High temperatures, like the kind we experience in the North Texas Region in the summer, along with high humidity, can cause heat-related illnesses which range in severity from mild heat cramps, to heat exhaustion, to potentially life-threatening heatstroke.

Resources

• National Weather Service - Heat Safety Campaign
• National Weather Service - Know the signs of Heat Illness
• Texas 2-1-1
• United Way of Denton County
• Salvation Army
• Christian Community Action
• American Red Cross

Texas is located in tornado alley. Spring and summer are considered tornado season although they can happen at any time of the day any time of the year!

Know the Terms:

• Tornado: a violently rotating column of air, usually pendant to a cumulonimbus, with circulation reaching the ground. It nearly always starts as a funnel cloud and may be accompanied by a loud roaring noise. On a local scale, it is the most destructive of all atmospheric phenomena.
• Tornado Watch: issued when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Their size can vary depending on the weather situation. They are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. They normally are issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather.
• Tornado Warning: issued when a tornado is indicated by radar or sighted by storm spotters. They can be issued without a Tornado Watch already in effect. They are usually issued for a duration of approximately 30 minutes.
• Enhanced Fujita Scale: used to classify tornadoes and the damage they cause across the country. The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale measures the wind speeds and resultant damage of tornadoes based on 28 damage indicators and six classes of wind speeds.
  • EF 0: wind speeds of 65 to 85 mph
  • EF 1: wind speeds of 86 to 110 mph
  • EF 2: wind speeds of 111 to 135 mph
  • EF 3: wind speeds of 136 to 165 mph
  • EF 4: wind speeds of 166 to 200 mph
  • EF 5: wind speeds of 200 mph or more

Thunderstorms & Lightning

Thunderstorms can be exciting to watch, but they can also be extremely dangerous. Thunderstorms can produce high winds, hail, flash flooding, and lightning. Lightning kills more people than tornados each year.

Severe Thunderstorm and Lightning Safety Tips:

• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by it; find safe shelter immediately.
• Move to a sturdy building and stay away from windows (don’t take shelter in a shed, under isolated trees, or in a convertible vehicle).
• If a sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hardtop vehicle and keep the windows up.
• Get out of boats and away from water.
• Unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone except in an emergency.

By counting the seconds between the flash and the thunder and dividing by five, you can estimate your distance from the strike (in miles).

Fact vs. Fiction:

• Fiction: Lightning never strikes twice in the same place.
  FACT: Lightning has “favorite” strikes that it may hit many times during one storm.
• Fiction: If it’s not raining, then there is no danger from lightning.
  FACT: Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
• Fiction: The rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires on a car will protect you from being struck by lightning.
  FACT: Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
• Fiction: People struck by lightning carry an electrical charge and should not be touched.
  FACT: Lightning-strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately.

Hail is formed when rain passes through a belt of cold air and freezes on its way to the ground. Hail can accompany tornadoes and thunderstorms and fall at speeds of over 100 miles per hour: So...SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY if you are caught in a hail storm.

Hailstorm Safety Tips:

• When driving into a hailstorm, find a safe place to pull over and turn your vehicle so the hail will be hitting the windshield. The safety glass in the windshield will help protect you.
• In a building, stay away from windows!
• If you are outside, seek shelter immediately. Hail of any size can be dangerous when pelted in high winds.
• If you can’t protect your entire body, at least try to protect your head. Many hailstorm related deaths are due to being struck in the head with a hail stone.
• If weather conditions are prime for a storm, move cars, boats, RVs, and lawn and patio furniture into a covered area.

Floods and Flash Flooding

Floods and flash flooding is the most common hazard in North Central Texas and causes billions of dollars in damage each year. Natural processes such as weather systems can cause flooding. Inadequate drainage, soil saturation, and dam failure can also cause flooding.

More people die from flooding than any other severe weather related hazard. It only takes six inches of fast-moving floodwater to knock over an adult and two feet to carry away most vehicles, including pickups and SUVs. The moment a flash-flood warning is issued for your area, follow this simple advice: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Flood Safety Rules:

• If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Stay away from flood-prone areas, including dips, low spots, valleys, ditches, washes, etc.
• Avoid flooded areas or those with rapid water flow. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream. It only takes six inches of fast flowing water to sweep you off your feet.
• Don’t allow children to play near high water, storm drains or ditches. Hidden dangers could lie beneath the water.
• Flooded roads could have significant damage hidden by floodwaters. NEVER drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads. If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Water only two feet deep can float away most automobiles.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly when threatening conditions exist.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or your local media for important weather related information.

What is the difference between a flash flood watch and a flash flood warning?

• Flash Flood Watch: Weather forecast has indicated that there is a potential for heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding.
• Flash Flood Warning: Flash flooding is happening now. There is currently areas within the flood warning area that are flooding and you should use extreme caution.

At the first mention of a winter freeze, traffic and commerce in North Central Texas freezes too. Why? While colder weather brings a welcome change, most people aren’t prepared for it. Freezing rain, snow and ice can make for great outdoor fun—but can also result in car accidents, hypothermia, and carbon monoxide poisoning from defective heating units.

Winter Weather Safety Tips:

• Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing instead of one heavy layer of clothing. Make sure that outer garments are water-repellent.
• Ensure that your heating source is working properly and well ventilated. Have it serviced regularly.
• Avoid driving on overpasses and bridges—they often freeze more quickly than roads.
• Winterize your car. Flush the cooling system, replace the coolant, replace the wiper blades, etc. Winterize your pipes. Keep faucets dripping when the temperature drops below freezing.
• Take extra precautions to ensure the well being of your animals by providing plenty of water and food, as well as appropriate shelter.

Black ice is caused by extremely cold rain droplets that form a film of clear ice on roadways (it’s called “black” because you can see the black asphalt through it). It’s hard to see and extremely slick, so look out for this hazard when the temperature drops near freezing.

Know the Terms

A pandemic occurs over a wide geographic area and affects a large segment of the population. An influenza pandemic is a global outbreak that results from the emergence of a new influenza virus that can cause serious illness in humans and spreads easily from person to person.

A biological emergency involves the exposure to bacteria and viruses that can cause a serious illness. Usually, these biological agents must be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or eaten to make you sick.

• Pandemic flu is caused by a virus that is "novel" (new) or different from flu viruses that circulated previously. Pandemics can cause serious illness in humans and spreads easily from person to person.
• Anthrax is caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It is an infectious disease that most commonly occurs in wild and domestic livestock (such as cattle, sheep and goats), but infections can occur in humans as well. Learn more about anthrax
• Smallpox is a virus that used to cause one of the most feared illnesses in history. Because the United States stopped widespread smallpox vaccinations in the 1970s, most people no longer carry immunity against the disease; any re-introduction of smallpox could result in a global pandemic. Learn more about smallpox
• Burkholderia: Melioidosis and Glanders are infectious diseases caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei or Pseudomonas pseudomallei. These harmful bacteria are found in unsanitary water or moist soil. They are transmitted to animals and humans by ingestion or inhalation
• Plague is a potentially severe disease caused by a bacterium, Yersinia pestis. Learn more about plague
• Botulism is a serious illness caused by an extremely powerful poison called botulinum toxin that paralyzes the muscles. The toxin is produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Botulism develops if a person ingests the toxin or if the bacteria grow and release a toxin in a wound or in the intestines. Botulism cannot be spread from person to person.
• Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (Ebola virus disease) is a severe, often fatal disease that affects humans and some animals (monkeys, gorillas and chimpanzees). It is caused by the Ebola virus. Ebola spreads by direct contact through broken skin or mouth, eyes or nose. It does not spread through the air. The chances of the average New Yorker getting Ebola are extremely low; however, an Ebola outbreak in another part of the world could potentially affect New York City, given its international connectivity. Learn more about Ebola

Hazardous Materials

We use hazardous materials in our homes and businesses every day. Hazardous materials are also transported across our railroad and freeway systems everyday. Small spills occasionally occur, but these incidents rarely cause the public any difficulty. In the event of a major spill authorities will instruct you on the best course of action, however, you should heed the precautions below.

Know the Terms:

Household chemical spill - Typically smaller than 10 US gallons or less than 15 pounds of dry material.

Small chemical spill - Less than 55 US gallons or 208 liters for liquid materials and less than 660 pounds or 300 kilograms for dry materials.

Large chemical spill - Greater than 55 US gallons or 208 liters for liquid materials and less than 660 pounds or 300 kilograms for dry materials.

Preparing for a Household Chemical Spill:

• Read the emergency instructions on chemical containers to help you understand the threats they may pose.
• Always store chemicals in a safe place, out of reach of children, and dispose of them properly. Contact your city to find out if they have a special disposal program.
• Avoid mixing common household chemical products like ammonia and bleach.
• Never smoke while using household chemicals.
• Always use chemicals in well-ventilated areas.

Program the Poison Control number into your phone in case of emergencies. 1.800.222.1222.

More information on chemicals and chemical agents can be found at the New York City Emergency Management Website.

Preparing for a Small or Large Chemical Spill:

• Stay upwind of the material if possible.
• Identify an internal room where you can shelter-in-place and protect yourself from contaminated air if asked to do so by authorities.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible if needed.
• If exposed, remove outer layer of clothes, separate yourself from them, and wash yourself. 
• In some circumstances, after being exposed to hazardous materials, it may be necessary to be "decontaminated." Specially trained emergency personnel will perform decontamination procedures, which may include the removal of personal items and cleansing of exposed areas of the body. They will provide for medical attention if necessary.
• Make sure your Emergency Supply Kit is ready.

Terrorism has been one of our most talked about and publicized hazards in our country. Almost 20 years ago terrorists attacked the country with airplanes on September 11. Today terrorists are utilizing different weapons including; vehicles, knives, and firearms. A terrorist's primary objective is to create fear. With accurate information and basic emergency preparedness, you can fight back.

During an act of violence (e.g. robbery, hostage situation, workplace violence, active shooter):

• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Have an exit plan.
• Move away from the source of the threat as quickly as possible.
• The more distance and barriers between you and the threat, the better.

DENY when getting away is difficult or maybe even impossible.

• Keep distance between you and the source.
• Create barriers to prevent or slow down a threat from getting to you.
• Turn the lights off.
• Remain out of sight and quiet by hiding behind large objects and silence your phone.

DEFEND because you have the right to protect yourself.

• If you cannot Avoid or Deny be prepared to defend yourself.
• Be aggressive and committed to your actions.
• Do not fight fairly. THIS IS ABOUT SURVIVAL.

CALL 911 when you are in a safe area.

When Law Enforcement arrives, SHOW YOUR HANDS AND FOLLOW COMMANDS.

Remember that Failure to Plan is Planning to Fail.