Bell County Emergency Services District No. 1

06/10/2026

The recent rain has helped green things up across Central Texas, but don't let it give you a false sense of security. With warmer temperatures, sunshine, and wind, grass and vegetation can dry out surprisingly fast, creating conditions for grass fires to spread quickly.

Here are a few ways you can help prevent grass fires:

✅ Keep grass and weeds mowed around your home and structures.

✅ Remove brush piles, dead vegetation, and other combustible materials from your property.

✅ Avoid parking vehicles on tall grass. Hot exhaust systems can ignite dry vegetation.

✅ Secure trailer safety chains so they don't drag on the roadway and create sparks.

✅ Use caution when welding, grinding, or operating equipment outdoors.

✅ Never toss cigarette butts out of vehicle windows.

✅ Have a water source available when conducting any outdoor work that could create sparks.

✅ Follow all burn bans and local restrictions.

A single spark can quickly become a large grass fire, threatening homes, livestock, and property. Taking a few preventative steps today can help keep our community safe throughout the summer.

🚒 Help us prevent the next grass fire. Stay aware, stay prepared, and stay safe.

06/09/2026

Central Texas temperatures are rising, and dehydration can happen faster than you think. Whether you're working outside, exercising, attending sporting events, or simply enjoying time outdoors, it's important to stay ahead of the heat.

💧 Drink water regularly throughout the day — don't wait until you're thirsty.

🧢 Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.

🌡️ Know the warning signs of heat-related illness:
• Excessive sweating
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Fatigue

🚨 Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke:
• Confusion or altered mental status
• Loss of consciousness
• Hot, dry skin
• Body temperature above 103°F

👵👶 Check on elderly family members, young children, and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

Remember: Water. Rest. Shade. Those three simple steps can help prevent a medical emergency.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay safe this summer.

06/08/2026

06/06/2026

Recent rains have caused areas of high water throughout our community. While it may be tempting to drive through standing water, it only takes a small amount of moving water to sweep a vehicle off the roadway.

⚠️ Never drive around barricades.
⚠️ Do not attempt to cross flooded roadways.
⚠️ Water depth can be deceiving.
⚠️ Roadways may be damaged or washed out beneath the water.

Remember:

🚗 6 inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
🚙 12 inches of water can carry away most cars.
🚚 18-24 inches of moving water can carry away larger vehicles and trucks.

If you encounter water over a roadway:

🔄 Turn Around, Don’t Drown®
📱 Report hazardous conditions if needed.
🚨 Call 911 for emergencies.

The few minutes you save are never worth risking your life or the lives of first responders who may have to rescue you.

Stay alert, slow down, and be safe during these wet conditions.

06/05/2026

As temperatures rise and families spend more time around the pool, now is the perfect time to review a few important safety reminders.

✅ Always designate a Water Watcher who is focused solely on supervising swimmers.
✅ Stay within arm’s reach of young children in and around the water.
✅ Ensure pool gates are closed, locked, and self-latching.
✅ Use properly fitted life jackets when appropriate.
✅ Keep rescue equipment and a phone nearby.
✅ Learn CPR—it could save a life.
✅ Enroll children in swim lessons and teach them basic water safety skills.

Drowning can happen quickly and quietly. A few simple precautions can make all the difference and help keep your family safe this summer.

🚒 The Salado Fire Department wishes everyone a fun, safe, and enjoyable summer around the water!

06/04/2026

Every day, firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, tow truck operators, utility crews, and roadside workers put themselves in harm’s way to serve and protect our communities.

When you see emergency vehicles or work crews stopped on the side of the road with flashing lights:

➡️ Move over one lane if it is safe to do so.
➡️ If you cannot safely move over, slow down significantly.

A few seconds of caution can save a life.

Our first responders work inches from passing traffic while helping crash victims, fighting fires, and providing emergency medical care. Please do your part to help ensure everyone makes it home safely.

🚒 Slow down.
🚓 Move over.
❤️ Protect those who serve.

Lives are on the line.

🚨🚒🚑🚓

06/03/2026

Traveling this summer? Whether you're staying in a hotel or motel, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with your surroundings in case of an emergency.

When you arrive:

✔️ Read the emergency escape plan posted in your room.✔️ Count the number of doors between your room and the nearest exits.✔️ If exit doors are not alarmed, open them to ensure they are unlocked and accessible.✔️ Locate more than one way out of the building.✔️ Keep your room key, phone, and shoes near your bed while you sleep.

Being prepared can make all the difference during an emergency. A few minutes of planning can help keep you and your family safe while enjoying your vacation.

Safe travels this summer! 🚒