Along with police and firefighters, public works' professionals are among the first people to respond in emergencies and disasters. The American Public Works Association wants to increase awareness of this role with a new symbol that can be displayed on uniforms, hard hats, agency vehicles, letterheads and buildings.

APWA announced rollout of the symbol during the North American Snow Conference May 7 in Indianapolis. The symbol consists of five stripes: black on the top and bottom, with the words "PUBLIC WORKS" and "FIRST RESPONDER" reversed in white; two orange stripes and a white stripe in the center.

APWA is making the symbol available in multiple formats at no cost to public works agencies in North America "to ensure that the symbol has maximum exposure in as many settings as possible." The association is also selling square decals, bumper stickers and T-shirts on its website.

"We ask that agencies display the logo wherever appropriate to raise awareness among all citizens, government officials and other first responders about the critical role public works plays in emergency management efforts," the association said in a post on its website.

The APWA board approved adoption of the symbol in November 2017.

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