More Rain Expected

More rain is expected ver the next few days and we want to remind the public about the dangers of potential flooding of roadways. When approaching a flooded roadway, please remember these tips:

· Nearly 50 percent 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. And be sure to avoid canyons and washes 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.

Also, when driving in wet weather, please keep in mind the following:

Drive Slowly
Slowing down is the most important thing you can do when driving in slippery conditions. Driving slow keeps a greater amount of tread in contact with the ground, which gives you more stability and control. Keep a steady pace and avoid sudden turns, braking, and accelerating. You should also try not to pass other cars if possible.
Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you
It could take you as much as three times longer to come to a complete stop when the road conditions are wet. Avoid tailgating whenever possible, and be on the watch out for brake lights in front of you and up the road. Leave your headlights on for the benefit of those driving around you.
Know what to do when skidding or hydroplaning
Never slam your brakes when you begin to lose control of your car on slick surfaces. You should press your breaks steadily and with slight firmness, while steering in the direction you are skidding. If you have anti-lock brakes you should apply more steady pressure and avoid pumping them.
Hydroplaning is a result of hitting water on the road and gliding across it. When your car begins to hydroplane you should remove your foot from the gas, hold the steering wheel steady, and very lightly apply the brakes. With a manual transmission you should push in the clutch and let the car slow down on its own.
Don’t drive when tired or distracted
Driving in wet road conditions, especially at night, requires your full attention. If you feel yourself getting drowsy while driving you should pull over until you feel alert again. Avoid anything that will take your attention from the road or your hands off the wheel. Especially things like eating, drinking, or talking on a cell phone.
Prepare for wet weather by checking your tires
You should check your tires with regularity for the proper amount of tread and tire pressure. Tread at less than 1/16th of an inch will be poor at handling wet road conditions. Use your owners manual to find out the proper tire pressure for your vehicle.

I'd like to thank the Governor's Division of Emergency Management for ther guidance in assembling the provided information.

Teen shot at local club

A male in his late teens sustained a guunshot wound to the face close to midnight at a local club located on Jacaman Rd. While sitting in his vehicle, the shooter approached and opened fire. Firefighters arrived on scene to tend to the patient and promptly transported him to a local hospital in serious condition.

Trailer rollover on IH 35

A driver lost control of his tractor trailer on IH-35 during the noon rush hour creating congetstion for more than an hour. The driver claims to have lost control after the load he was carrying shifted sending off the thoroughfare. Laredo Fire Dept. Paramedics and fire fighters rushed to the scene to aid the driver and assure that there was no danger. Paramedics treated and transported the driver to a local hospital.

Youth burned at BBQ

A young male received burns to his body after pooring gasoline on a fire at BBQ at a local residence early Saturday morning. Fire department crews quiclkly responded after receiving the call. He was treated and transported to a local hospital for further treatment and evaluation.

Remember these Safety tips offered by the Nationl Fire Protection Association:

1)Gas and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
2)Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
3)Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
4)Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when flipping burgers.
5)Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
Charcoal grills
1)Purchase the proper starter fluid and store the can out of reach of children, and away from heat sources.
2) Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.
Propane grills
1)Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles. 2)If you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame:
Turn off the gas tank and grill.
a)If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
b)If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. 3)Do not attempt to move the grill.
4)Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
5)Never store propane gas cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.

A final word about cookouts: Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

Weekend Shooting sends two to local Hospital

A shooting at the 3000 blk of Corpus Christi sends two victims to LMC. A male and female recieved bullet wounds and were treted by Laredo Fire Dept Rescue crews. Details surrounding the incident are being investigated by LPD. More to come as they become available.

Be Prepared with a Familiy Emergency Kit

Following a disaster, officials and relief workers will provide assistance, but they will not be able to reach everyone immediately. To sustain your family before help arrives, prepare a disaster supplies kit. It is best to keep your emergency supplies, except your credit cards, cash, and documents, in portable containers (such as plastic tubs) in case you need to evacuate. If you do this, you can be ready to leave much more quickly.

Your kit should include the following items:

· Bottled water (three-day supply of four quarts per person per day)

· Food (three-day supply of non-perishable foods such as canned meats, fruits and vegetables)

· Can opener, pocket knife, eating utensils, cups, plates and bowls

· First-aid kit and at least a 30 day supply of prescription medicines

· Battery-operated radio and extra batteries

· Flashlight and extra batteries

· Tools, tape, plastic sheeting, signal flares and matches

· Fire extinguisher

· Sanitation products such as toilet paper, paper towels, soap, detergent, bleach and disinfectant

· Clothing and bedding for each family member.

· Special items for babies, the elderly, disabled persons or others with special needs

· Cash or traveler’s checks

· Important documents (kept in waterproof containers) such as insurance policies, deeds, titles, stocks, birth certificates, passports, wills, immunization records, etc.

· If you have a pet, include pet food, a carrier or cage, and, where appropriate, a leash in your supplies.

City prepares for Dean

Laredo, TX, August 27, 2007: Members of the City’s Emergency Management Team and City Manager’s Office met to prepare for next week’s possible landfall of Hurricane Dean along the Texas coastline. Preparations include local and state coordination of resources, state and weather service conference call participation and constant monitoring of the event.

The State of Texas Division of Emergency Management has designated the City of Laredo a host city for those that may need to evacuate affected communities along the cost. Local emergency shelters will be opened if necessary to receive as many as 5000 evacuees.

City officials would like to remind citizens that this event could possibly bring heavy rainfall to our area and necessary precautions should be taken such as preparing a family emergency

kit, having a family emergency plan in place and refueling your vehicles. See the attached examples for reference.

Also, we want to discourage anyone from driving through flooded roadways as this places you and others in harm’s way.
Finally, please stay tuned to local media for developing news regarding this event.

Weekend Crash sends five to local hospitals

A saturday afternoon crash sends five victims to the hospital. Fire rescue crews resopnded to the accident at Loop 20 and Del Mar. Crews arrived and found two vehicles involved in the accident that caused non life threatening injuries. Fire paramedics treated and transported the injured to local hospitals.

Motorcycle collision seriously injures two

An accident involving two motorcyles seriously injures two youths last night. The incident occurred at about 11 pm on del mar close to the Body Factory. Two male subjects ages 15 and 20 were reported to have multiple injuries. Fire Dept. rescue crews arrived on scene to treat the injured and transported them to Doctor's Hospital. One of the injured was flown to San Antonio for advanced treatment of his wounds.

Blaze at local motel claims room

Residents of a local motel located at the 9000 block of Mines reported flames inside a room. Fire Department personnel quickly responded to extinguish the blaze and were succesful in containing it to the room of origin, saving the rest of the motel. No injuries were reported at the time of the incident.