Motorcyclist dies after crash

A 19 yo male loses his life after bieng struck by a vehicle at the corner of Clark and Mc Clelland in the early morning hours of saturday. Fire Dept. Paramedics arrived on scene and found the patient to be in critical condition. He was treated and transported to LMC where he battled for his until he died 48 hours later. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Another Body recovered from the Rio Grande

Fire Department rescue crews responded to a reported body in the Rio Grande close to Meadow/Chacon Bridge. Crews succesfully recovered the body of a male subject in advanced stages of decomposition despite the muddy and inaccesable conditons.

Early Morning Stabbing Reported

Fire Crews responded to a reported stabbing in the early morning hours. A male subject between the ages of 40 and 50 sustained several stab wounds to several areas of his body. He war treated and to transported to a local hospital y fire department EMS personnel. The incident occured in the downtown area at the corner of Hidalgo and San Agustin according to an EMS Supervisor.

FEMA to assist in Laredo

Laredo, TX, July 18, 2007:
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is operating a Mobile Disaster Recovery Center (MDRC) that will open in Laredo on Sunday July 22 at 9:00 a.m. It will operate here from 9:00 a.m. to 6:p.m. daily until July 24. FEMA will operate from the City of Laredo Service Center located at 5512 Thomas (At the former air base).
Disaster Recovery Centers are a one-stop shop for affected individuals to learn more about the disaster aid process. Individuals can meet one-to-one to learn about the status of their FEMA aid, or with mitigation experts to learn about how to avoid or reduce future disaster losses when rebuilding. Customer Service Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be on hand to answer questions and help renters, homeowners and businesses of any size and private non-profit organizations fill out loan applications.

For more information or to apply for disaster assistance, call 1-800-621-3362 or visit www.fema.gov and for Spanish www.fema.gov/spanish.

Over 500 applicants apply for FD

Over 500 potential candidates showed up to take the fire dept. entrance exam. The line serpentined around the Civic Center grounds were hopefuls waited anxiously to be seated for the first phase of the FD selection process.

The results are expected to posted next Tuesday at City Hall. The remaining phases of the selection process include the physical agility, drug test and background check, among others.

A two vehicle accident sends a family of four to the hospital on Wed. night. Three children and one adult were ejected from a late model SUV after a vehicle runs a stop sign. The ages ranged from 4 to 12 yo for the children. They were in very serious condition when fire dept paramdics arrived. Advanced life support procedures had to be administered before transporting to a local hospital.

Fire Dept. urges caution during heavy rains

The City of Laredo and surrounding areas may experience heavy rain over the next 72 hours. The flood conditions that follow are the of cause many vehicles becoming stranded on city streets leaving motorists at the mercy of the hazardous conditions.
This creates a dangerous situation especially in flooded, low-lying areas where water currents may sweep victims off their feet. We urge citizens not ignore traffic barricades and other traffic advisories for the sake of their safety.

We would like to encourage citizens to follow these simple tips that may possibly save their lives and the lives of loved ones:

· Most of all flash flood fatalities nationwide involve vehicles. Saving your life can be as easy as turning your car around when you see water on the road. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways.

· Even in relatively shallow water, tires can act as flotation devices, lifting up big vehicles and sending them downstream. It takes only two feet of water to float a 3,000-pound car.

· Beware that water covering roadways may hide washed-out bridges or gouged-out roadbeds. If you attempt to drive across, you may not be driving on a road.

· In rainy weather, be alert and stay tuned to local radio or TV.

· If you are in a low-lying area when flooding is occurring, get to higher ground quickly. Be sure to avoid canyons and ravines that can channel swift water.

· Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or streams on foot. It can take as little as six inches of water to knock an adult off his or her feet. Furthermore, water may be flowing more rapidly than it appears.

· Never allow children to play near ditches and storm drains.

· During stormy weather, do not camp or park vehicles along streams or washes.

· Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to see flood dangers.
*Source: Governor’s Division of Emergency Management
In addition to these tips we want recommend that the public prepare for the heavy rainfall and storms that we may experience. Prepare a home emergency kit and stay tuned to local news for updated weather reports and instructions. Here are some examples of what to include in a home emergency kit:
Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps
The City of Laredo will open shelters to receive anyone that may require temporary shelter. The Civic Center located at 2400 San Bernardo will open at 8 PM or earlier if necessary. Other shelters will open as needed around the city and their The locations will be announced at the time they open.
For non-emergencies and inquiries you can call 956/795-2800.
If you think you’re in danger, help is only a call away. By dialing 911, rescuers will arrive to assist you during any emergency. As always, the Laredo Fire Dept. remains ready to respond to these types of emergencies as well as others.