Emergency

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

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Receive Critical Alerts via Text and/or Email. Register for Heath Everbridge Nixle Alerts.

Text 75032 to 888777

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GET EMERGENCY ROCKWALL COUNTY ALERTS

Receive Critical Alerts, including FEMA’s National Alert System via Text and/or Email. Register for RCOEM Everbridge Nixle Alerts.

Text RCOEM to 888777

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Emergency situations can occur at any time in Texas. Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.

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LOCAL PREPAREDNESS

ROCKWALL COUNTY EMC

The Rockwall County EMC was established to plan and prepare for a safely coordinated response and recovery from any incident affecting the welfare of the community, including the City of Heath. Operations include:

Prevention

Monitoring and recommending local and state codes and mitigation efforts

Preparedness

Planning and training for all natural and manmade hazards and disasters
Securing Homeland Security and CRI and UASI grants
Community outreach through volunteer programs, including the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Response Support

Opening and operating an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in any Rockwall County City as needed in conjunction with local officials including the Mayor, City Manager and DPS Chief
Opening and manning an On-Scene Command Post in any Rockwall County City as needed in conjunction with local officials including the City of Heath DPS Chief

Recovery

Public/individual assistance

ROCKWALL COUNTY EMC

LINKS & PHONE NUMBERS

Oncor Power Outage:

Call: 888-313-4747 | Text: OUT to 66267
Report Outage Online

Atmos Energy Gas Emergency:

Call: 866-322-8667
Atmos Storm Center

Water Shut off at Home or Business

Call: 972-771-7724

Heath Department of Public Safety

Non-Emergency After Hours: 972-771-7724
Call 911 in case of emergency

PREPAREDNESS AT HOME & WORK

WHAT TO DO BEFORE A NATURAL DISASTER

BUILD AN EMERGENCY KIT

A disaster supplies kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them.
You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days.
Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages.

READY.GOV LINKS

FOOD GUIDELINES

WATER GUIDELINES

SUPPLY CHECK LIST

MAKE A FAMILY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to think about the following situations and plan just in case. Consider the following questions when making a plan:

How will my family/household get emergency alerts and warnings?
How will my family/household get to safe locations for relevant emergencies?
How will my family/household get in touch if cell phones, the internet or landlines don’t work?
How will I let loved ones know I am safe?
How will my family/household get to a meeting place after emergency?

READY.GOV LINKS

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

Register for free emergency alerts by text, email and phone at nixle.com. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio and keep fresh, back-up batteries on hand. Though some of our neighborhoods are within hearing distance of the City of Rockwall’s outdoor warning sirens, the City of Heath does not have such a system, which is designed to alert people who are outdoors to take shelter. These systems are not intended for people who are inside a home or building to hear, which makes Nixle and other systems that provide warnings via text, email and phone critical.

LINKS

SIGN-UP FOR NIXLE

KNOW THE TERMS

Tornado Watch

This means that tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.

Tornado Warning

This means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

GET TRAINED TO HELP

The desire to help the victims of the December 26 tornadoes was immediate and overwhelming, which created another issue for public safety and city officials to manage. Local organizations and churches, including Rockwall CERT, offer ongoing training.

LINKS

LEARN ABOUT CERT

IDENTIFY A PLACE TO SHELTER

FEMA has many resources to help you decide what’s best for your family.

FEMA LINKS

FEMA SHELTER GUIDE

WINTER WEATHER PROTOCOLS

WHAT TO DO BEFORE & AFTER

WHAT IS WINTER WEATHER

Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms including blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds.

A winter storm can:

Last a few hours or several days.
Cut off heat, power and communication services.
Put older adults, children, sick individuals and pets at greater risk.

KNOW THE TERMS

Winter Storm Warning
Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.

Winter Storm Watch
Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm.

Winter Weather Advisory
Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.

PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER

KNOW YOUR RISK FOR WINTER STORMS

Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Look and listen for emergency information and alerts. Sign up for HEATH NIXLE ALERTS. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

PREPARING FOR WINTER WEATHER

Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping.
Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power.
Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication.
Remember the needs of your pets.
Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
If you are unable to afford your heating costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.

In Case of Emergency

Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work and in your car.
Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks.
Keep a full tank of gas.

DURING WINTER WEATHER

STAY SAFE DURING WINTER WEATHER

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
Stay off roads if possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.
Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow.
Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, frostbite and hypothermia.
Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes.
Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin.
Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.
Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.
Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness.
Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.

Call 911 for Emergency | Non-emergency Assistance, call 972-771-7724

WATER PIPE PROBLEMS

WATER SHUT OFF

EMERGENCY WATER SHUT OFF

The City is available on an emergency basis to shut off your water if there is a leak or burst pipe. CALL 972 771 7724. The professional who repairs your leak or broken pipe should turn the water back on for you. If for some reason you turn the water back on yourself using a water key, please be careful. If damage to the meter occurs, you will be responsible for the cost of repair.

FROZEN PIPES

Find your shut off valve now and turn off the water with a water key.
Do not wait until it starts to get warm to find out if you have broken pipes.
Have the professional who repairs your leak/broken pipe turn the water back on for you.
It is best to have someone in the house when you turn the water back on.

Call 911 for Emergency | Non-emergency Assistance, call 972-771-7724

EXTENDED POWER OUTAGE

WHAT TO DO BEFORE & AFTER

EXTENDED POWER OUTAGE DISRUPTION

Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly.

A power outage may:

Disrupt communications, water and transportation.
Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks and other services.
Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
Prevent use of medical devices.

PREPARE FOR EXTENDED POWER OUTAGE

Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.

Know Your Medical Needs
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.

Food Storage
Have enough nonperishable food and water. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.

Using Appliances During Power Outages
Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stove top or oven to heat your home. Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.

DURING EXTENDED POWER OUTAGE

Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
Check with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you.
How to Protect Yourself During a Power Outage
Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme. The Community Room at Heath City Hall, 200 Laurence will be open during periods of extreme temperatures.

AFTER AN EXTENDED POWER OUTAGE

When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.

If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply.

Call 911 for Emergency | Non-emergency Assistance, call 972-771-7724

TORNADO PROTOCOLS

WHAT TO DO BEFORE & AFTER

DURING A TORNADO

If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately. Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.

AFTER A TORNADO: INJURIES

Do not attempt to move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Get medical assistance immediately.
If someone has stopped breathing, begin CPR if you are trained to do so. Stop a bleeding injury by applying direct pressure to the wound.
If you are trapped, try to attract attention to your location.

AFTER A TORNADO: GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Continue to monitor your battery-powered radio or television for emergency information.
Be careful when entering any structure that has been damaged.
Be aware of possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards in your home.
If you suspect damage to your home, shut off electrical power, natural gas and propane tanks to avoid fire, electrocution or explosions.
Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves when handling or walking on or near debris.
Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines. Report electrical hazards to DPS and the utility company.
Use battery-powered lanterns, if possible, rather than candles to light homes without electrical power. If you use candles, make sure they are in safe holders away from curtains, paper, wood, or other flammable items. Never leave a candle burning when you are out of the room.
Never use generators, pressure washers, grills, camp stoves or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage, or camper—or even outside near an open window, door or vent. These sources can cause Carbon Monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if you breathe it. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseated.
Hang up displaced telephone receivers, but stay off the telephone, except to report an emergency.
Cooperate fully with public safety officials.
Respond to requests for volunteer assistance by police, fire fighters, emergency management, and relief organizations, but do not go into damaged areas unless assistance has been requested. Your presence could hamper relief efforts, and you could endanger yourself.

EXTREME HEAT PROTOCOLS

WHAT TO DO BEFORE & AFTER

WHAT IS EXTREME HEAT

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat.
Humidity increases the feeling of heat.

PREPARE FOR EXTREME HEAT

PREPARING FOR EXTREME HEATH

Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.
Identify places in your community where you can go to get cool such as libraries and shopping malls or contact your local health department to find a cooling center in your area.
Cover windows with drapes or shades.
Weather-strip doors and windows.
Use window reflectors specifically designed to reflect heat back outside.
Add insulation to keep the heat out.
Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing out hot air.
Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
If you are unable to afford your cooling costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.

PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER

KNOW YOUR RISK FOR WINTER STORMS

Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Look and listen for emergency information and alerts. Sign up for Heath Nixle alerts. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

PREPARING FOR WINTER WEATHER

Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping.
Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power.
Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication.
Remember the needs of your pets.
Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
If you are unable to afford your heating costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.

In Case of Emergency

Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work and in your car.
Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks.
Keep a full tank of gas.

DURING EXTREME HEAT

SAFETY DURING EXTREME HEAT

Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.

If air conditioning is not available in your home, go to a cooling center. During extreme temperatures the Community Room at Heath City Hall, 200 Laurence Drive, will be opened as a cooling center.

Take cool showers or baths.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
If you are outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, during midday heat, if possible.
Check on family members, seniors and neighbors.
Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.
If using a mask, use one that is made of breathable fabric, such as cotton, instead of polyester. Do not wear a mask if you feel yourself overheating or have trouble breathing.

HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and ways to respond. If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for advice and shelter in place if you can. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 9-1-1.

HEAT STROKE

Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F) taken orally
Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat
Rapid, strong pulse
Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness

If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives. Do not give the person anything to drink.

HEAT CRAMPS

Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, fast or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting

If you have signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, go to a cooler location and cool down by removing excess clothing and taking sips of sports drinks or water. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Call 911 for Emergency | Non-emergency Assistance, call 972-771-7724

BOIL WATER NOTICE

WHAT IS IT AND WHAT TO DO

WHAT IS A BOIL WATER NOTICE

A Boil Water Notice is a public health advisory issued by water authorities when the drinking water supply may be contaminated and is not safe to drink without boiling.

WHAT CAUSES A BOIL WATER NOTICE

A boil water notice is issued when a public water supply is potentially or actually contaminated and may not be safe to drink. The goal is to protect public health until the issue is resolved. Here are the main causes of a boil water notice:

1. Loss of Water Pressure

Most common reason. When water pressure drops significantly (e.g., below 20 psi), contaminants can enter the water pipes.
Causes of low pressure:
– Broken water mains
– Power outages at water treatment plants
– Equipment failure
– High demand

2. Water Main Breaks

When a pipe breaks, it can allow dirt, bacteria, or other contaminants into the water system.

3. Flooding or Natural Disasters

Floodwaters can infiltrate water sources or distribution systems.

WHAT TO DO DURING A BOIL WATER NOTICE

During a Boil Water Notice, you should take important steps to protect your health and avoid getting sick from contaminated water. Here’s exactly what you should do:

Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute (or 3 minutes at high altitudes).
Use only boiled or bottled water for:
– Drinking
– Cooking
– Making ice
– Washing fruits and vegetables
– Brushing teeth
– Giving to pets
– Throw Out Ice
Discard ice made from tap water during the notice.
Turn off your automatic ice maker and clean it after the notice is lifted.

Dishwashing

Use boiled water to wash dishes by hand, or:
Use a dishwasher only if it has a sanitizing cycle (heat dry and high temp wash).

Hand Washing

Wash hands with soap and tap water, then use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

For Babies and Immune-Compromised People

Use boiled or bottled water for formula, sponge baths, and anything that goes into the mouth.

DO NOT:

Drink or cook with unboiled tap water
Brush your teeth with tap water
Make baby formula or ice using unboiled water
Wash open wounds with unboiled tap water

HOW LONG DOES A BOIL WATER NOTICE LAST?

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires bacteriological water testing to confirm water safety after a boil water notice is issued. The whole process can take several days.

STEPS TO LIFTING BOIL WATER NOTICE

Fix the issue (e.g., pipe break, low pressure)
Flush the system and restore proper disinfectant levels
Water samples are collected and sent to a TCEQ-approved lab
Lab testing begins – this usually takes:
18–24 hours for results (standard incubation time for bacteria like E. coli and coliforms). If results are negative (no bacteria), the City can request TCEQ approval to lift the notice. Once TCEQ confirms, the boil water notice is officially lifted.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

EXTERNAL WEB LINKS

FACEBOOK SAFETY CHECK

Safety Check allows people to quickly share that they’re safe with friends and family and helps them connect with people they care about. During a disaster, Safety Check will help you: