Laredo, TX: It’s Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme is “Prevent Home Fires”. Prevention is our best defense against any fire; this is why we would like to take this opportunity to raise fire prevention awareness in our community with the objective of avoiding a loss or tragedy.
The efforts will include fire safety presentations at local schools as well as distributing fire prevention tips throughout the week.
Today’s Fire Safety Tip is as follows:
Everyday Electrical Safety
Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from anything that can burn, such as lamp shades, bedding, curtains, and clothing.
Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords.
Use extension cords for temporary wiring only. Consider having additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician.
Homes with young children should have tamper-resistant electrical receptacles.
Call a qualified electrician or landlord if you have recurring problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers,
Discolored or warm wall outlets, flickering lights or a burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance.
Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871. (Source: National Fire Protection Association)
Monday, October 6, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
City Opens Shelter for Hurricane Evacuees
Laredo, TX: In light of the imminent landfall of Hurricane Ike this weekend, many residents of the Texas Coast are evacuating to communities further inland. The City of Laredo is one such community that will be a host to those seeking emergency shelter from the storm.
Effective as of 8 P.M. tonight, the City will open the Cigarroa Recreation Center located at 2201 Zacatecas St and will be available to shelter out-of-town evacuees.
Effective as of 8 P.M. tonight, the City will open the Cigarroa Recreation Center located at 2201 Zacatecas St and will be available to shelter out-of-town evacuees.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Auto Cycle accident and shootings mar weekend
Fire crews responded to two shootings and one autocyclist accident claiing a fatality this weekend.
The first incident was a shooting that occured on Ramirez Dr. Laredo Fire paramedics responded to a shooting where a male subject was shot in the lower extremity. The subject was in his early forties. The incident occured at about 2:45 am on Saturday morning.
The second shooting occured at about 5 minutes before 3 am on Saturday morning on Daniela Lp. It involved a male subject in his early thirties. Paramedics rushed to the scene to find the subject with a gunshot wound to his upper body. He was transported in critical condition to a local hospital.
The third incident occured this morning a little past midnight. It involved a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle. At about 12:15 am, fire crews responded to Hwy 83 north at the 12 mile marker for a reported accident. On arrival, crews found that the driver of the motorcycle was struck by a vehicle at a high rate of speed. He was found to have died as a result of his injuries at the scene. The motorcycle was part of a group of other motorcycles traveling northbound on hwy 83. Luckily, the other cyclists narrowley escaped being struck.
Stay tuned for more details
The first incident was a shooting that occured on Ramirez Dr. Laredo Fire paramedics responded to a shooting where a male subject was shot in the lower extremity. The subject was in his early forties. The incident occured at about 2:45 am on Saturday morning.
The second shooting occured at about 5 minutes before 3 am on Saturday morning on Daniela Lp. It involved a male subject in his early thirties. Paramedics rushed to the scene to find the subject with a gunshot wound to his upper body. He was transported in critical condition to a local hospital.
The third incident occured this morning a little past midnight. It involved a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle. At about 12:15 am, fire crews responded to Hwy 83 north at the 12 mile marker for a reported accident. On arrival, crews found that the driver of the motorcycle was struck by a vehicle at a high rate of speed. He was found to have died as a result of his injuries at the scene. The motorcycle was part of a group of other motorcycles traveling northbound on hwy 83. Luckily, the other cyclists narrowley escaped being struck.
Stay tuned for more details
Monday, September 1, 2008
Tragic Labor Day Weekend on the Border
Sunday brought two fatalities in unrelated traffic accidents. The first occurred on IH 35 (N) at the 27 mile marker. The call came in at about 8 am and fire crews immediatley responded to assist. On arrival they found a deceased hispanic male in his 20's who apprently lost control of his ford maustang and struck a pole.
The second incident occured at the 1500 blk of Galveston when a mid sized four door sedan traveling with six teenagers lost control and ran into a house. The vehicle came to a halt in the dining room of the residence. Five of the peaople from the vehicle were transported to a local hospital. Two of the patients had to be extricated from the vehicle by fire crews with the Jaws of Life. Sadly, one patient died on scene as a result of the injuries sustained.
The second incident occured at the 1500 blk of Galveston when a mid sized four door sedan traveling with six teenagers lost control and ran into a house. The vehicle came to a halt in the dining room of the residence. Five of the peaople from the vehicle were transported to a local hospital. Two of the patients had to be extricated from the vehicle by fire crews with the Jaws of Life. Sadly, one patient died on scene as a result of the injuries sustained.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Fire Fighters Battle Warehouse Fire
: Fire crews were dispatched to a warehouse fire at the 3000 block of Guadalupe in the early hours of Monday morning at approximately 04:30 A.M. Witnesses stated that flames and smoke were visible from several blocks way. On arrival, the firefighters quickly positioned to contain and extinguish the blaze. The warehouse was confirmed to be vacant at the time and was reported to be the former facility of a local candle company. Merchandise and other items were still in the building which added to the fire load.
Two firefighters were reported to have been injured at the incident. One sustained second degree burns and the other succumbed to exertion as a result of intense efforts to fight the fire.
The fire response included the participation of six fire engines, two ladder trucks, two ambulances as well two district chiefs and Safety officers.
A of 1:30 P.M., units were still on scene extinguishing spot fires throughout the premises.
Two firefighters were reported to have been injured at the incident. One sustained second degree burns and the other succumbed to exertion as a result of intense efforts to fight the fire.
The fire response included the participation of six fire engines, two ladder trucks, two ambulances as well two district chiefs and Safety officers.
A of 1:30 P.M., units were still on scene extinguishing spot fires throughout the premises.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Mobile Home Fire in West Laredo
Fire crews responded to a mobile home fire at the 3200 block of Lee in west Laredo, Thursday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 11:15 A.M. and several fire units were immediately dispatched. Four fire trucks, an ambulance, an EMS Supervisor and a District Chief responded to the scene.
On arrival they discovered a mobile home with smoke billowing from the windows and roof of the residence. Hose lines were quickly deployed to contain the fire which appeared to be concentrated in the middle section of the home in the area of the kitchen. The home sustained some fire as well as smoke damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
No one was home at the time of the incident and no injuries were reported.
On arrival they discovered a mobile home with smoke billowing from the windows and roof of the residence. Hose lines were quickly deployed to contain the fire which appeared to be concentrated in the middle section of the home in the area of the kitchen. The home sustained some fire as well as smoke damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
No one was home at the time of the incident and no injuries were reported.
Monday, August 18, 2008
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 SlowlySlowing 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 youIt 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 hydroplaningNever 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 distractedDriving 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 tiresYou 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.
· 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 SlowlySlowing 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 youIt 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 hydroplaningNever 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 distractedDriving 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 tiresYou 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.
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