What’s invisible, odorless and colorless but can really make you sick? You guessed it—carbon monoxide (CO)! This potentially lethal gas is created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely.

Read More

Even though allergies may seem like a bigger nuisance right now, it's a fact flu season is in full swing! The very best way to protect yourself and your family against the flu and its potential complications is to get this year's vaccine.

North Texas health departments continue to report flu vaccine is in plentiful supply. Check with your county's health department, your local drug store or your family physician to find out more.

Read More
35.jpg

 An estimated 1,800 fatal residential building fires occur annually in the United States, resulting in an average of 2,635 deaths, 725 injuries, and $196 million in property loss. (source: U.S.

Read More

Winter Weather

At the first mention of a winter freeze, traffic and commerce in North Central Texas freezes too. Why? While colder weather brings a welcome change, most people aren’t prepared for it. Freezing rain, snow and ice can make for great outdoor fun—but can also result in car accidents, hypothermia, and carbon monoxide poisoning from defective heating units. In addition, a few inches of ice can bring down power lines that result in days-long outages. And on the road, that quick trip to grandma’s can turn into an impromptu camp-out in the car.

Special Needs Assistance Program

SNAP stands for Special Needs Assistance Program.  It is a database that enables Office of Emergency Management personnel to register residents with special needs so they can better plan for disasters. 

 

Individuals may register at www.snapforyou.org or contact their local Office of Emergency Management.

 

Storm Spotters

The TV meteorologist isn’t the only one with his eye on the sky. The National Weather Service (NWS) has established a network of Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) volunteers (find a link to RACES in the Get Involved section) and SKYWARN Spotters to help obtain critical weather information. These volunteers help identify and describe severe local storms, enabling the NWS to issue more timely and accurate warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash floods.

Protecting Your Neighborhood

Neighborhood Watch

Plan to hold a Neighborhood Watch meeting. It’s important that you’re able to join with your neighbors in the face of an emergency. Together you can help safeguard your homes and children. Your local Sheriffs’ office or police station can help you get started or visit www.usaonwatch.org for more information.

 

North Central Texas drought expected to continue into 2012

A La niña system in the Pacific Ocean will continue to torment residents of North Central Texas as our drought is expected to continue into 2012.  Weather experts state that we have a 6 to12 percent chance of receiving enough rain through April to end the drought.