Full Notification

Summer has officially begun and though we have had more rainy days than sunshine, we should be reminded of summer safety as we spend more and more time outdoors and by the water, whether at a lake, pool, river or the beach.

As our children enjoy pool time this summer, remember to always supervise your children no matter their age or swimming ability.

When at home or when visiting other locations that may have a swimming pool available, ensure that there are gates with self-closing and self-latching mechanisms in place to keep younger children safe.

Always know by visual confirmation where your child is, never assume anything!

We all need to be aware of the effects of the high temperatures we are experiencing this summer, and the potential devastating consequences it can have on our lives, from heatstroke while outside, to children and pets being left unattended in vehicles.

Please take the time to use sound health principles to stay cool especially if you are a senior citizen or have existing health problems, and take necessary precautions to safeguard our precious children and our pets.

Always make it habit to check your car’s interior after you park to make sure you have not forgotten a child in the rear. After parking and checking your interior, always lock your vehicle and keep the keys secured to avoid any youngster from entering a hot car without your presence.

These safety tips which may take a few extra seconds of your time, but may save a life!

This past Memorial Day weekend, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office responded to approximately 61 water rescues throughout our county.

With the recent rains the water is not receding fast enough before we get hit by the next round of rain.

We have seen closures of roads and highways and our residents have reported levels of water they have not seen before. Our children are out of school and find themselves many times unsupervised playing in this water and are completely unaware of the hidden dangers such as unsanitary water, uncovered manholes and culverts, dangerous currents, snakes and even alligators in the water.

Remind your children to stay away from the water produced by these storms.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office along with the Office of Emergency Management will continue to emphasize the importance of “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

These past few weeks we have seen numerous water rescues and dramatic scenes unfold due to people driving, walking or even swimming in flood waters.

The force and power of water can sweep an adult off their feet and a vehicle with just a few inches of water.

My office cannot emphasize enough the importance of storm preparation as well this summer. Let me remind everyone that the month of June kicked off our Hurricane season.

With the amount of rain we continue to see in our area, it is important that we make emergency preparations well in advance before a hurricane hits our area.

For preparation information please visit: www.readyharris.org

Our deputies need your support in making sure you make each of your family members aware of these potential dangers.

Lastly, I would like to invite you to visit our Harris County Sheriff’s website at www.sheriff.hctx.net where you can find helpful information before heading out on your summer or holiday vacation.

Our certified deputies inspect your child’s car seat.

Also having a patrol deputy check on your home while you are away by using our “vacation watch” program, and many other services that we offer our communities here in Harris County.

Have a great summer and know that the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is always here to keep you and your family safe!

Sheriff Ron Hickman