EOC Morning Update: Water working again

EOC Update from Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore

This morning, Feb. 3, we are still coordinating with electric providers to restore power to critical infrastructure and residents, while county crews are working to clear county roads.  

The City of Rockdale and the City of Cameron are still on Boil Water Notices.

Residents are encouraged report damage to homes and businesses using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) damage survey (https://damage.tdem.texas.gov/). The information provided in the survey aids emergency management officials to gain an understanding of damages that have occurred and help officials determine if the state meets federal requirements for various forms of disaster assistance, as well as identify any immediate resource needs.  

The Sheriff’s Office still has water available, and Rockdale has not-potable water at 609 Mills Street if it is needed.  Remember to bring your own container.  

Those operating space heaters and generators please use caution as both can cause significant damage.  The Department of State Health Services offers the following advice: Generators should only be placed outdoors at least 10 feet away from buildings.  They should never be operated indoors or in garages. Likewise, cars should not be run inside a garage, even with the door open, because carbon monoxide can build up, leading to death. Outdoor grills, camp stoves and other appliances meant for open-air use should not be used to heat a home because they, too, create carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and invisible gas produced by burning gasoline, propane, wood, charcoal and other fuel. If it builds up in a confined space and people breathe it in, it can replace the oxygen in their blood leading to carbon monoxide poisoning and death.              

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, drowsiness, severe headache, weakness, nausea and confusion. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should go or be moved to a well ventilated area outdoors and receive immediate medical attention.

People without power can take steps to stay warm by:                              

Closing blinds or curtains to trap heat inside.                              

Closing off rooms to avoid wasting heat.                              

Stuffing towels or rags in cracks under doors.                              

Eating and drinking because food can warm the body.                              

Wearing multiple layers of warm, loose-fitting clothing.