There are currently no warnings or advisories for this location.
Public Information Statement
Statement as of 4:01 am CDT on July 26, 2008
... Safety tips in the wake of Dolly...
Hurricane Dolly has moved out of deep south Texas... but the damage she caused this past Wednesday and Thursday from South Padre Island to Zapata County remains. Please remember the following safety tips while you clean up after Dolly.
... Portable generators and outdoor grills... while using portable generators... be sure to carefully follow the manufacturers instructions. Do not plug the generator directly into your home circuit breaker box... as electricity produced by the generator can backfeed into powerlines... possibly causing injury or death to repair workers. Use your generator only in dry and well ventilated areas. Do not use generators... or outdoor grills... in your home... as Carbon monoxide can build up inside your home and cause death.
... Fallen or hanging powerlines... do not approach... or touch... fallen or hanging powerlines... even if they look harmless... and do not try to remove them off of your roof or out of your yard. Contact local law enforcement or the Fire Department if you find powerlines that may be a danger to other residents.
... Flooded roads... do not drive your vehicle on roads covered by floodwaters... as you may accidentally drive off of the Road and into an Arroyo or canal. When water covers the Road... find another Route to your destination. Remember... turn around... don't drown.
... Canals and drainage ditches... do not swim in canals... drainage ditches... or in other areas where floodwaters have collected. These waters will likely contain high levels of dangerous bacteria from animal carcasses and raw sewage ... And oil... gasoline... and diesel runoff from stranded vehicles.
... Trees and branches... use caution when removing fallen trees and branches from your yard. Follow the manufacturers instructions while using chain saws and other outdoor power equipment... like wood chippers. Do not try to remove trees off of your roof... use a professional tree removal service instead. While using ladders... stay away from powerlines... and if you must climb onto your roof... do so with extreme caution to prevent falling.
... Wild animals and insects... while working outside... watch out for venomous snakes... which may be looking for higher dry ground away from floodwaters. Use insect spray containing deet to Ward off mosquitos. Do not walk through flooded areas... as fire ants... tarantulas... and scorpions will cause painful bites and stings.
... Weather conditions... hot and humid weather conditions are anticipated through the next several days. When working outside... wear loose fitting and light colored clothing. Take frequent breaks in the shade... or in air conditioned buildings if possible. Drink plenty of water... and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol... as these will make you more thirsty and dehydrated.
