Fort Bend County officials offered tips for summer safety at a news conference Friday.

Speaking at the news conference were County Judge KP George, Sheriff Eric Fagan, Office of Emergency Management Manager Mark Flathouse, Interim Chief of Emergency Medical Services Brian Petrilla, Department of Social Services Manager Najat Elsayed, Health and Human Services Communications Director Kaila Williams, and Animal Services Renee McAnally. The news conference took place at the recently opened Fort Bend County Emergency Operations Center.

“The key message that we hope everyone takes away from the information that we have shared today is to be safe,” George said. “Take precautions as the weather continues to heat up. Check on loved ones and neighbors.”

Fagan urged parents to be vigilant in monitoring their children’s activities and response to emergencies since they are out of school for the summer. Helpful tips include watching children’s social media interactions and making sure they aren’t being asked to physically meet with unknown persons, secure home doors and windows and tell children not to open doors for strangers, even those who claim to be utility providers unless you have set an appointment and are expecting them.

Additionally, Fagan urged parents to take precautions to not leave children in vehicles. Temperatures can get as high as 120-150° within minutes, causing brain damage and death. Fagan suggested placing color-coded tape on the car dashboard as a reminder to check the vehicle before exiting.

Flathouse said the county’s burn ban remained in effect and outdoor open burning is prohibited. Since July 1, Fort Bend County emergency crews have responded to 46 fires in the area. As temperatures continue to rise, Flathouse said the county expects to set up multiple cooling centers throughout the county to help provide relief from the heat. He urged residents to check the Office of Emergency Management and county judge’s social media pages for updates.

Petrilla gave water safety tips to prevent drowning incidents. He urged parents to teach their children to swim with a partner. He also urged parents to actively supervise children around water, adding that Fort Bend Emergency Medical Services has responded to eight drownings this year.

Petrilla described how to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headache, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, pale, and clammy skin. Signs of heat stroke include hot dry skin, confusion, disorientation, slurred speech and high body temperature. He urged residents to call 911 immediately if they experience these symptoms.

Williams urged residents to exercise COVID precautions as the number of confirmed COVID cases reported in Fort Bend County increased by about 2,000 cases from last week.

Fort Bend County residents needing COVID testing and immunization are urged to call 832-471-1373 for help.