exemplified by work done by the Invasive Task Force. Did you know the Chinese Tallow tree and Air Potato vine can grow 8 inches daily? That daily growth outcompetes our native species of trees and plants. The Task Force is composed of “green guardians” who log numerous hours annually with participation from community volunteers who remove invasive plant species from our forest, as seen in the submitted photos.

To discover and learn more about the programs and events offered by The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., go to www.thewoodlandsgreen.org .

You can participate in their next event: a Tree Giveaway! It’s one of The Woodlands’ longest standing traditions. The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. is a co-sponsor for the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway happening on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Rob Fleming Park starting at 9am.

Safety Saturday: Holiday Edition

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 14:23:27 GMT

We have trimmed the tree, decked the halls and are continuing the holiday festivities by celebrating with family and friends; but, what will you do with your live tree and excess debris after the holiday?

Did you know Americans throw away 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than any other time of the year? In fact, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the extra waste produced during the holidays amounts to about one million additional tons! In this edition of Safety Saturday, we want to bring some options for safely and effectively disposing of your tree and trash.

Disposing of your Tree

Our office is in The Woodlands Township and if you are local to us, the good news is your live trees will have use after the holiday! Trees that are placed curbside will be composted while trees that are taken to a designated recycling drop off area will be chipped and used as ground cover.

If your real tree is flocked, it will not qualify for recycling, but you can safely dispose of your flocked tree by calling to schedule bulk pick-up with Waste Management Customer Service at 800-800-5804. To adequately plan and coordinate, Waste Management requests a two-day notice prior to your regularly scheduled service day. Additionally, artificial trees will be accepted as a bulk pickup on heavy trash day.

If you live in Montgomery County’s Commissioner Precinct 3, you can drop off your live tree at the Residential Recycling Facility on Pruitt Rd.

Disposing of your Trash

From product packaging like cardboard boxes to decorations and gift wrap, it’s important for everyone to know the safe way to manage/handle these items before placing them in the bin or taking them to the curb. Here are a couple of reminders:

To have the most room in your bin, break down your cardboard boxes but be safe when using box cutters and utility knives.
Holidays lights and packaging bubble wrap do not belong in your recycle bin. These can get tangled in the recycling sorting equipment and create a safety hazard.
Although some glass containers are recyclable, glass ornaments are not.
Plastic bags also do not belong in the recycling bin. The best way to dispose of them is to take them back to the grocery store.
Foil, metallic or glitter accent wrapping paper is not recyclable. Additionally, neither are bows, ribbons, and cellophane wrapping.

Sources: The Woodlands Township, Commissioner Noack's office, Waste Management

Giving Tuesday

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 18:12:28 GMT

Join us in contributing to a local nonprofit organization

The dictionary defines generosity as the virtue of being liberal in giving, while being generous is defined as showing kindness towards others. When a person is showing a readiness to give more of something, such as money or time, than is strictly necessary, they are considered being generous. Your generosity may present itself in many different forms, such as time, talent, and treasure.

Communities across the United States will celebrate Giving Tuesday on November 30, 2021. Giving Tuesday started as a day that encouraged people to do good. Over the years, the day has grown into a global generosity movement, to unleash the power in numbers so that we can transform our community.

We can further strengthen our community by investing in it! Join us in giving back by contributing to a local nonprofit organization. You can make a monetary donation or share your time and talents by volunteering. Every act of generosity counts and each act means more when we give together.

Time, Talent, Treasure

When deciding how you will be able to celebrate alongside us this Giving Tuesday, you might consider your kindness bandwidth, what skills you have, and what a meaningful gift looks like to you. One way you can participate in Giving Tuesday is to “Like and Follow” nonprofit organizations on their social media. You’ll be able to see their messages in your feed and can help amplify their message, needs, and events.

Many organizations rely on special events and galas as a primary source of their funding. Due to the pandemic, these organizations have had great funding shortfalls. If you’re able, please consider a monetary donation as part of your participation in Giving Tuesday.

Whether it’s some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community, how will you give today?

Nonprofit Organizations in our Community

If you are still stumped on where and how to start, here is a short list of nonprofit organizations in our Montgomery County, Texas area that we support. We have included a link to their social media as well as their direct donation link.

Safety Saturday: Thanksgiving Dangers

Sat, 20 Nov 2021 12:45:02 GMT

The Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner! From Friendsgiving to a more traditional Thanksgiving, you might be celebrating from now until the end of next week. We want to share our first installment of Safety Saturday by discussing the possible dangers and safety tips while cooking your feast on this peak day for cooking fires.

Did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of house fires and home injuries in the United States? Most often these emergencies are caused by unattended cooking and usually involve the kitchen stove. In fact, our United States Fire Departments responded to more than 1,400 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day in 2019. Many home cooking fires are caused by unattended equipment, abandoned material, a heat source left too close to flammable materials, and cooking equipment that is not properly turned off.

The American Red Cross and the National Fire Protection Association recommend these tips to help you and your guests stay safe:

Keep an eye on what you fry! Keep outdoor fryers off decks and out of garages. Make sure your turkey is completely thawed and dry before cooking as ice and water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.
Never leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove. Furthermore, check your turkey and other food regularly as they are cooking.
Move items that can burn away from the stove. This includes dishtowels, bags, boxes, paper, and curtains.
Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
When frying food, turn the burner off if you see smoke or if the grease starts to boil. Carefully remove the pan from the burner.
Keep a pan lid or a cookie sheet nearby. Use it to smother the flames while you turn off the burner. This will put out the fire. Never throw water on the fire. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
Turn pot handles to the back of the stove, so no one bumps them or pulls them over.
Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on. Check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to ensure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove, hot food, and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
Go outside and call 9-1-1 for the help of your local fire fighters. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

Thanksgiving brings family and friends together and provides an opportunity to try out new recipes. By following these safety tips, you can ensure a safer holiday for you and your guests. Do you have a Thanksgiving kitchen blunder to share with us? Have a wonderful, enjoyable, and safe Thanksgiving!

Vogt Engineering Celebrates National STEAM Day

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 11:31:45 GMT

Are you reading this blog from a mobile device such as a phone or tablet? Is your robot vacuum cleaner running in the background? Have you ever looked up at the stars in the sky? Did you recently bake a new dessert recipe? Many of our daily activities stem from innovations involving the STEAM subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.

National STEAM Day, rightfully, also known as “Innov8 Day” will be celebrated this Monday, November 8 ^th . This day brings awareness to the importance of STEAM subjects and their correlations to some of the fastest-growing and in-demand occupations. We can use this day as an opportunity to focus on helping students explore and pursue learning through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

For engineers across the board, low-impact developments depend on critical thinking, innovation, and many times, team collaboration. Further, new approaches to problem solving and other challenges likely begin with creativeness and adaptation. On this National STEAM Day, we can introduce and inspire our children to develop these same skills: adaptation, critical thinking, innovation, creativity, collaboration.

For young children, fostering innovation can be as easy as playing with Legos and other building blocks to build the best bridge. A STEAM framework can prepare students to work in fields that are poised for growth, such as civil engineering. One hands-on activity that our (very own) team has completed was challenging each other to build the tallest tower. First, we broke up into two teams, reviewed our materials, then discussed and collaborated our ideas. Using the materials provided, we used our creativity and critical thinking to construct a tower that was as tall as possible and free-standing. It was also fun, to boot!

The benefits of incorporating STEAM into our everyday lives are numerous and do not need to be limited to only young students. A few ways for us adults to improve our STEAM-based skills include playing sudoku or Sumaze, taking a photography class, testing the chemical and pH levels in your swimming pool, or finally breaking open that kit of brew-at-home beer!

Here is the link to the Tall Tower Challenge . We would love to hear about your STEAM Day activities!

Vogt Engineering Partners with Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, TX

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:52:05 GMT

Building Vibrant Communities

Vogt Engineering has had the honor to partner with Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County to build a neighborhood to further its mission to empower communities and provide everyone with affordable housing. The property consists of 129 single-family lots on a 37 acres.

The first phase of the project started in 2008 with 21 homes. Because the property is in the 100-year floodplain, it was undevelopable without floodplain mitigation. Through careful analysis, a plan was designed to lift the property out of the floodplain and create safe, usable acreage for home building. Our team helped develop a strategy to stay within a budget to address the flooding issue and mitigate our environmental impact.

Our work also extended to providing engineering design for public roads, drainage systems, and more to guarantee residents availability of clean water and transit options. We also provided assistance to Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery for building permits.

Today, the area consists of 129 residential lots with robust infrastructure to minimize flooding. Final stages of development are underway as funding becomes available.

Team Building at the Table

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 19:02:26 GMT

Fostering Relationships Through Food

If it’s a Monday, chances are you may have seen the team from Vogt Engineering out at lunch. Something that sets Vogt Engineering apart from other companies is this regularly scheduled event. Every Monday, we make it a priority to gather, discuss happenings from the weekend and build camaraderie.

We take this time to foster relationships within our team. A team lunch can be a great way to facilitate interactions outside of the office environment, giving everyone a chance to talk more freely and get to know their colleagues on a more personal level in a relaxed setting.

At Vogt, we have a rotating schedule where each team member takes a turn choosing where to go on their day. By this, we can have new experiences, try new foods, and expand our taste palette to name a few. Trying new places can also stimulate and inspire creativity and motivation. Although we have this rotating schedule, many Mondays you will find us at one of our favorite places to eat and one that all of us agree on: La Cocina de Roberto’s.

Beloved Restaurant Gem

At La Cocina de Roberto’s, they make Mexican and Central American dishes that always deliver extraordinary flavor. Our staff favorites are the Street Tacos and the Torta. Plus, you can’t go wrong with the salsa verde!

This year, amid the pandemic, they opened a second location on the I-45S feeder. Like us, they are a local, family owned, small business. They improve our community with their delicious food that is “Hecho con Amor!”

Have you been to Cocina de Roberto’s? If not - don’t wait another second! If you have, please share your wonderful experience with us!

Vogt Engineering Observes National Wildlife Day

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 18:29:24 GMT

Vogt Engineering observes National Wildlife Day this September 4th. The day encourages us to reflect and celebrate wild animals around us and in the broader world. As such, we have chosen to highlight an outstanding nonprofit organization right here in Montgomery County. Bears Etc. was founded in 2017 to provide a permanent, community-based, self-sustainable refuge for displaced exotic and wild animals and to educate others about the natural world. Here’s a message from founder, Kati Krouse:

Did you know bears are an important species in Texas? Black Bears, specifically! Did you also know they once

roamed every part of Texas?

As other states have reintroduced bear populations, they are thriving and making a comeback to their native

lands. Another way that bears are coming to Texas is through Bears Etc. We are the experts in exotic animal

rescue in Southeast Texas. We are building the nation's first bear sanctuary to provide permanent placement

for neglected and abused bears of the exotic pet trade.

Aside from rescue, an important part of our mission is education. We teach the importance of bears in an

ecosystem and reasons they don't make good pets. Bears eat 30-40 pounds of food a day! They travel great

lengths, up to 50 miles daily, to find food -- foraging and climbing trees to get the calories they need. Along

the way they will defecate, leaving the seeds of the plants they ate behind them. The seeds, planted directly

with fertilizer, grow more plants and trees. This growth prevents erosion and causes the land to collect and retain

more rainwater, healing damaged ecosystems. There is no other animal in the Texas ecosystem that compares to

the propagating power of a Black Bear!

We would love to tell you more about bears, connect with us via our website and like us on social media .

Vogt Engineering is a community partner for the upcoming OctoBEARFest annual fundraiser benefitting Bears Etc. We would love to see you there, buy your tickets here .

Partner With Vogt for Holistic Commercial & Residential Land Development Solutions

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 10:45:02 GMT

We Build Structures That Benefit You and Your Community

Community is what brings us together and reminds us that we can build a better future through sustainable land development that focuses on preserving the spaces we engage. Each project we undertake starts with an unwavering adherence to sustainable civil engineering principles outlined by the American Society of Civil Engineers . One of the advantages of working with us is our attentiveness to each component in your site plan. Careful planning is what leads to successful structures that seamlessly integrate into natural settings.

What We Do Differently

We embrace the responsibility of understanding the needs of our community and stakeholders, not only for today but for years to come. The structures we build require extensive planning and consideration for natural disasters like hurricanes and floods to ensure each development leaves a positive impact on the community. We realize how delicate communities are and we consider the importance of public safety as well as the impact of economic and environmental factors when creating and developing designs.

Vogt Engineering Highlights International Rock Day

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 11:15:02 GMT

From bedrock to coal to shale and limestone, rocks are all around us and are used in our daily lives to provide comfort and convenience. International Rock Day, celebrated on July 13 ^th , celebrates one of the oldest materials known to man. Rocks have been used as tools and have been essential to our human civilization and survival since the dawn of man.

Have you noticed throughout your day you encounter rocks virtually everywhere you look? The water filter in your refrigerator uses rocks. The salt used to season our food started out as a giant rock. Rocks are polished and cut to make jewelry and art. They are ground and mixed with other products to create the drywall that covers your walls. They are used in their natural state for landscaping - for function and for aesthetics. Rocks, specifically coal, are used for power generation. There are endless ways that rocks impact our lives.

Almost all types of building materials used for paving roads, floors/foundations or various other structures including bridges come from rocks. Civil Engineers can use rocks to prevent erosion, provide support, and stabilize slopes. Some specific uses of rocks in engineering designs include riprap, gabions, retaining walls, and berms.

Riprap consists of a layer of very large stones interlocked together and acts to stabilize and protect the surface against erosion and scour in areas of concentrated flow such as a shoreline. Gabions combine rocks with metal cages and can serve as a strong system that will slow the velocity of the water to resist heavy water flow. Because of the many ways to design the metal boxes and cost efficiency, gabions can be found anywhere from your backyard landscaping to military bases. Berms are used to separate two areas to enhance drainage and are usually constructed with gravel and compacted soil or fill dirt.

Rocks are a universal material used by architects, contractors, and engineers alike. With so many varieties of rock, understanding the properties of different types of stone as well as the sizing for each application is of utmost importance. Engineers and other design professionals choose what material will be used in their design to enhance the performance and functionality of each structure based on public safety, associated costs, conditions, design loads, and its intended use.

Vogt Engineering Recognizes International Women in Engineering Day

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 13:13:00 GMT

Inspiring Future Generations of Women Engineers

June 23rd is celebrated as the “International Women in Engineering Day” around the world every year. The day is used to celebrate the impressive and inspiring women in engineering careers and is designed to raise awareness of women in engineering while bringing attention to the career opportunities available to future generations in this exciting industry.

The future strength of the engineering profession will come from an engineering workforce that mirrors the population it serves -- and women make up 49% of the population. It is an exciting time to be an engineer and female engineers are certainly in great demand as data from November 2019 shows only 13% of engineers today are women. Engineering plays a pivotal role in the development of our society and we hope to see opportunities for women continue to increase in the future.

Engineering at the Core

Engineering is all around us, is pivotal to our society and the inner workings of our communities. The word engineering comes from the Latin “ingenium” meaning cleverness and from the word “ingeniare” meaning to design or devise. Smart Designers. Engineering is the skillset to build anything you dream up in your head. Engineers combine creativity, innovation, and problem-solving ingenuity to make people's lives easier.

Daily Uses of Engineering

Civil engineers design, build, and maintain the foundation for our modern society – our roads and bridges, drinking water and energy systems, and the infrastructure for a cleaner environment, to name just a few.

Although our favorite area of study is Civil Engineering, we encourage all of you to marvel at the advancements in society through the contributions of all engineers. Mechanical and electrical engineers design and advance air conditioning and refrigeration but can also design medical equipment and devices that improve patient care as well as remote control cars our children play with. Chemical engineers play a role in the food, drinks, and cleansing products we use daily. Computer and software engineers develop and advance programs that make computers and apps run more efficiently and safely.

Let’s encourage the next generation of female engineers to get excited about shaping the world and engineering our future.

We Are Pleased To Introduce Our Brand New Vogt Engineering Website!

doug@mansfield.us (Doug Mansfield) — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:39:46 GMT

Entirely New Layout For Easier Navigation

We are pleased to announce the launch of our brand new website that reflects who we are, how we work, and our unique approach to civil engineering. When you visit our website we want you to feel right at home and see the people behind our land development projects . Our interactive layout is user-friendly and organized in a way that allows you to see what you need at a glance, with intuitive features to learn more about what we offer. We hope that you enjoy our new website as much as we do, read more below about what you can expect on our new website!

Faster Search Speeds on Desktop & Mobile Devices

Website search speed is another important factor that contributes to a better navigation experience for users. As we continue to innovate and adapt to the needs of our clients we’ve moved our website to a more secure network for faster load times. We value your time and consideration so we’ve made sure when you visit us your time is always well spent. Instead of waiting for pages to load while you’re on the go, we’ve made it so pages load fast whether you’re on a mobile device or desktop.

Contact us today to learn more about our land development solutions and find what you need faster on our brand new website!

Our Own Amanda Van Dusen Joins The 2021 Leadership Montgomery County Graduating Class Thursday May 20th!

doug@mansfield.us (Doug Mansfield) — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:25:30 GMT

Leadership Montgomery County Connects Leaders and Business Owners Who Share The Common Goal of Creating Community

We are pleased to announce Amanda Van Dusen will be graduating from Leadership Montgomery County on May 20th, 2021! Leadership Montgomery County is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization dedicated to developing and enhancing current and future leaders of Montgomery County. Their mission is to prepare emerging and existing leaders to understand local issues, grow their leadership skills and connect with others to better serve Montgomery County. Vogt Engineering shares the same unwavering commitment to serving the community. Read more below about highlights from the program!

Program Highlights

During the 9-month program Amanda participated in leadership workshops each month focusing on education, economic development, government, healthcare, public safety, infrastructure, serving the community, and leadership development. In these 9-months Amanda sharpened her leadership skills and learned about all the moving parts involved in running, shaping, and maintaining communities. The nine-month course ends in a celebration honoring the participants who complete the requirements of the program. The luncheon event includes the presentation of the graduates, as well as honoring the year’s LMC Distinguished Alumnus. For more information about the program click here !

Child Advocates Project

One of the highlights of the program is the class project which benefits a local non profit. The class of 2021 chose CASA Child Advocates of Montomery County . Amanda and her classmates responded to CASA’s needs by creating a disaster response plan; creating an online information resource database for advocates; completing renovations of 5 visitation rooms at the Department of Family & Protective Services office; and organizing and hosting a virtual life skills training event for teens in the foster care system with resources to allow for repeating the event in the future!

We are so proud of Amanda and the entire 2021 graduating class working together to become better leaders! Click here to view the 2021 graduating class and visit the Leadership Montgomery County website for more information about what they do!

Vogt Engineering Maintains Harmony Between the Environment & Man-made Structures For Sustainable LEED Certified Buildings

doug@mansfield.us (Doug Mansfield) — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:19:31 GMT

Vogt Helps HARC Achieve LEED Platinum Green Building Certification In Montgomery County

In the Research Forest Village of the Woodlands, our team played an instrumental role in the development of the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) . Our efforts resulted in the first LEED Platinum Certified Building in the Woodlands and Montgomery County which is regarded as the highest environmental building achievement attainable in the United States. Our commitment to sustainable land development remains a core focus and the LEED rating system provides a framework to consistently meet objectives that contribute to a better way of living for everyone.

LEED Certification Background & Significance

According to the U.S. Green Building Council , LEED was created in April 1993 by Rick Fedrizzi, David Gottfried, and Mike italiano. Today, we follow the LEED framework for land development projects to optimize functionality for humans while providing eco-friendly footprints that benefit nature. Our LEED-certified buildings are proven to use less energy, water, waste, and lessen the burden on communities.

Sustainable Building Structures Contribute to A Better Way of Living For Everyone

Careful planning and consideration for the environment enables our group to meet the demands of complex land development projects while maintaining harmony with nature. We embrace the responsibility of preserving natural settings to ensure man-made structures also respect existing habitats. One of the main challenges with intricate land development projects is adherence to the LEED rating system, which requires a strong and diverse technical background we consistently provide to our clients.

You can learn more about the LEED Platinum Green Building Certification award in the NEWSWIRE press release here and contact us today for sustainable land development solutions!

Vogt Engineering: Setting The Standard In Commercial and Residential Land Development Since 1983

doug@mansfield.us (Doug Mansfield) — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:09:35 GMT

Transformational Leadership

In 1983 David Vogt founded Vogt Engineering after his early initiatives as Assistant County engineer. Through advocacy, understanding, and collaboration with civic leaders, Vogt Engineering continues to deliver long-term land development solutions that contribute to the health, safety, and well-being of communities. Today transformational leadership is the inspiration that drives us to innovate and bring complex design concepts to successful completion. Since the beginning, we’ve made it a focal point at Vogt to actively serve in community organizations and partner with local humanitarian initiatives. Our commitment remains steadfast and unwavering to the communities we serve.

Vogt Engineering Today

Today Vogt Engineering offers reliable civil engineering consulting services throughout Texas and internationally. Sergio Van Dusen now serves as President of Vogt Engineering bringing over 20 years of engineering experience with the majority of those years serving Montgomery County. His excellent communication and problem-solving skills enable our team to provide innovative solutions to complex engineering and land development projects. At Vogt Engineering we offer expertise in all phases of development, underpinned by comprehensive research and a commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards.