COUNTY LIFE
DPS encourages Texans to be smart in the summer heat
AUSTIN – As temperatures rise this summer, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging the public to take extra safety precautions to avoid some common heat-related dangers, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
“Texas summers heat up quickly. Children are more susceptible than adults to many things, including extreme temperatures,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “We are urging Texans to take every measure possible to have a safe season. Heat-related injuries and deaths are often preventable, and we all need to be vigilant in protecting ourselves and others.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in just 10 minutes the temperature inside a vehicle can increase by 20 degrees. Children are more vulnerable to heatstroke, because their body temperatures rise three to five times faster than adults’. Cracking or rolling down a window makes little difference in reducing the rising temperature in a vehicle. You should never leave a child alone in a vehicle, no matter the circumstance.
DPS offers the following tips to prevent vehicular heatstroke, and for staying safe in the heat:
· Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, and always check the back seat or cargo areas before walking away.
· Establish reminders to help ensure you remove children from the vehicle. This could be leaving your bag, lunch or cell phone in the back seat with the child’s car seat.
· If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call 9-1-1 immediately and emergency personnel will provide guidance.
· Teach the children in your life not to play in vehicles, and make sure to place keys out-of-reach when not in use.
· Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty; you may not realize you’re dehydrated until it’s too late. Make sure children stay hydrated, too.
· Avoid alcohol and beverages high in caffeine or sugar during prolonged periods outdoors.
· Pay attention to your body. Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop quickly. Know the warning signs and seek medical attention if necessary.
· Check on others, especially the elderly, sick, very young and those without air conditioners.
· Don’t forget about pets and pet safety. Animals are susceptible to heat-related injuries or death. Pets can die in a hot vehicle in just 15 minutes.
· Monitor local weather updates and stay aware of upcoming changes.
· Limit exposure to the sun. If you can, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
· Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a hat are recommended while spending time outdoors.
· Wear sunscreen. Sunburns can affect the body’s ability to cool down.
· Be careful when cooking outdoors, building campfires or driving off-road to avoid igniting dry vegetation. Also, stay aware of burn bans in your area, and always abide by restrictions on outside burning.
So far in 2021, two children in the U.S. have died from heat-related deaths, according to noheatstroke.org. In 2020, 24 children died. Texas has the most pediatric vehicle deaths in the country from 1998 to 2020, with 132.
Additional information on preventing heatstroke in vehicles can be found by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additionally, Ready.gov, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the National Weather Service also have helpful tips on staying safe in the heat.
Take time to remember all those who gave all for our freedoms in America. The Bowie News staff wishes you a safe and happy holiday day weekend this Memorial Day. The News office will be closed on Monday for the holiday.
AUSTIN – With Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start to summer boating season, Texas Game Wardens are preparing for one of the busiest boating weekends of the year and reminding Texans and visitors alike to put safety first before heading out on the water.
In 2025, Texas recorded 178 reportable boating incidents that resulted in 50 fatalities and 77 serious injuries. Eighty-four percent of those who died in boating incidents were not wearing a life jacket. Texas Game Wardens also made 223 Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) arrests last year.
“Memorial Day weekend is when many families get back on the water for the first time this year,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, director of Law Enforcement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Before you leave the dock, take a few minutes to make sure your life jackets are on board, your boat is properly equipped and you have designated a sober operator.”
Texas Game Wardens encourage boaters to keep the following in mind before launching:
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Children younger than 13 are required to wear one while underway.
- Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The operator must wear the lanyard or have the engine cut-off switch fob on their person when operating a boat equipped with one.
- Operate at a safe speed and maintain a proper lookout.
- Take a boater education course. It is required for anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1993.
- Check the weather before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.
- Leave a float plan with someone you trust.
- Don’t overload your boat.
“Boating should be fun,” said VanderRoest. “A little planning and some common sense help keep it that way.”
Renting a Boat or Personal Watercraft
If you plan to rent a boat or personal watercraft, choose a licensed vessel livery (a business establishment engaged in renting or hiring out vessels for profit).
By law, vessel liveries must provide all required safety equipment, explain how to operate the vessel, review applicable boating laws and have the operator sign a form acknowledging they received this information. They are also required to carry liability insurance.
Before leaving the dock, renters should make sure the vessel has enough life jackets for everyone on board and that they understand basic operating rules, including those specific to personal watercraft.
Personal Watercraft Safety
Personal watercraft, including jet skis, are subject to special laws in Texas. Operators and passengers must always wear a life jacket, the operator must use the engine cut-off switch, and these vessels may not be operated between sunset and sunrise. Operators must also stay at least 50 feet from other vessels, people and the shore unless traveling at headway speed.
“Whether you’re launching your own boat or renting one for the day, take the time to understand the rules and make safety part of your plan,” said VanderRoest. “If you take safety seriously from the start, you’re far less likely to need help later.”
For more information about boating laws, required equipment and boater education courses, visit the TPWD Boater Education Program at tpwd.texas.gov/boatereducation.
Starting at noon on May 25 at The V (VFW) in Nocona there will be a program for the Memorial Day featuring speakers, cannons and a rifle team.
There will be a Memorial Day Celebration Dinner at 5 p.m. on May 25 at the Nocona Senior Citizens Center (Carpenter Shop).
Call for reservations at 940-825-3148. The meal will include barbecue ribs, french fries, beans, cole slaw, dessert and ice team. Adults are $10 and children $5.
Proceeds benefit the senior center and the Meals on Wheels program at Nocona.
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