EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE / EXTREME WEATHER TASK FORCE
Sheriff Jimmy Apodaca is tasking all Deputies to get out of their unit and meet and greet your public. It is anticipated that this year will be colder than last. The purpose of this effort is to get to know the citizens of areas patrolled by Sheriff Deputies. Sheriff Apodaca also wants all Deputies to be especially familiar with the disabled and elderly who reside in these areas.
Sheriff Apodaca is asking his Deputies; "If you should come by a disabled or elderly resident of the community, pass on the name, address and phone number of the person to the Sheriff's Office Community Service Section. Community Service personnel will contact these individuals once or twice weekly to check on them. Many of these elderly / disabled individuals reside by themselves in isolated areas where neighbors homes are sometimes miles apart. United we can assure to continue our commitment for the safety of the community."- said Sheriff Jimmy Apodaca.
Sheriff Apodaca is also encouraging all Detention personnel to also collect blankets and other goods to help the elderly, disabled, and less fortunate in our community.
Citizens are encouraged to donate goods at any one of our stations (Montana, Vinton, Headquarters) or give their donated goods to any Sheriff’s deputy in the field.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office will be accepting blanket donations at the following locations:
Upper Valley Patrol Station- located at 436 E. Vinton, Vinton , TX (915) 886-2724
Lower Valley Patrol Station- located at 12501 Montana, El Paso, TX (915) 856-4875
Sheriff's Office Headquarters- located 3850 Justice Dr. El Paso, TX (915) 538-2217
WINTER TIPS
Seniors - Coping Tips in Inclement Cold Weather
With age, the body may become less able to respond to long exposure to very hot or very cold temperatures. In cold weather some older people might develop hypothermia, a drop in internal body temperature that can be fatal if not detected and treated. This occurs when exposure to cold causes a person's body to lose heat faster than it can be replaced. Hypothermia can be problem for older people, who often have other illnesses or take medications that can interfere with the body's ability to regulate its temperature.
Older people are especially vulnerable to hypothermia.
Be alert to this risk if you or someone you know:
- HAS INSUFFICIENT HEAT AT HOME due to substandard housing conditions, poor insulation, lack of money to pay for fuel, etc.
- LIVES ALONE and may be exposed to cold without others noticing.
- IS PHYSICALLY INACTIVE due to illness or disability.
- EATS POORLY - no hot, balanced meals for good nutrition.
- TAKES MEDICATION that reduces the body's ability to protect itself against cold.
- REACTS ABNORMALLY TO COLD - for example, does not shiver when cold. (Shivering is the body's way of trying to stay warm.)
- ACTS LIKE A "DIFFERENT PERSON" - this could be the result of not being warm enough.
During this winter it is also important keep your pet safe. It is also important to help the animals that are left outdoors without essential care from their owners!
PET SAFETY TIPS:
1 - Bring ALL pets into the house when the temperatures drop!
2- Make sure all “outdoor” dogs have a warm, dry doghouse, with a flap-type door and straw to snuggle in.
3 - Never leave your pet without the following
- Shelter (Warm and safe environment where they have refuge from the weather)
- Water (Make sure water is clean and does not freeze)
- Food – (Feed your pet a little more.) Like people, they burn more calories in the cold to keep warm.
5 - Keep your pets AWAY from anti-freeze and windshield de-icer. Even a little teaspoonful can kill. Symptoms include: lack of coordination, vomiting, depression and increased water intake and urination. Call your vet immediately if you suspect anti-freeze poisoning: these chemicals kill in a matter of 4-8 hours or less!
6 – If you see an animal left out in the cold with no shelter, notify Animal Control, Animal Cruelty Heartline of El Paso or the Sheriff's Office.
