Man dies in rural Webb Co

Fire rescue crews were called out to rural Webb Co for a reported deceased person near Aguilares, TX. When they arrived, they found a male subject who had died sometime during the night. He was found on a ranch with what looked like a snake bite wound according to officials on scene.

blaze closes restaurant

Fire crews responded to a blaze at the 4300 blk of san bernardo in the early morning hours of may 5th. Upon arrival they noted smoke coming from the roof. Once entry was made into the building, they discovered a fire and quickly extinguished it. Unfortunatley, the restaurant, known as Arby's, sustained significant damage throughout. It will be temporarily closed for repairs. No injuries were reported.

heat related safety tips

As the hot weather season approaches, the Laredo Fire Department wishes to remind citizens of Laredo and surrounding areas to take special precautions and guard against heat related injuries. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. Summer weather in our City can reach temperatures in excess of 100 degrees on average. Temperatures are expected to rise in the weeks ahead therefore, heat injury prevention must be emphasized. Preparation is the best way to reduce or prevent heat related injuries.
Here are some tips to keep cool during periods of excessive heat:

Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must work outside, try to do it during the coolest part of the day – usually in the early morning.

Stay indoors as much as possible. If you don't have air conditioning, stay on the lowest floor of a building out of the sun. Use electric fans if you have them. They don't cool the air, but they do help sweat to evaporate, which cools your body.

Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty. Your body needs fluids to keep cool. Avoid beverages with caffeine, such as coffee, and alcohol.

Eat smaller meals, but eat more often.

Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight, and help your body maintain normal temperatures.

Don't get too much sun. Sunburn makes the body's job of keeping cool more difficult.

Check on the elderly, children, and those who are ill; all are vulnerable to excessive heat.

Ensure that your pets are provided with shade and adequate water.

There are different types of heat related injuries and listed below are the more serious.

Heat Cramps – Symptoms include painful cramping and spasms of legs, arms and/or abdominal muscles.
Heat Exhaustion – Symptoms include feeling tired, weak and dizzy; headache nausea and possible vomiting. Heavy perspiration; skin feels moist.
Heat Stroke – Symptoms include feeling tired, weak and dizzy, skin feels hot and dry – even under armpits; skin also appears red and flushed. May become delirious and unconscious. This is a life threatening situation! Call 911.

As always, the Laredo Fire Dept. remains ready to these types of emergencies as well as others.

Fire at west side warehouse

The alarm sounded for a warehouse fire at about midnight last nigt. Fire crews responded at noted smoke coming out of a building at the 2200 blk of Sanchez. The fire was noted to have oiginated from the outside of the building. Attack lines were quickly deployed nd the fire extinguished. No injuries were reported.

Busy Night for FD

Two vehicle fires were reporeted during the early morning hours. One occured at about 03:45 at the corner of Brtlett and San Luis and the other occured at the 1000 blk of Clark at about 04:15. No injuruies were reported.

FD Arrived on scene and quickly extinguished both blazes.

Another incident involved the stabbing of a male subjet possibly in his early 30's at the 9200 blk of San Dario. The incident was reported t have occuredin the vecinity of a night club. The man was treated and transported to an area hospital.

Turn Around, Don't Down!

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. For the past
30 years, the national average for deaths during floods has been 127 each year. In Texas,
the death toll from floods averages 15 victims a year. Nearly half of all flood fatalities are
vehicle-related and the majority of victims are males, according to the National Weather
Service.

The Laredo Fire Department, National Weather Service and the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management are urging people to learn the dangers of driving into flooded roadways because drivers
often underestimate the power of floodwater. These are the facts:
Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of
control and possible stalling.
Twelve inches of water will float many cars.
Two feet of rushing water will carry off pick-up trucks, SUVs and most other
vehicles.
Water across a road may hide a missing segment of roadbed or a missing bridge.

Roads weaken under floodwater and drivers should proceed cautiously after
waters have receded, since the road may collapse under the weight of the vehicle.
NWS and GDEM officials also say that if your car or truck stalls in floodwater, the best
advice is to get out quickly and move to higher ground. Better yet, when there's water on
the road: Turn Around, Don't Drown. Saving your life is as simple as choosing an
alternate route.

Severe Weather Awareness Week Proclaimed

Severe Weather Awareness Week February 23-27
Proclamation to be issued by City of Laredo

Governor Rick Perry has proclaimed this week to be Severe Weather Awareness Week throughout the State of Texas. The goal is to raise the level of awareness in our community on the impacts a severe storm affecting our city. Another goal is to help prepare the community in the event of a severe storm through education and planning.

Mayor Raul G. Salinas will read a proclamation at City Council Chambers on 03/23/09 at 10 am in support of this important initiative.