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Courtesy City of Laredo Health Department,

Laredo, TX -The City of Laredo Health, Fire and Public Safety Departments want to inform the public that Laredo and the surrounding area may be experiencing temperatures drops and/or with drizzle. Therefore we want to provide the public with these Cold Weather Precautions:

·         Listen to weather advisories and follow any precautions provided.

·         Beware of all traffic signs and warnings especially on roads, bridges and overpasses which may become slick if it freezes.

·         Follow all police and traffic rules and precautions (Laredo Police Department issues a road safety alerts).

·         Medical and Health facilities should check and test their back-up support systems in case of power failures.

·         Monitor your food intake and physical output and maintain a regular diet to help your body better handle the severe weather conditions.

·         Hydrate – Drinks with caffeine, sugar and alcohol take longer for your body to absorb and do not hydrate as well.  Water is the best choice.

·         If you go outside, wear appropriate clothing that will adequately insulate you from the cold and provide protection from the wind.  Please make sure to wear a hat and gloves when you go outside.

·         Dress in layers (do not overdress) to better facilitate regulating your body temperature. Children in particular should be kept warm but don’t overdress, if mom is comfortable baby is as well.

·         Older adults, those in fragile health and smaller children can be more readily affected by the cold than the average adult, remember to take all medications as prescribed by your doctor but ask if there are any special precautions for cold weather.

·         Check on loved ones and neighbors, especially those in fragile health, preferably by telephone, make sure their heating system is working.

·         Pets can be greatly affected by the cold and should not be exposed longer than they have to be, provide added protection against wind and cold air, having them inside is better during extreme weather .

·         Check heating units.  Improperly operating/damaged heating units can release carbon monoxide gas. 

·         Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, gasoline or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.  Make sure you have installed a carbon monoxide detector (and test it) in your home to alert you and your family to this “silent killer.”

·         Drive slowly anytime there are hazardous conditions (rain, ice, road construction) and follow all traffic precautions and wear appropriate car safety belts/restraints

For more information please contact the City of Laredo Health Department at (956) 795-4951 or Fire department at (956) 718-6000.