Author: Ken Smith

Extreme Heat Blankets Brazos Valley

heat temperatures map

Here’s the latest from the National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston:

Our relentless stretch of dangerous heat continues. A heat advisory is again in place from 11 am to 8 pm today, with several hours of triple digit heat index values. Peak forecast heat index will again be up to around 110°.

The heat wave carries on, with another day of dangerous heat ahead. Much of the area is beginning the morning with temperatures around 80° and a heat index in the 80s, but things will escalate rapidly after sunrise this morning.

Look for the heat index to exceed 100° area-wide by 10 or 11 am, and will not drop below 100° again until late this evening. The maximum heat index will come in the late afternoon (around 4 pm or so) with a peak in the vicinity of 110°.

Extended Outlook

Unseasonable heat will stay with us through the week. Fortunately, yesterday and today will likely signal the peak intensity of this hot stretch. Unfortunately, improvement this week will be very slow, and heat levels will remain dangerous for several more days. Heat advisories may be needed for more days this week.

Take Precautions

  • Limit any time outdoors, especially during the afternoon
  • Check your backseat for any pets or children
  • Check in with your neighbors, especially the elderly
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
  • Wear sunscreen and light clothing

Mobile Test Collection Site in Brazos County July 7-8

As part of the ongoing efforts across the state of Texas to provide COVID-19 testing, the Texas Military Department, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force, and the Texas Department of State Health Services are partnering to provide a mobile COVID-19 testing site in Brazos County.

Free COVID-19 testing will be available on Tuesday, July 7, and Wednesday, July 8 at the Brazos County Expo Complex (5827 Leonard Road, Bryan).

What you need to know to get tested:

  • Testing is available for anyone above age 5.
  • Appointments are highly encouraged to streamline the process.
  • To make an appointment, visit txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400. Registration opens 24 hours prior to the testing date.
  • Appointments are available between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on each day.
  • You do not have to be a resident of Brazos County to get tested.

For more information about COVID-19 testing sites in Texas, visit texas.gov/covid19

Hurricane season begins June 1. Don’t be unprepared.

It’s hard to believe, but June 1 and the start of hurricane season are right around the corner.

The National Weather Service has a terrific guide to everything you need to know about the 2020 season, from forecasts and hurricane names to safety recommendations and even tips for dealing with your insurance company if you have storm damage.

Recovery Ready: Are you ready to take the pledge?

Operation Restart unveils “Recovery Ready” Kits, Urges Importance of Health and Safety for Employees and Consumers

Businesses that would like to reassure their employees and customers that they are following health and safety best practices can now take the Operation Restart “Recovery Ready” pledge.

By doing so, these businesses are attesting that they are taking every precaution necessary to keep the public safe as the Bryan-College Station community begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The pledge accompanies the industry-specific best practices and guidelines created by Operation Restart to complement Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s Open Texas Phase 1 guidelines.

operation restart - recovery ready kits

Continue reading “Recovery Ready: Are you ready to take the pledge?”

Mobile Test Collection Site in Brazos County on May 7

As part of the ongoing efforts across the state of Texas to provide COVID-19 testing, the Texas Military Department, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force, and the Texas Department of State Health Services are partnering to provide a mobile COVID-19 test site in Brazos County.

On Thursday, May 7, 2020, FREE COVID-19 testing will be available by appointment only at the Brazos County Expo Center (5827 Leonard Road, Bryan, TX) from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

What you need to know to get tested:

  • Priority testing will be given to those in the following groups: People with symptoms (screening will take place), healthcare workers, first responders, those over the age of 65, and contacts to a positive case.
  • Testing is by appointment only.  To make an appointment, visit txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400.  Registration for the Brazos County site will not be available until 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6.
  • You do not have to be a Brazos County resident to get tested.
  • Testing is limited to 120 total. Appointments are first come, first serve.

For more information about COVID-19 testing sites in Texas, visit www.texas.gov/covid19

Clinical Volunteer Portal

Many communities around the country have called on volunteer health care professionals to assist in the care of individuals in hospitals and other health facilities due to the COVID-19 outbreak. To date, preventive measures have protected our local health care infrastructure, and these measures are expected to continue. However, it is important to prepare in the event that additional health care providers are needed in the COVID-19 response effort.

Active or retired health care professionals as well as medical or nursing students who are willing to provide volunteer services within the Brazos Valley are encouraged to register through the clinical provider registration portal. Upon submission, a health care organization will follow up with you to identify where your talents can best serve our patients and communities.

The clinical provider registration portal, along with a list of frequently asked questions, can be found at the link below.

https://health.tamu.edu/covid-help/

For more information, please contact Sara Mendez with the Brazos County Health District at 979-361-5730.

Flood Warning for Navasota River near Normangee

flood warning

A flood warning has been issued for the Navasota River near Normangee from this afternoon to Friday afternoon (or until the warning is canceled).

At 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, the river stage was a 14.3 feet. At 15 feet, minor lowland flooding begins as water escapes the main channel and inundates the flood plain.

Minor flooding is forecast by late this afternoon and continue to rise to near 15.5 feet after midnight on Thursday. The river should fall below flood stage by early Friday morning, April 17.

Handmade mask donations accepted

facemask iconThe Brazos Valley Regional Advisory Council (BVRAC) will be collecting up to 3,000 donated homemade non-medical masks as a contingency plan for medical personnel and first responders, should approved medical masks become unavailable. These non-medical masks may also be used as an additional protective covering to extend the service life of medical masks for first responders and medical personnel as needed.

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