Extreme Weather Task Force: Be Prepared for Severe Weather

2. Representatives from local, state, and federal government together with other community partners have come together to form a group known as the Extreme Weather Task Force. The Task Force works to inform the public about steps we can all take to be prepared for severe weather, including the creation of this emergency action plan. Members • American Red Cross, • City of El Paso Public Affairs and Communications Office • El Paso City Department of Public Health • El Paso City-County Office of Emergency Management, • El Paso Community Development Department, • El Paso County General Assistance, • El Paso County Judge’s Office, • El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office • El Paso County Sheriff’s Department, • El Paso Electric Company • El Paso Fire Department • El Paso Mayor’s Office • El Paso Parks and Recreation • El Paso Police Department • El Paso Public Library • Fabens I.S.D., Migrant Education Program • National Weather Service, El Paso Office • Project Bravo • ESC-Region 19, Migrant Education Program • Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, (RSVP) • Rio Grande Council Of Governments Area Agency on Aging, • Texas Gas • Sun Metro, • Texas, 211 • Texas A&M Colonias program • Texas Adult Protective Services, • Texas Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management • Western Refining • Express Employment • Alliance Insurance • El Paso Water Utilities • CUAD Promotoras • El Pas Electrict Company • Express Employment Co • RUA Insurance • Alliance Insurance

3. El Paso County Heat Related Deaths 2015 3 2014 2 2013 2 2012 2 2011 6 2010 2 2009 3 2008 5 2007 4 2006 2 2005 8 2004 12 2003 7 2002 10 (4 in the month of June) Information Source: El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office

4. Extreme Weather Health Advisory Summer The Extreme Weather Task Force meets and selects a date on or around May 1, to coordinate a press conference to initiate hot weather health advisories. Press releases should include the Buddy System and fan drive information. Winter The Extreme Weather Task Force meets and selects a date on or around November 1, to coordinate a press conference to initiate cold weather health advisories. Press releases should include the Buddy System and blanket drive information.

5. Winter and Summer Press Conference

6. High-Risk Individuals Although anyone at anytime can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids. People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature. People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat. People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness. People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

7. "Buddy System" WHAT'S A BUDDY? Anyone can be a Buddy. A Buddy can be a friend, relative, neighbor, or landlord. A Buddy should be someone that an elderly person, who lives alone, can trust in his or her home. WHAT DOES BUDDY DO? A Buddy makes a daily personal visit or telephone call to his or her elderly Buddy during a heat wave. A Buddy encourages the elderly person to rest, stay cool, and drink plenty of fluids. If there are any errands that must be done, the Buddy does them, or makes sure they get done.

8. Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness • Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic) regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.

9. Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness (cont’d) • Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar – these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps

10. Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness (cont’d) • Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90’s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

11. Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness (cont’d) • NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle (children and the elderly) • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

12. Cool Zones • If adequate cooling in unavailable in a home, the EWTF recommends individuals go to one of the designated cool zones in our community. These “cool zones” include public libraries, indoor shopping malls and senior citizen Centers.

13. The Task Force works on soliciting and collecting blankets in the winter and fans in the summer.

14. Drop Off New Fans/Blankets at any, The El Paso Fire Department Stations One Blanket or One Fan Can Save A Person’s Life!

15. THANK YOU