Orange County ESD 1

09/02/2026

🚨⚡ GENERATOR SAFETY DURING POWER OUTAGES ⚡🚨

With many residents currently without power following the storm, Orange County ESD No. 1 would like to remind everyone to use portable generators safely.

A generator can be extremely useful during an outage, but improper placement or connection can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, electrocution, or death.

✅ PROPER GENERATOR PLACEMENT

• ALWAYS operate generators OUTSIDE.

• Place the generator at least 20 feet away from your home, doors, windows, and ventilation openings.

• Point the generator’s exhaust AWAY from the house and away from neighboring homes whenever possible.

• NEVER operate a generator inside a house, garage, shed, carport, enclosed porch, or other enclosed or partially enclosed area — even with the doors open.

• Keep the generator on a dry, level surface and protected from rain or standing water without enclosing the unit or restricting ventilation.

⚠️ CARBON MONOXIDE CAN KILL

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is colorless and odorless, meaning you may not know it is present until someone becomes sick.

Homes using generators should have working battery-operated or battery-backup carbon monoxide detectors.

Possible symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or anyone begins experiencing symptoms, get everyone outside into fresh air immediately and call 911.

🔌 CONNECT YOUR GENERATOR SAFELY

• Use properly rated heavy-duty outdoor extension cords that are in good condition.

• Do not overload the generator. Know the wattage capacity of your generator and the equipment you are powering.

• NEVER plug a generator directly into a household wall outlet. This is known as backfeeding and can energize utility lines, creating a deadly electrocution hazard for utility workers, first responders, neighbors, and you.

• A generator connected directly to your home’s electrical system should only be connected through a properly installed transfer switch or other approved equipment.

⛽ REFUELING SAFETY

• Turn the generator OFF before adding fuel.

• Allow the generator to cool before refueling. Gasoline spilled onto a hot engine or exhaust can ignite.

• Store gasoline and other fuels in approved containers and away from the generator, ignition sources, and living areas.

• Never smoke while refueling a generator.

🌧️ REMEMBER: WATER + ELECTRICITY DO NOT MIX

Never operate or handle a generator or electrical cords while standing in water. Do not operate a generator where it can become wet.

🚒 PLEASE CHECK ON YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND NEIGHBORS

During extended power outages, especially after severe storms, take a moment to make sure generators around you are being operated safely.

20 FEET • OUTSIDE • EXHAUST AWAY • NEVER BACKFEED

A few extra minutes setting up your generator correctly could save a life.

Orange County ESD No. 1

09/01/2026

🚨 PLEASE STAY OFF THE ROADS IF YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE OUT 🚨

Due to the storm, there are downed trees, debris, and live power lines throughout the county. Conditions remain hazardous in many areas.

Fire departments, law enforcement, utility crews, and city and county services are currently out working to clear roadways, secure hazards, restore services, and respond to emergencies.

Please help us do our jobs safely by staying off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary.

If you must be out:

⚠️ Slow down and drive cautiously.
⚠️ Watch for downed trees and debris.
⚠️ Never approach or drive over a downed power line — always assume it is LIVE.
⚠️ Watch for emergency vehicles and responders working in or near the roadway.
⚠️ Give crews plenty of room to work.

🚨 EMERGENCY REPORTING REMINDER 🚨

Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies, fires, injuries, or immediate dangers to life or property.

Please do not call 911 simply to report a power outage or ask when power will be restored. Report power outages directly to your utility provider.

If you see a downed power line, stay well away from it and anything it may be touching. If the line is creating an immediate danger, sparking, causing a fire, blocking a roadway, or threatening people or property, call 911.

For non-emergency storm damage, downed trees, or other hazards that do not pose an immediate threat, use the appropriate city, county, utility, or non-emergency reporting service.

Please do not put yourself, your family, or first responders at additional risk.

Stay home. Stay safe. Give emergency and utility crews the room they need to work.

Please share this message so we can get the word out throughout the community.

09/01/2026

🚨🌧️ PLEASE SHARE — FLASH FLOODING & WIND DAMAGE SAFETY REMINDER 💨🌊

As tropical weather impacts our area, Orange County Emergency Services District No. 1 would like to remind everyone to remain weather-aware and take precautions for the possibility of flash flooding, damaging winds, downed trees, power outages, and hazardous road conditions.

Heavy rainfall can quickly overwhelm drainage systems and flood streets with little warning. Never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway. Water may be deeper or moving faster than it appears, and the roadway underneath may be damaged or washed away.

Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

💧 FLASH FLOODING SAFETY
• Avoid flooded roadways and low-lying areas.
• Never walk or allow children to play in floodwater.
• Move to higher ground if flooding begins to develop.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.

💨 DAMAGING WIND SAFETY
Strong winds can bring down large limbs and trees, damage roofs and structures, and cause widespread power outages.

• Secure patio furniture, trash cans, trampolines, decorations, and other loose outdoor items.
• Stay indoors and away from windows during periods of strong wind.
• Avoid parking vehicles underneath large trees or near power lines.
• Never approach a downed power line. Always assume it is energized.
• Be prepared for possible power outages with flashlights, batteries, medications, drinking water, and other essential supplies.

⚠️ Continue monitoring trusted weather sources and local emergency alerts for watches, warnings, road closures, and changing conditions.

Please do not put yourself, your family, or first responders at unnecessary risk. If conditions become dangerous, stay off the roads and remain in a safe location until conditions improve.

🚒 Orange County Emergency Services District No. 1

08/27/2026

As of 3:00pm a burn ban is in effect in Orange County.

06/28/2026

Meet the Men and Women Behind Orange County ESD #1

When you call 9-1-1, you don’t just get a fire truck or an ambulance—you get dedicated professionals who have chosen to serve their community.

Over the coming weeks, we’d like to introduce you to the firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs who proudly serve the residents of Orange County Emergency Services District #1. You’ll learn who they are, how they found their way into the fire and EMS service, what motivates them to answer the call, and what they hope to pass along to the community.

This series won’t just feature the members of Orange County ESD #1. We’ll also be introducing the EMS personnel who are dedicated to serving our district each and every day. These professionals work side-by-side with our firefighters, responding to medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, fires, disasters, and other critical incidents. Together, we function as one team with one mission—providing the highest level of service and care to our community.

In addition to introducing our responders, we’ll also be giving you an inside look at what a typical shift is like. From morning truck checks and training to community events, station life, emergency responses, and everything in between, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication, teamwork, and preparation that goes into serving our community 24 hours a day.

Emergency response is a team effort. Every firefighter, EMT, paramedic, dispatcher, and support agency plays an important role in protecting the citizens of Orange County. We also work closely with our neighboring fire departments and EMS agencies through mutual aid, ensuring that when help is needed, we’re all there for one another.

Behind every uniform is a person with a family, unique experiences, and a genuine passion for serving others. We hope this series gives you the opportunity to get to know the people behind the badge and the turnout gear—the individuals who stand ready to answer your call, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Stay tuned as we begin introducing the incredible responders who proudly serve Orange County ESD #1 and the surrounding communities. We look forward to taking you behind the scenes and showing you what it truly means to serve.

Thank you for your continued support. It is an honor and privilege to serve you.

06/27/2026

🚒 Structure Fire – 3195 Lakeview Cutoff 🚒

Earlier today, Station 1 was dispatched to 3195 Lakeview Cutoff for a reported structure fire. Responding units arrived to find a single-story, single-family wood-frame residence with heavy smoke showing from the front of the structure and heavy fire coming from the rear.

Firefighters quickly initiated an aggressive fire attack and were able to bring the fire under control, preventing further extension of the fire. Crews then conducted an extensive overhaul to ensure all remaining hot spots were extinguished.

The residence sustained significant fire damage to the rear of the home, along with heavy smoke and heat damage throughout the structure.

All occupants were able to safely escape the residence prior to the arrival of emergency personnel. Sadly, one of the family’s dogs was unable to escape. During the primary search of the home, firefighters located and recovered the animal. Our thoughts are with the family as they cope with this loss.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

We are thankful to report that there were no civilian or firefighter injuries during this incident.

Orange County ESD #1 would like to thank our mutual aid partners from Orange County Emergency Service District 4 and Evadale Volunteer Fire Department , along with all responding agencies, for their assistance and teamwork during this incident.

Incidents like this serve as an important reminder to ensure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms, have an escape plan, and practice it regularly with everyone in your household.

Thank you to everyone who helped bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

🚒 Orange County ESD #1 – Proudly Serving Our Community

06/24/2026

☀️ HEAT SAFETY REMINDER ☀️

With temperatures climbing across Southeast Texas, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from heat-related illness.

Stay safe by remembering to:
💧 Drink plenty of water throughout the day—even if you don’t feel thirsty.
🌳 Take frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned area.
👕 Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
🧢 Use sunscreen and wear a hat when outdoors.
🚗 Never leave children, older adults, or pets in a parked vehicle—even for a minute. Temperatures inside a vehicle can become deadly in just minutes.
👀 Check on elderly neighbors, family members, and anyone without reliable air conditioning.

Know the Warning Signs

🟡 Heat Exhaustion

* Heavy sweating
* Weakness or fatigue
* Dizziness or fainting
* Headache
* Nausea or vomiting
* Cool, pale, clammy skin

➡️ Move to a cool place, drink water, loosen clothing, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or don’t improve.

🔴 Heat Stroke – Medical Emergency

* Body temperature above 103°F
* Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
* Confusion or altered mental status
* Seizures
* Loss of consciousness

🚑 Call 911 immediately. While waiting for EMS, move the person to a cooler location and begin cooling them with cool water, wet towels, or fans. Do not give anything to drink if they are confused or unconscious.

Stay hydrated. Stay cool. Look out for one another.

Orange County ESD #1
Serving Our Community with Pride 🚒🚑

Heat is forecast to build across the South and West this week. During hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged in ways you may not expect. Stay by learning the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses.
weather.gov/safety/heat-illness

06/09/2026

May was another busy month for your Firefighters. With it being summer, please watch for children when driving through neiborhoods.

05/04/2026

04/27/2026

Training Opportunity!

June 26th-28th: Orange County ESD #1 is hosting "The Real Pump to Nozzle - Engine Ops", presented by Third Alarm Cowboys LLC.

This class is eligible for reimbursement through Fire Department Assistance - Texas A&M Forest Service, House Bill 2604.

If interested in attending, or you have any questions, contact:

Lt. Lance Dempsey: [email protected] / (409)926-7911