 "Photo: Amber Whittaker")
With a dry winter so far and no rain in the forecast, the biggest threat to the San Antonio area this time of year is brush fires, District Fire Chief Randy Jenkins said last week in a telephone interview.
"The conditions are very dry at this time," Jenkins said.
"If you notice high brush, call 311, the city's information number," he said.
If the brush is on private property, the city's Code Compliance department will send a request to the property owner asking them to correct the situation, he said.
"Keep your own grass cut and create a boundary outside your fence so dry brush doesn't build up, especially if you back up to a green belt area," Jenkins said.
Keeping property free of debris and trash is crucial, he added.
"Clean your gutters and don't keep stuff near your house," Jenkins said.
At this time of year, homeowners don't usually water their lawns, he said.
"People don't think of that during the winter months," he said.
Throwing lighted cigarettes and matches out of a vehicle creates greater risk, he said.
"Also, don't drive your car into high grass," Jenkins said. "The bottoms of vehicles get very hot.
"It's going to be dry for quite some time with a slim chance of rain on the horizon," he said.
In San Antonio, flash flooding and rapidly rising water at low-water crossings is a constant threat, according to the City of San Antonio's Emergency Safety Plan.
There are a few items any citizen should have in case of an emergency, as suggested by the City of San Antonio's Emergency Safety Plan:
Flashlights and extra batteries, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, emergency supplies of nonperishable foods, water (one gallon per person per day), nonelectric can opener, essential medicines, cash and credit cards, prescription eye wear.
During a flood, if you are outdoors, climb to high ground and stay there.
Avoid walking through any floodwaters. Swift water, even 6 inches deep, can sweep you off your feet.
If you are in a car and come to a flooded area, turn around and find an alternate route.
If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
During severe weather, it's important to remember the difference between a watch and a warning, according to the National Weather Service.
A flood watch or tornado watch means a flood or tornado is possible in the area.
A warning means that flooding or tornadic activity is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
An approaching tornado might also sound like a freight train. If you are outside, go to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or a low-lying area.
If you are in a car or mobile home, get out and run for safety.
In the city of San Antonio, moving a barrier at a low-water crossing is a Class B misdemeanor, officer Joe Rios of the San Antonio Police Department's Public Information Office, said.
The offense carries a possible fine of up to $2,000 and a maximum 180 days in jail, Rios said.
"The offender is subject to immediate arrest," he said.
The penalty for driving around a barrier at a low-water crossing is $500 and is considered a Class C misdemeanor, Rios said.
In addition, the San Antonio Fire Department will charge $400 per adult per car, Jenkins said.
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