Starting the new year off with a prepared beginning will help save seconds when it counts. First, and one of the most important things that I cannot stress enough, is your address. Is it marked at your driveway and even your house? Having it on your mailbox is not the same if the mailbox is not near your house or even your driveway. Can the numbers be seen in all conditions? Day and night?
Being winter ready is more than making sure you have a heating source. Are the heating source details taken care of. Have you cleaned the chimney and/or pipes? Do you know the propane company’s phone number? 9-1-1 does not have the authority to make the propane companies deliver fuel. 9-1-1 does not have any special numbers to contact propane or electric companies because your heating source is not working or you are out of fuel. That is not to say that it cannot be an emergency if there is no heat source. If there is need for EMS in the event of cold or heat exposure; yes, 9-1-1 is only a call away for medical attention. Are you dependent on electricity for oxygen and your backup is not working, or out? Yes, EMS can respond to transport to a hospital if needed.
Does your family have a plan in place to check on the elderly or someone that may need assistance? Do you have regular check-ins? Many times, this does not come to light until it is too late. Have that plan in place for all that may be around you or even far away. If you are out of town, who is conducting your usual check-ins? Does the one that you check on know what to do if assistance is needed? Please relay to them if they are unsure, in a life threatening or even just a stressful event, they can dial 9-1-1.
Traveling, at any time, is a reason to prepare. Knowing the area you are traveling, what roads, towns or areas will you be on or around. Do you have an emergency pack in your vehicle? Will you be able to tell dispatch where you are? Technology is making strides every day and for most of the time your location can be determined by your emergency phone call. However, technology depends on many factors and sources. If by chance those are not working, it may mean relying on your knowledge to receive assistance. Remember traveling doesn’t just mean driving long distances, everyday commutes can turn into an emergency within an instant.
As the year progresses, so do the seasons. When you begin to burn off your fields or burn the brush piles, don’t forget to call into dispatch to report your controlled burn. By reporting them, not only will it save on local resources, it will also help a faster response if the fire becomes out of control. The number to report controlled burns is 417-967-5997. Only a few questions will be asked; location, name, phone number and what will be burning.
As spring will turn to summer and many enjoy the local relaxation spots, know where you are enjoying that swim or where you began the hike at. Do you know your friends’ or grandparents’ address? What about the part of the river you are floating? Are you hiking in a conservation area, Mark Twain area or just in your friend’s woods? Are you alone? Who knows where you are. Hunting? Can you give a location or directions to your stand or the area you are hunting in? The answers to these questions help save lifesaving seconds.
2025 stats
In 2025, the phone rang into dispatch 39,733 times. Each time a hero was there to answer with a calm voice, obtaining information and dispatching field responders as needed. Below is a small excerpt of different call totals.
- Accidental/hang up calls: 873
- Motor vehicle accidents: 663
- Field/grass/woods fires: 220
- Utility issues: 166
- Structure fires: 64
- Flue fires: 5
- Lost hikers/hunters: 5
Many individuals maintain the belief that such events will never occur to them. However, these situations arise daily, and often it is only when directly affected that they recognize their own vulnerability. If you require support in achieving readiness, it is advisable to seek assistance promptly. Preparedness should be regarded as a strength, not a weakness, and consistently exercised.
From all of us at Texas County 9-1-1, we would like to wish you a safe Happy New Year!
The Texas County Emergency Services office in Houston is funded by a 3/8-cent countywide sales tax approved by voters in 2013. Director Terra Culley can be reached by phone at 417-967-5309 or by email at terraculley911@hotmail.com.