The Ranger Online

Issue date: 5/18/06 Section: J School Travels

Media Credit: Amber Whittaker On U.S. Highway 90 in Biloxi, Miss., this mock-ship, once a part of Treasure Bay Casino, lumbers above the shore. Without the illumination of street lights, this picture was taken with the help of four reporters running flashlight beams across the body of the structure, with the shutter open to the count of 10. Without aid of a tripod, the camera had to be steadied on a curb.

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.

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