2. Representatives from local, state, and federal government together with other community partners have come together to form a group known as the Extreme Weather Task Force. The Task Force works to inform the public about steps we can all take to be prepared for severe weather, including the creation of this emergency action plan.
Members
American Red Cross,
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, (RSVP)
City of El Paso Public Affairs and Communications Office
Rio Grande Council Of Governments Area Agency on Aging,
El Paso City Department of Public Health
Texas Gas
El Paso City-County Office of Emergency Management,
Sun Metro,
Texas, 211
El Paso Community Development Department,
Texas A&M Colonias program
El Paso County General Assistance,
Texas Adult Protective Services,
El Paso County Judge’s Office,
Texas Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management
El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office
El Paso County Sheriff’s Department,
Western Refining
El Paso Electric Company
Express Employment
El Paso Fire Department
Alliance Insurance
El Paso Mayor’s Office
El Paso Water Utilities
El Paso Parks and Recreation
CUAD Promotoras
El Paso Police Department
El Pas Electrict Company
El Paso Public Library
Express Employment Co
Fabens I.S.D., Migrant Education Program
RUA Insurance
National Weather Service, El Paso Office
Project Bravo
ESC-Region 19, Migrant Education Program

3. El Paso County Heat Related Deaths  
(4 in the month of June)
Information Source: El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office

4. Extreme Weather Health Advisory
Summer
The Extreme Weather Task Force meets and selects a date on or around May 1, to coordinate a press conference to initiate hot weather health advisories. Press releases should include the Buddy System and fan drive information.
Winter
The Extreme Weather Task Force meets and selects a date on or around November 1, to coordinate a press conference to initiate cold weather health advisories. Press releases should include the Buddy System and blanket drive information.

5. Winter and Summer Press Conference

6. High-Risk Individuals
Although anyone at anytime can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.
Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

7. "Buddy System" WHAT'S A BUDDY?
Anyone can be a Buddy. A Buddy can be a friend, relative, neighbor, or landlord. A Buddy should be someone that an elderly person, who lives alone, can trust in his or her home.
WHAT DOES BUDDY DO?
A Buddy makes a daily personal visit or telephone call to his or her elderly Buddy during a heat wave. A Buddy encourages the elderly person to rest, stay cool, and drink plenty of fluids. If there are any errands that must be done, the Buddy does them, or makes sure they get done.

8. Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness
Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic) regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.

9. Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness (cont’d)
Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar – these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps

10. Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness (cont’d)
Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90’s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

11. Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness (cont’d)
NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle (children and the elderly)
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

12. Cool Zones
If adequate cooling in unavailable in a home, the EWTF recommends individuals go to one of the designated cool zones in our community. These “cool zones” include public libraries, indoor shopping malls and senior citizen
Centers.

13. The Task Force works on soliciting and collecting blankets in the winter and fans in the summer.

14. One Blanket or One Fan Can Save A Person’s Life!
Drop Off New Fans/Blankets at any,
 The El Paso Fire Department Stations
One Blanket or One Fan Can Save A Person’s Life!

15. THANK YOU