AUSTIN – Texas weather can change quickly, especially in the winter. A fast-moving cold front can cause temperatures to drop below freezing within hours. Outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas, and pipes that run along uninsulated exterior walls can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This can shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring through your house. You can avoid thousands of dollars of damage to your walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture by taking a few simple measures to protect your home.

 Before the Freeze

• Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and exposed pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspaper, trash bags, or plastic foam.
• Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure its lid is on tight.
• Cover any vents around your home’s foundation.
• Drain and store water hoses indoors.
• Protect outdoor electrical pumps.
• Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)
• Drain water sprinkler supply lines.
• Open the cabinets under sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated indoor air to circulate around the water pipes.
• Set your thermostat at a minimum temperature of 55 degrees, especially when you’re gone for the day or away for an extended period.
• Let indoor faucets drip; it isn't necessary to run a stream of water.
• Make sure you know where your home’s shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off.
• If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to drain your pipes. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.
• If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility company for instructions on protecting your water heater.

 If Your Pipes Freeze

• If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve.  Call a plumber for help if you can’t find the broken pipe or if it’s inaccessible.  Don’t turn the water back on until the pipe has been repaired.
• If the pipe hasn’t burst, thaw it out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer or towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the faucet on and let it run until the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.
• Don’t use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are fire risks and carbon monoxide exposure risks.
  

If You Have a Loss

• Contact your insurance agent or company promptly. Follow up as soon as possible with a written claim to protect your rights under Texas’ prompt-payment law.
• Review your coverage. Most homeowners and renters policies pay for property repair. In addition, most policies pay for debris removal and for additional living expenses if you have to move temporarily because of damage to your home. If you can’t find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.
• Homeowners policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Your policy covers the cost of these repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don’t make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before an adjuster inspects the damage.
• Most homeowners policies do not cover loss caused by freezing pipes while your house is unoccupied unless you used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building; shut off the water supply; and drain water from plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems.
  

Questions?

If you have questions about insurance, call TDI’s Consumer Help Line toll-free: 1-800-252-3439 or visit the TDI website: www.tdi.state.tx.us. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is encouraging people to get their H1N1 flu vaccination now.

As a preventive measure, Fort Bend County Health and Human Services is offering a limited supply of free H1N1 shots to pregnant women, who will need a doctor’s prescription to receive treatment.

The vaccine will only be administered at Clinical Health Services in Rosenberg.

“County residents should first contact their personal health-care providers to see if they are giving the H1N1 vaccine,” said Dr. Jean Galloway, HHS director. “In this way, HHS can reserve its limited amount of vaccine for the highest risk population.”

Fort Bend County Health and Human Services reports that almost 17,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine have been made available countywide, mostly through private health-care providers. 

The Texas Department of State Health Services, responsible for allocating H1N1 vaccines statewide, continues to target the regular health-care system in each jurisdiction to assist in the vaccination effort. Fort Bend County Health and Human Services has received fewer than 1,000 doses to date. A representative said the agency expects to receive more doses of vaccine in the next couple of weeks so that it can also continue to administer the medicine to other high-risk groups such as children 2- to 5-years-old; adults 24- to 64-years-old with underlying medical conditions; and health-care workers and emergency personnel.

Meanwhile, health officials remind residents to take these precautions to avoid getting the flu: cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue; wash hands often with soap and warm water; avoid close contact with the sick and if you have a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone.

For more information on the free flu shots being offered by Clinical Health Services in Rosenberg, call 281-342-6414:

Address: 4520 Reading Rd., Suite A

               Rosenberg, TX 77471

Business hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays – 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Fridays – 8 a.m. – Noon

www.fortbendcountyhhs.com

Stay updated with the latest flu season information by visiting TexasFlu.org

Texas Continues to Order its Full Allocation of H1N1 Vaccine

Information from the Texas Department of State Health Services

Texas continues to order its full allocation of H1N1 vaccine, but the national supply still isn’t adequate to meet the public demand.

 "We know that the best way for people to protect themselves from the flu is to get the vaccine, but the national supply is still very low," said Dr. David Lakey, Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner.

 Texas had expected to receive 3.4 million doses of the vaccine by mid-October, according to the initial projections from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, the state has received less than 1 million doses so far.

 The CDC allocates the vaccine to states based on population and tells states each week how much vaccine is available for them to order. As of today, the state has ordered about one million doses allocated to the state and provided the CDC with information on where to ship those doses. The vaccine is still in the process of being shipping out.

 "Given the limited national supply at this point, we want to make sure we use our first shipments to protect those at highest risk of complications from the flu – pregnant women and children," Dr. Lakey said.

 About 12,000 doctors and other health care providers have signed up to provide the vaccine in Texas. The state directed the first shipments to 5,000 providers who serve primarily pregnant women, children and health care workers who provide patient care.

 Dr. Lakey said the state hopes to receive 15 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine by mid-January, assuming that production meets initial projections.

 "Vaccine will be available to the general public as soon as production catches up with the demand," he said. "The process is driven by the manufacturers’ capacity."

"Call 2-1-1 to get medical guidance, if you have flu symptoms," advises John Sheffield, Missouri City's Division Chief of Emergency Preparedness.  "The Texas Department of State Health Services has just announced its flu advice helpline that we want our residents to be informed about, should they have questions on the topic about what to do," he adds.

The information released by the state office indicates that Texans can now dial 2-1-1 to receive over-the-phone medical guidance about either what they should do or a family member with flu symptoms needs to do.

The state’s 2-1-1 health information helpline is now staffed with medical professionals who can provide information about managing flu symptoms and advice on when to seek medical care from a physician or emergency room.

“We want to help people make informed decisions about how to care for themselves and their families,” said Dr. David Lakey, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services. “Most H1N1 and seasonal flu cases can be successfully treated at home, without having to go to the doctor or without an unnecessary trip to the emergency room.”

The guidance is not intended to replace specific instructions people receive from their physicians, Lakey said.

The 2-1-1 staff also can provide general flu information and vaccine availability information for individuals and health care providers. Calls are answered round-the-clock. Callers are instructed to choose a language and then press “6” for flu information and guidance.  

Basic flu symptoms include fever, cough and sore throat that usually come on suddenly. Most cases are relatively mild to moderate and do not need emergency treatment. Most people who have H1N1 flu or seasonal flu just need appropriate fluid intake, fever-reducing medication, rest and careful monitoring, Lakey said. Recovering at home also lessens the burden on the health care system.  

People with underlying health conditions who think they have the flu should contact their health care provider.

The flu information and guidance service is provided through a DSHS contract with the 2-1-1 Texas Information and Referral Network operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is encouraging people to get their seasonal flu vaccination now.

 “Don’t wait. Get your seasonal flu vaccination now,” said Dr. David Lakey, DSHS Commissioner. “It’s one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from seasonal flu.”

 Seasonal flu vaccine, available in shot and nasal spray forms, is recommended for people ages 6 months and older. The shot takes about two weeks to become effective. A separate 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine is not expected until mid-October.

 “Get the seasonal flu vaccine now. Then, be prepared get the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine later. One vaccine isn’t a substitute for the other,” Lakey said.

 People at high risk of having serious flu complications are especially encouraged to get their seasonal flu shot as soon as possible. This includes children ages 6 months through 18 years, those 50 and older, people with chronic medical conditions, residents of long-term care facilities and pregnant women. People who have close contact with those at high risk also should get vaccinated.  

 People wanting the seasonal flu vaccine should call their health care provider, local public health department, 2-1-1 or check online for availability.

 Lakey also urged people to follow standard illness-prevention steps:

•  Wash hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
• ·Cover coughs and sneezes;
• ·Stay home if sick.

 For more information about flu in Texas, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services  (DSHS).

The Texas Department of State Health Services announces the establishment of www.TexasFlu.org as an information and reference source for seasonal and H1N1 flu.

 The site will be updated with new and revised information as the flu season progresses.

 Residents are encouraged to visit the site for updates.

August 24, 2009 - Gov. Rick Perry today, along with Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Commissioner David Lakey, Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, highlighted the state's preparedness efforts in advance of the anticipated H1N1 flu season.

"Texas' effort to deal with the H1N1 virus is robust and we are more prepared than ever to handle the challenge with more anti-viral medication in stock, more state and local coordination and more science to battle H1N1," Gov. Perry said. "With the new school year beginning in most communities today, it's a good time to remind Texans that frequent hand-washing, good hygiene and staying home if you're sick can fight the spread of the H1N1 flu virus."

As a proactive measure, in a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today, Gov. Perry requested the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide an additional 25 percent, which is approximately 800,000 courses, of Texas' allotment of antiviral medications from the Strategic National Stockpile. He also sent a letter to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano requesting that the federal government allow a pandemic to be eligible for a major disaster declaration.  

Texas currently has 2.5 million courses of antiviral medication prepositioned in the state, including the state's previous 25 percent allotment from the Strategic National Stockpile and an additional 805,000 courses purchased with funding from the 81st Legislature.

"Although this flu season will be a challenge, it can be effectively managed. The good news is that, although this virus has rapidly spread worldwide, it has not changed and has not become more severe," Lakey said. "We must remain vigilant and take personal precautions such as covering our cough, washing our hands, staying home when ill and getting vaccinated for the flu."

To prepare for the upcoming flu season the Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) and DSHS co-hosted an H1N1 summit earlier this month, regional summits across the state, and a statewide conference call with state, regional and local leadership.

GDEM has been working with DSHS, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and the Department of Agriculture to provide guidance to local school districts and health departments and the state will also provide H1N1 guidance letters to all school administrators.

"The health and safety of our students is paramount," Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott said. "TEA will continue to provide information and support to districts as they prepare and coordinate with their local communities in advance of the upcoming flu season."

The Department of Agriculture and TEA have developed a plan for the continued distribution and access to free and reduced lunches for children should schools close (Currently, 2.1 million school children participate). 

"We are committed to protecting students from illnesses and ensuring nutritious meal services continue," Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. "Millions of Texas children depend on the meals served at school every day, and we want to make sure schools have the option of continuing this crucial service, while still protecting those students from any public health threat."

Health officials say everyone should follow standard precautions to reduce the spread of any respiratory illness.

• Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.
• Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.
• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  

The CDC estimates the H1N1 vaccine will be available by mid-October and in Texas the distribution will be managed by DSHS. It is estimated that 45 million doses will be available nationwide. 

Groups targeted for the vaccine will include pregnant women, household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, all persons six months through 24 years of age and persons 25 years through 64 years of age who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

This week, the Texas Department of State Health Services issued an advisory warning people to limit their consumption of largemouth bass from a Houston area lake,” said John Sheffield, Missouri City’s Division of Emergency Management Chief.

Sheffield reports that the advisory for Lake Isabell in Harris County was issued after laboratory testing showed elevated levels of mercury in largemouth bass. "Since I am aware of there being a sizeable number of residents that fish the lakes in the greater Houston area, it is important for them to be aware of the warning that has been issued."

The information from the Texas Department of State Health Services also indicates:

No other species of fish from the lake are included in the warning.

Adults should limit consumption of largemouth bass from Lake Isabell to no more than two 8-ounce servings per month. Children under 12 years old should limit consumption to no more than two 4-ounce servings per month. Women who are nursing, pregnant or who may become pregnant should not consume largemouth bass from Lake Isabell.

Regular ingestion of methylmercury, the mercury compound in the fish, can harm the human brain and nervous system. Young children are especially at risk. The brain and nervous system in a developing fetus can be permanently damaged if the mother-to-be eats foods containing elevated levels of mercury during pregnancy.

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that gets into air and water from the weathering of the earth's crust, from the burning of fossil fuels and from some industrial discharges and emissions.

Elevated levels of mercury in fish do not pose a health risk for people swimming, fishing or participating in other water recreation activities in Lake Isabell.

Lake Isabell is a three-acre lake in Lake Houston Park about 30 miles north of Houston.