Storm season has made it’s way to the region and the Levelland-Hockley County Emergency Management is urging residents and business owners to register for weather related and emergency notifications to stay informed and alerted in case of emergencies.
Residents are encouraged to go to RUAWARE.US to register for Hockley County Alerts. Business Owners in Hockley County can go to https://r.iinfo. com/hockleycobizcontact for business alerts.
Also, individuals are encouraged to check their wireless device has the “emergency alerts by location” turned on. That will allow notifications to come through similar to the amber alerts but are initiated locally for emergency situations such as tornado warning or dynamic police incidents.
Individuals should not assume that getting amber alerts to their phone their settings are correct for the notification; people will have to allow location alerts.
What location alert means is it will send the message based off geographical boundaries; the alert can be isolated to a specific area for only those within the preset boundary to receive the notification. This is a voluntary activation as amber alert system is not voluntary.
All alerts through this system come from local officials; never spam, solicitation calls, text messages or emails. All of the text messages will come from the same number so it can be saved in contacts to be easily recognized. The phone calls will come through with the office of emergency management number 806-568-5487 so it can be saved and easily recognizable as well.
Drought conditions are continuing to improve with the consistent rainfall the area has been receiving. However, severe thunderstorm conditions have accompanied the much needed rainfall.
Hail ranging from ping pong ball to baseball size have already been accounted for throughout the area and residents are encouraged to be aware of severe weather conditions to stay safe along with being mindful of property that could be damaged due to intense weather conditions.
In addition to storm season, grass fires are still a possibility for much of the Texas area that is fuel loaded. Residents are encouraged to prepare for grass fires.
Despite the difference in activity levels, the threat of wildfire is continual for the state. Four to five weeks of dry conditions will result in a substantial increase in wildfire activity, as vegetation dries and becomes receptive to burning.
There are simple measures that anyone can do around their home to decrease susceptibility to wildfire.
Keep the area within five feet around structures free of combustible material, such as mulch, plants, firewood stacks and patio furniture.
For the area within 5-30 feet of a structure, keep grass mowed and rake away vegetative debris.
Keep a healthy, wellmaintained landscape. Make sure your plants are properly spaced, low growing and free of resins, oils and waxes that burn easily.
Remove dead vegetation from under the deck of your home.