🌡️ Heat Safety

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water—even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine in extreme heat.
2. Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Try to stay indoors between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is at its strongest.
3. Use Fans and AC: Use air conditioning when possible. If you don’t have AC, visit public cooling centers (libraries, malls, etc.).
4. Dress Smart: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat.

🌞 Sun Protection

1. Apply Sunscreen: Use SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
2. Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
3. Check the UV Index: Limit outdoor exposure when the UV index is high.

🚗 Vehicle Safety

1. Never Leave Kids or Pets in Cars: Temperatures can soar quickly inside vehicles, even with windows cracked.
2. Check Back Seats: Always look before you lock.
3. Car Maintenance: Ensure your car’s AC, tires, and cooling system are in good shape to prevent breakdowns.

🌿 Outdoor & Wildlife Awareness

1. Watch for Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, dizziness, and nausea. Move to a cooler area and hydrate immediately.
2. Be Snake Aware: Texas heat brings out snakes—watch your step in tall grass and around rocks or logs.
3. Mosquito Control: Use insect repellent and remove standing water to reduce mosquito breeding grounds (and prevent West Nile/Zika viruses).

🧯 Grill & Fire Safety

1. Supervise Grilling: Never leave grills unattended. Keep them away from dry grass and overhanging trees.
2. Observe Burn Bans: Check local regulations before lighting any outdoor fire.

🏊 Water Safety

1. Supervise Children: Never leave kids unattended near pools, lakes, or rivers.
2. Wear Life Jackets: Required for children under 13 on boats in Texas; recommended for all weak swimmers.
3. Know Water Conditions: Be cautious of currents in lakes and rivers, especially after storms.

🐶 Pet Care

1. Limit Walks: Walk dogs early or late to avoid hot pavement that can burn paws.
2. Provide Shade and Water: Pets need a cool, shaded space and constant access to fresh water.
3. Never Leave Pets in Cars: Even a few minutes can be deadly.

WASTED TAX DOLLARS

Lately we have seen an increase in graffiti appearing along the trails. The photo above is just one example. It is your tax dollars that pay for the removal and manpower expenses each time someone defaces public property. This money could be put to better use providing new trails, maintaining current trails, bridges and the bayous. Thus far this year $3094.49 has been spent on removal. In 2022, the total exceeded $13,000. This is an unnecessary expense paid for by you and your neighbors.

If you see someone, hear of someone committing this crime, please contact the non-emergency number at the Sheriff’s office (713-221-6000).

According to state law regarding vandalism and intentionally painting on property:

• Class “C” – misdemeanor if the pecuniary loss is less than $100.
• Class “B” – $100 or more but less than $750.
• Class “A” – $750. or more but less that $2,500.

Anything above this amount is considered a felony. The graffiti removed from the trails last week fell in the Class “A” category. The police are notified and/or a police report is filed with each incident.

Please remind everyone, if caught, there will be ramifications and fines. Your tax dollars could be put to better use than rectifying the willful acts of a few individuals. Thank you

“See something – Say something.”