Rip Current Statement |
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Alert: |
…HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK TODAY… .LARGE SWELLS AND ELEVATED TIDE LEVELS WILL LEAD TO HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK TODAY. CONDITIONS SHOULD END EARLY THIS EVENING IN THE WAKE OF A COLD FRONTAL PASSAGE. …HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING… THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN HOUSTON/GALVESTON HAS ISSUED A HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK…WHICH IS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING. * TIMING…THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND ENDING THIS EVENING. * IMPACTS…DANGEROUS WATER CONDITIONS WITH STRONG AND UNUSUAL RIP CURRENTS USE EXTREME CAUTION IF SWIMMING OR SURFING. |
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Instructions: |
RIP CURRENTS ARE POWERFUL CHANNELS OF WATER FLOWING QUICKLY AWAY FROM SHORE…WHICH OCCUR MOST OFTEN AT LOW SPOTS OR BREAKS IN THE SANDBAR AND IN THE VICINITY OF STRUCTURES SUCH AS JETTIES AND PIERS. HEED THE ADVICE OF LIFEGUARDS AND THE BEACH PATROL. PAY ATTENTION TO FLAGS AND POSTED SIGNS. IF YOU BECOME CAUGHT IN A RIP CURRENT…DO NOT PANIC. REMAIN CALM AND BEGIN TO SWIM PARALLEL TO SHORE. ONCE YOU ARE AWAY FROM THE FORCE OF THE RIP CURRENT…BEGIN TO SWIM BACK TO THE BEACH. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SWIM DIRECTLY AGAINST A RIP CURRENT. EVEN A STRONG SWIMMER CAN BECOME EXHAUSTED QUICKLY. |
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Target Area: |
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Category: Chambers County Texas
The City of Old River-Winfree’s Leash Ordinance is being enforced. Please call the City for information or complaints! We all love our pets. Please keep them safe!
From the Office of Sheriff Brian Hawthorne
Sheriff Hawthorne reported that on 6 April, 2013 at approximately 12:50pm Chambers County Communications received an Animal on Animal call in the 10600 block of Pine Meadows Blvd. which is located in the Pine Meadows Subdivision which is off of SH 146 (south of I-10).
Upon arrival Chambers County Deputy K. Ritch observed two gray pit bull dogs attacking a smaller black poodle in the front yard of a residence across from the callers address in the 8300 block of White Willow.
The Deputy yelled at the dogs endeavoring to get the two pit bulls away from the mauled poodle. Both pit bulls ran into a back yard and the deputy followed to see if he could find how they got out. According to witnesses the two gray pit bulls are out running the neighborhood on a regular basis. It was discovered that the dogs have chewed and dug holes under the fence and the gate area which has made easy access for them to get out of their own backyard and into the neighbors backyard. The neighbors have called the owner in times past asking them to please put the dogs up for fear of them attacking their children. The Chambers County Animal Control Officer, Wesley Richey was dispatched and forced to tranquilize both pit bulls and place them in custody at the Chambers County Kennel facility. The poodle, which evidently a stray, did not survive the attack.
(Insert shows photo of one of the pit bulls in a neighbors backyard seconds before going through an opening he had made)
From the Office of Sheriff Brian Hawthorne April 1 2013
On 29 March 2013 at approx. 3:15 911 received a call concerning a boating accident at Hugo Point Park located at the end of Gou Hole Road. It was reported that two boats, one boat with two occupants and the other with 4 occupants struck each other. At the time there was a report of injuries. Trinity Bay Medical Service and Cove Fire Department responded with two Rescue Units.
Deputies Jobes and Gonzalez both with Chambers County Sheriff’s Marine Resource Division were dispatched to the scene. Once there, they request the assistance of Game Warden Daniel Pope.
As a result of the injuries sustained in the accident, a 14 yr juvenile who lives in Louisiana and was visiting a grandmother was Life-Flighted to Memorial Hermann Hospital. Glenda Leccesse, the grandmother was transported by ambulance. The two other occupants were treated and released. The two occupants of the second boat, John Keller and Hunter Medlin from Cove were treated and released from the hospital the same night.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Chambers County Marine Division, however two of the factors in the accident was the speed of both boats and that they were both coming into a blind corner.
The Sheriff wanted to remind boaters how important water safety is and be alert. Some of the waterways have narrow passages as well as blind corners and as it warms up there will be more boat traffic on the rivers and bay.
Sheriff Hawthorne reported that both a former Chambers County Deputy Letitia Nacheal Fountain and a former DPS Trooper Kevin Dale Kelley were booked into the Chambers County Jail on a Class A, Assault Family Violence charges. These charges stem from an alleged assault against Fountain’s ex-husband in May of 2012.
The case was investigated by the Texas Rangers who ultimately filed the charges against both former officers. Fountain’s employment with Chambers County was terminated in December of 2012 and Kelley had resigned with DPS in early 2011. Bond was set at $4,000 each.
See Under Item 9 Safety/Emergency Management
From the Office of Sheriff Brian Hawthorne
Press Release 3-20-13
On 18 March 2013 at approx. 10:37 am Chambers County 911 received a call of a home invasion in progress at the 10000 block of Pine Meadows Blvd. in the Pine Meadows Subdivision. The home owner said that two individuals were trying to kick in the front door of their home.
The home owner said that with gun in hand he had surprised the burglars’ and they fled in a white Ford Taurus. The home owner gave a good description of both suspects as well as the direction of travel.
While on patrol Chambers County Deputy Drew Childress was in the area at the time and heard dispatch give out the description of the suspects’ vehicle. While northbound on Hwy 146 he observed a vehicle matching the description headed southbound. He turned around and was able to get the vehicle with the two suspects stopped.
After the home owner positively identified the two as the suspects kicking in the front door of his home, they were both arrested and placed in the Chambers County Jail. The two suspects were identified as Michael Gonzalez and Abednego Mendoza, both from Houston.
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 15, 2013 www.texasattorneygeneral.gov Subscribe to E-News |
CONTACT Press Office at (512) 463-2050 |
AUSTIN — Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today sought an emergency stay from the federal district court in the whooping-crane litigation, citing numerous legal flaws with the court’s decision. The State argues that the court incorrectly faulted the Texas Commission on Environmenal Quality (TCEQ) for the deaths of whooping cranes that live part-time along the Texas Gulf Coast, and exceeded its lawful authority by prohibiting TCEQ from issuing new water use permits for the Guadalupe and San Antonio Rivers.
If the ruling is not stayed or overturned by a federal appeals court, it could cause severe economic harm to the State and impose drastic federal regulations on the farms, ranches and communities along the Guadalupe and San Antonio Rivers. The Attorney General’s emergency stay application asks the court to stay its ruling while the State appeals the decision to prevent unnecessary economic hardship for the communities along the Guadalupe and San Antonio Rivers. “This astounding and far-reaching injunctive relief will impose irreparable harm on the State’s economy and its drought-affected residents,” Abbott wrote.
If the district court does not issue an emergency stay, the State will immediately seek relief from the federal appeals court.
Sheriff Brian Hawthorne reported that on 12 March, 2013 at approximately 6:30 pm the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office 911 received a call from stranded fishermen in Trinity Bay. The Chambers County Marine Division was immediately contacted and launched a water search and rescue leaving from Crawley’s Bait Camp. By the time the Marine Division was able to get into the area the call had originated from they were in total darkness with rough seas. The two fishermen, both from Houston were eventually located safe and uninjured at the south end of Atkinson Island. This is one of the worst areas for rough waters in Trinity Bay.
Their boat had become disabled and had been adrift for hours before being rescued. The vessel had to be towed back to Thompson’s Marina and arrived at approximately 9:20 pm.
Been thinking about opening a business or bringing your business from the house or backyard to the public.
Space is for lease in the Heart of Old River-Winfree, just north of the historic Old River bridge.
Space leases for $800/month and the terms of lease are negotiable.
No Food Businesses, please.
See the friendly staff at Sam’s Express #1 on Hwy 146 or Sam’s Express #2 on FM 1409 in Old River-Winfree.
Sam’s Express #1 281-383-7084
Sam’s Express #2 281-385-0000
Sheriff Hawthorne needs the public’s help in solving a “Cold Case” that occurred over 22 years ago.
On November 14, 1990 human skeletal remains was discovered in a ditch, at highway 124, just north of the Little Elm Bayou on the east side of the road.
The remains were taken to the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office and tests were run. Their findings revealed that the remains were of a white male, possibly of mixed race, at height of 6’ to 6’2”. The person appeared to have had numerous healed injuries to the head and body. The skull showed signs of an old injury to the cheek- bone, which called for extensive dental work, also the results revealed that the victim’s right hip showed signs of being broken at one time.
Anyone with information regarding this matter is urged to call the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office- Criminal Investigation Division at 281-576-5112.
You may also go to the Chambers County Website or the Chambers County Employment Page
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County Judge Jimmy Sylvia (fourth from left), with Sheriff Brian Hawthorne (center), District Attorney Cheryl Lieck, Emergency Management Director Ryan Holaepfel, along with school officials from all three school districts and law enforcement get together to attend the first county school safety symposium.
Submitted by Deputy Houghton, PIO
Sheriff Brian Hawthorne held the first Chambers County School Safety Symposium at the Barbers Hill Independent School District C.T. Joseph Conference Center today which was sponsored by Dr. Greg Poole the Superintendent of the Barbers Hill Independent School District.
In attendance at the Symposium were Dr. Linda Barnhart Superintendent of Anahuac Independent School District and Scott Campbell of the East Chambers Independent School District.
Presentations were made by Barbers Hill Independent School District Campus Police Chief Kenny Widner, Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Coordinator Ryan Holzaepfel and Bruce Oliphant the Director of Emergency Services.
Others in attendance were County Judge Jimmy Sylvia, Cheryl Lieck District Attorney, and Mont Belvieu Police Chief Virgil Blasdel.
This summit was the first time that all three School Districts in the County gathered together with one goal in mind which is making Chambers County a safer place to live.
Source: Anahuac Progress for Everything Anahuac
Sheriff Brian Hawthorne reported today that on 19 December, 2012 the Sheriff’s Office received information about an alleged Aggravated Sexual Assault on a Juvenile involving multiple suspects within Chambers and Harris County.
Based on this information which was given by the victim’s outcry, the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division was able to determine the incidents would not be described as a continuing episode with multiple suspects but separate incidents at different locations, dates and suspects.
As a result of the investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division two adults, a mother and son were charged. A warrant was issued for Kendall Warren Mahar, W/M 17 for Aggravated Sexual Assault on a Juvenile (Felony) with a $10,000 bond, and Carla Immel Mahar, W/F 44 was charged with Abandon/Endangering a Child (Felony), $10,000 bond and both from the Beach City area in Chambers County.
In addition three Juvenile suspects have been charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault. Their cases are currently under review by the Chambers County Attorney’s Office.
On February 6, 2013 both adult suspects, Kendall Mahar and his mother, Carla Mahar surrendered to the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office and are currently jailed awaiting arraignments
.
Chambers County Sheriff deputies escort Gabriel Davila out of the courthouse after being sentenced to 10 years in TDC for the charge of indecency with a child under 17 years old, by exposure.
Former Chambers County Sheriff Deputy, Gabriel Davila was sentenced to serve 10 years in jail for indecency with a child by exposure.
Gabriel Marcelo Davila, 34, pled guilty on November 26, 2012 of one count of indecency with a child, less than 17 years of age, by exposure. The Honorable Judge Carroll Wilborn, Jr. came out of retirement to preside over the punishment sentencing in Davila’s case. “I was sitting on the bench when Davila pled guilty back in November, and I returned to finish the case” said Judge Wilborn.
The victim, “Yvette”, a pseudonym, initially made an outcry for help to her mother, Maria, whose names are not being released to protect the victim’s privacy, in December of 2009. At which time, Maria reported the incident to the Chambers County Sheriff Office and later in 2011 after she did not hear back from the sheriff’s office, she contacted District Attorney, Cheryl Lieck regarding the matter.
Lieck discovered that the Sheriff’s office mishandled the investigation against Davila, and in turn she contacted the Texas Rangers to investigate the allegations against Davila. Consequently, two sheriff deputies, John Mulryan, and Mike Wheat were suspended without pay and later reassigned within the department for allegedly, mishandling the investigation. The Texas Rangers came back from their investigation with a 288 page Pre-Sentencing Investigation (PSI) report. “It is the most thorough and extensive PSI report I have ever seen in my 15 years as an attorney” said defense attorney, Joanne Musick.
Based on the investigation by the Rangers, a grand jury returned with two indictments against Gabriel Davila on June 1, 2012. The first indictment listed six counts of indecency with a child by exposure and the second indictment listed six counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child. Davila pled guilty to one count of indecency with a child by exposure on November 26, 2012.
On Friday, February 8, 2012 the sentencing court opened with hearing testimony from Maria, the victim’s mother, who recounted for the court, how her daughter’s behavior has changed since the incident, reflecting that the victim, now 14, no longer likes to go out in public, like going to the movies, or spending time with her friends. “Yvette, has become very introverted, spending a lot of her time in her room, reading, separating herself from people and her family” said Maria. The victim, she claimed has difficulty sleeping due to nightmares and dealing with the loss of her brothers, and grandparents, since they cut off communications with her since the charges were filed. “Yvette, feels like crying all the time and feels guilty for pushing her family apart and feels responsible for the outcome” added her mother.
Assistant District Attorney, Kathy Esquivel asked Maria if she had met Mr. Davila’s current wife, Christina and to describe her physical appearance to the court. “I laughed, when I met her, and asked Mr. Davila – ‘Is that your girlfriend?’ said Maria. She described Christina as what she considered to be physically un-developed, with no shape to her. Maria added that at the time of the introduction, Christina was only 16 years old, and Mr. Davila at the time was 20 years old and stated he and Maria were together when Maria was only 19 years old when she gave birth to their daughter “Yvette”. Assistant DA Esquivel asked Maria if Child Protection Services had ever investigated her. Maria stated she had, when someone made a complaint against claiming she left “Yvette” alone frequently, got their clothes and food out of the trash dump and that Maria was an alcoholic. When asked if she had been worried about the charges, she stated “no, because I knew the charges were bogus” Maria went on to say she didn’t know who filed the complaint, though she suspected it was Davila and claimed that during mediations she confronted Davila regarding the CPS complaint, he reportedly responded “I told Tina not to do it” Maria said, confirming to her who filed the complaint. “Next time, you need to get your facts straight” Maria said she told Davila.
The court then heard testimony from Dr. Lawrence Thompson, Jr., who works as a clinical psychologist, specializing in child abuse. Dr. Thompson was declared as an expert witness by the judge after the defense agreed. Dr. Thompson talked about the common symptoms children exhibit that have been abused, though he added those symptoms are not definitive as each person handles trauma differently. Going on to state that symptoms could range from depression, by showing sadness, crying or difficulties sleeping due to nightmares, anxiety or paranoid thoughts, including thoughts of suicide, and they can become withdrawn due to lack of trust issues. He added some children display no outer symptoms, making it look like “everything is just fine” when actually inside “everything is not fine”. Dr. Thompson explained that it was not uncommon that children that suffered sexual abuse often felt ashamed and even miss the relationship with the abuser. “They still love their step-father, but don’t love what the step-father did to abuse the child,” added Dr. Thompson. “Sadly,” he went on to say, “these children often punish themselves, by abusing substances, in an attempt to escape the emotional pain and unfortunately, their self-inflicted abuse can prevail throughout the child’s life into adulthood”. Through questioning Dr. Thompson, the prosecution was trying to demonstrate to the court the loss and destruction of a child’s life after suffering sexual abuse that can follow them through adulthood.
Before closing statements, the prosecution asked the judge to take notice and acknowledge Indictment No. 16305; citing six counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and five other counts listed on Indictment No. 16304 for indecency with a child by exposure, in his consideration in sentencing Davila.
Defense Attorney, Joanne Musick, opened her closing remarks with an analysis of the defendant, Gabriel Davila character. Stating that Mr. Davila has been married to his current wife for 15 years, and the couple have small children, going on to say that Mr. Davila improved himself by getting a GED after only attending school until the 9th grade, and whereas the defendant has been continuously been gainfully employed, has maintained child support payments for “Yvette”, nor has the defendant had any additional criminal charges, grievances or complaints brought against him since the charges filed in 2011. Musick went on to state, that her client, Mr. Davila does accept responsibility for his actions, proof per his guilty plea in 2012. Though the charges caused Davila to lose his employment with the Sheriff’s Office, he did obtained further employment, and continued to maintain the support of his family. Musick asked the court to consider “deferred adjudication” in Davila’s sentencing. Meaning the court would place the defendant on probation for period of time, and when successfully completed, the case would be “dismissed”
Musick added Davila would agree to have no further contact or communication with “Yvette”, but would continue to provide child support and restitution by financing the victim’s therapy, counseling and “as her father” know that he can provide financial resources to help her to receive the help she needs. Musick went on to say the defendant would, per state requirements register as a sex offender, Davila would also agree to enter into therapy and treatment. Musick asked the judge to take in consideration that in the Texas Ranger’s report and CPS investigations, they cited Davila as being, cooperative in their investigations. Musick ended by saying the defendant, Davila was a good candidate for rehabilitation, he has had no additional criminal charges brought against him, he had no prior criminal history, he has strong family support and he agrees to seek out the help he needs through therapy and treatment.
District Attorney, Cheryl Lieck, presented the closing remarks for the prosecution, strongly asked the judge to consider that Davila, not only exposed himself to his nine year old daughter, but, then admitted that he exposed himself to her. Lieck then held up a statement written by “Yvette”, that clearly appears to have been written in a child’s handwriting, describing what occurred between “Yvette” and her father, in her own words. Lieck reads from the statement “he made me lie on my stomach, while he took pictures of my ‘anus’, and then he put something squishy, warm and wet in me”. The statement went on to say how “Yvette” didn’t understand why her “daddy was doing this to me” but pleaded for someone to “Make it Stop!” At this point the victim’s family burst out crying and “Yvette’s” mother dashes out of the courtroom, clearly upset.
DA Lieck proceeds by saying “Mr. Davila has been given a gift, actually two gifts”- the first gift of protection by his law enforcement buddies, giving Davila two years of freedom. Lieck turns and looks out into the audience and notes “I do not see any of those buddies of yours in attendance today” she goes on stating that the second gift offered to Mr. Davila, according to Lieck, “Davila would have faced two indictments with a total of 12 counts against him and would have faced a stacked sentence, and now she adds, he will now only face the maximum of 10 years of jail time. Lieck questions the defense’s offer of restitution. “Money? Who cares? What difference will his child support make? Money cannot bring back the victim’s family or her “daddy”. Lieck ends by stating, “You have taken everything away from this little girl and she has been destroyed”
During the pause before Judge Wilborn makes his decision, all that can be heard in the courtroom is the heart-wrenching sobs from the victim’s mother and family.
“On count one of indecency with a child, I sentence you to 10 years in TDC with $5,000 fine” pronounced Judge Wilborn to Gabriel Davila, at which point, his wife, Christina can be heard to break down, sobbing. Defense attorney, Musick requests a few days reprieve from incarceration so the defendant may “tie up loose ends and say goodbye to his small children”. The judge denies the request.
The victim’s mother, Maria is allowed by the court to read a final statement to the defendant, Davila. “I have waited three years, one month and 21 days for this day to come” said Maria. “I thought I would be so relieved and happy, but all I feels is pain and Yvette’s pain” adding “Yvette” has lost her family, their love and trust – “You were a symbol of trust – she once said to me “Who is going to believe me? He is the police.” continued Maria and stating from that day onward, in her mind and heart she would do anything and everything it took to bring Davila to justice. She ended saying, “I thank God we made it and I am standing here holding our daughter’s hand and I will be there for her through all the pain you have caused her and I feel sorry for your children, who will grow up knowing what a sick person you really are”.
Davila who had appeared calm throughout the proceedings, started to cry when Sheriff deputies handcuffed him to escort him from the courtroom, with his wife, begging the officers to let her hug him, and asking what is she going to tell her boys.
“No one wins in these cases. All we can do is punish and try to protect other potential victims,” said District Attorney Cheryl Lieck in regards to the outcome of the case.
Source: Anahuac Progress reporting on all things Anahuac!
No stranger to Old River-Winfree (he is a regular participant in Old River-Winfree Founders Day), Ryan Holzaepfel, announces updates as Fire Marshal in cooperation with the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office now under the direction and leadership of Sheriff Brian Hawthorne.
Looking to the Future
In cooperation with Sheriff Hawthorne, we are excited to be putting together an Arson and Fire Investigation team in Chambers County. It will be composed of officers from the Chambers County Fire Marshal’s Office and Chambers County Sheriff’s Office. The primary goal of the team will be to investigate the cause and origin of home and structure fires in Chambers County. Not all fires are intentional, and for safety reasons it is important for the County to identify causes and patterns of home fires. We hope that by doing this we can reduce the risk of fire and injury for the citizens of Chambers County. We hope to have the team fully operational by this summer.
Ryan Holzaepfel Chambers County Emergency Management Coordinator Fire Marshal PO Box 957 Anahuac, TX 77514 Office: 409-267-2445 Fax: 409-267-4133
From:
Ryan Holzaepfel Chambers County Emergency Management Coordinator Fire Marshal PO Box 957 Anahuac, TX 77514 Office: 409-267-2445 Fax: 409-267-4133
Latest Available Data
- 484,500 structure fires occurred in the U.S. during 2011.
- 2,640 civilian fire deaths
- 15,635 civilian fire injuries
- $9.7 billion in property damage
- One structure fire was reported every 65 seconds
Texas Fires
- 18,212 home fires occurred in Texas during 2011.
- 111 civilian fire deaths
- 625 civilian fire injuries
- $304,680,250 in property damage
- 23% of Texas home fires were caused by cooking.
Fire Causes
- The top fire causes include:
- Cooking (23%)*
- Open Flame (6%)
- Heating (4%)
- Incendiary/Arson (6%)
- Smoking (4%)
- Unknown (43%)
- Exposure (5%)
Cooking Fires
- Pay attention to what you’re cooking.
- If you leave the room, turn off the stove.
- Don’t cook if you’re sleepy or if you’re impaired.
- Keep flammable items away from heat sources.
- Curtains, potholders, towels, clothing, etc.
- Keep flammable cleaners away from heat sources.
-
Clean your stove top frequently to avoid grease build up.
Grease Fires
- Always have the matching lid nearby!
- If you have a small grease fire you can smother it with the lid.
- NEVER PUT WATER ON A GREASE FIRE!
Smoking Related Fires
Cigarettes can smolder for hours.
- Tips to avoid smoking related fires:
- Don’t smoke inside.
- Discard smoking materials in a fire safe container.
- Use a proper, heavy ashtray which won’t tip easily.
- Don’t improvise!
- Second leading cause of civilian fire deaths!
- Don’t smoke in bed.
- Don’t smoke if you’re tired, taking medications, or if you’ve been drinking or are otherwise impaired.
- After a party, check indoor and outdoor furniture and cushions for smoldering cigarette butts.
Candles
Unattended candles are a leading fire cause.
Candle safety tips:
- Use flameless candles.
- When you leave the room, blow out the candle.
- Keep anything that could burn at least a foot away: curtains, clothes, paper, etc.
- Don’t set the candles on anything combustible.
- Fires can start when the candle burns down to the base.
Portable Heaters
- Keep heaters at least 3 feet away from any items that can burn or ignite.
- Plug heaters directly into the wall outlet. Do not use
extension cords, or plug the heaters into power strips or multi-plug adapters. - Only use modern heaters with tip-over switches.
- Don’t use unvented fuel fired heaters in the home.
Electrical Safety
- Do not overload electrical sockets.
- Do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
- They can become worn, overheat, and cause a fire.
- Avoid putting cords against walls or across doorways.
- Use power strips equipped with overload protection.
- Make sure all power strips and extension cords are tested and approved by a laboratory such as UL (Underwriter’s Laboratories).
Escape Routes
If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke.
- When the smoke alarm sounds, you may only have seconds or minutes to escape safely.
- Have a meeting place for everyone to gather outside.
- Plan two ways out, in case one way is filled with smoke or fire.
Important Safety Elements
- Alarms (All homes should have smoke alarms.)
Smoke
Carbon Monoxide
- Fire extinguishers
-
Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems
Alarm Placement & Maintenance
- Make sure you can hear the alarm in every place in your home.
- They should be loud enough to wake you from sleep.
- Check them once a month.
- Change the batteries once a year.
- Replace them every 10 years.
Fire Extinguishers
- Know how to use them.
- Have them mounted in an obvious spot near an exit.
When in doubt, get out!
If you have a fire…
- Leave, close the door, and call 9-1-1 from outside.
- Report ALL fires to the fire department, even if you think you put them out!
- Don’t ignore alarms!
- Even if your building has frequent alarms, you need to leave when they go off.
- Once you’re out, STAY OUT!
- Don’t go back inside for possessions or pets.
- Notify the fire department if anyone is unaccounted for.
You never know when it could be a real fire.
Summary
There are many ways to reduce your risk of fire:
- Stay focused when you’re cooking.
- Use candles responsibly, or not at all.
- Don’t overload electrical sockets or misuse extension cords.
- If you must smoke, be responsible for your smoking
materials. - If someone is smoking in or near your home, check to make sure that all smoking materials are properly disposed of.
- Have a fire safety plan and practice it!
- Have working smoke and CO alarms.
- Be careful with heaters.
- Be responsible.
Wind Advisory
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HOUSTON/GALVESTON TX 423 AM CST WED JAN 30 2013 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON... .STRONG NORTHWEST WINDS WILL PERSIST IN THE WAKE OF A STRONG COLD FRONT. WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO DIMINISH BY SUNSET. AUSTIN-BRAZORIA-BRAZOS-BURLESON-CHAMBERS-COLORADO-FORT BEND- GALVESTON-GRIMES-HARRIS-HOUSTON-JACKSON-LIBERTY-MADISON-MATAGORDA- MONTGOMERY-POLK-SAN JACINTO-TRINITY-WALKER-WALLER-WASHINGTON- WHARTON-
