Bell County Emergency Management

09/01/2026

The Burn Ban has been extended to Monday, September 21.

08/11/2026

The Burn Ban is in effect until Friday, August 21, unless extended by the Commissioners Court.

07/02/2026

Many water-related tragedies are preventable. Taking a few simple precautions can help keep you and those around you safe.
🛟 Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
🍺 Don’t boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
👦 Have a dedicated and sober "water watcher" for people in the water.
🚤 Wear your vessel’s emergency engine cut-off switch.
⛈️ Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
⚠️ Avoid unnecessary risks.

On average, July has the highest number of drownings of any month. It’s also an extremely busy time of year on our nation’s waterways, so please always wear your life jacket and engine cutoff device. Always boat sober, stay alert, and operate your vessel in a safe, courteous, and responsible manner.

07/02/2026

🎆 Fireworks are a Fourth of July tradition, but safety should always come first. Before you celebrate, learn how to use fireworks safely, protect your loved ones and pets, and help prevent fires: ready.gov/summer-ready

More tips in our blog: fema.gov/blog/freedom-and-fireworks-how-stay-safe-while-celebrating-nations-250th-birthday

07/02/2026

Plan to have a safe 4th of July celebration, don't let a fire or injury ruin your day! 🚫 Fireworks are prohibited inside city limits throughout Bell County, check for local professional events and fireworks displays to enjoy.
💥Sparklers are dangerous. They burn at 2,000 degrees, cause severe burns, can ignite clothing, and account for 25% of Emergency Rooms visits for fireworks injuries.
☀️High temperatures can make grass/wildfires more difficult to fight and more dangerous for Firefighters.
🎆If you plan on celebrating with fireworks have a reliable water source 💦, never use them under the influence 🚫, maintain a safe distance from structures 🏡, dispose of them properly, and follow local ordinances 📃!
🚫Do NOT call 9-1-1 to report fireworks or noise complaints.
🔥Call 9-1-1 immediately if there is a fire or serious injury.

As Texans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages everyone to keep safety in mind when using fireworks and enjoying outdoor activities.

Before lighting fireworks, check local restrictions and burn bans, keep a water source nearby and always follow manufacturer instructions.

Taking a few simple precautions can help prevent injuries and reduce the risk of wildfire.

Learn more about firework safety and how to celebrate responsibly this holiday: tfsweb.tamu.edu/texans-encouraged-to-celebrate-independence-day-safely/

Wildfire Education & Prevention - Texas A&M Forest Service

06/22/2026

With heat index temperatures remaining extremely high, cooling centers are available to help residents stay safe.

📍 Feed My Sheep (116 W Avenue G)
Tuesday: 9 AM – 1 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM– 5 PM
Thursday – Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM

📍 Temple Public Library (100 W Adams Ave)
Monday – Thursday: 9 AM – 7 PM
Friday – Saturday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Sunday: 1 PM – 6 PM

Stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the heat if possible, and check on neighbors who may need assistance.

Learn more at staysafetemple.com

06/12/2026

☀️ Summer and Heat Safety Tips ☀️

💧Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and keep yourself and your family members well-hydrated, especially during hot summer days.
😎Sun protection: Apply sunscreen with a high SPF before going outside and reapply as needed. Wear hats, sunglasses, and light clothing to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
📲Stay informed: Stay updated on weather forecasts, especially during severe weather conditions. Follow local news or use reliable weather apps to receive timely alerts.
🚗Stay Vigilant: Look before you lock vehicles; always check the backseat. Always lock doors even at home, kids may play in cars or wander outside, get into a car and can die in minutes.
💡Remember to share these tips with your friends and family to keep everyone safe this summer! 😊🌞

06/02/2026

Landowners in southwest Bell County may be eligible for Mechanical Fuel Reduction Grants through Texas A&M Forest Service. Visit tfsweb.tamu.edu/funding-available-through-wildlife-mitigation-grants-for-texas-landowners for more information and to apply before July 14, 2026.

Applications are now open for Texas A&M Forest Service wildfire mitigation grants.

These grant opportunities help private landowners and municipalities reduce wildfire risk through fuel reduction practices and prescribed burning.

Eligible applicants may receive financial assistance for projects that:

🌿Reduce hazardous vegetation
🔥Create defensible space around homes and infrastructure
🌲Support prescribed fire as a land management tool

Mechanical Fuel Reduction grants are available in eligible Central Texas counties and multiple prescribed fire grant opportunities are available across the state.

05/23/2026

Severe Weather can strike anytime and in moments! Relying on just ONE way to get alerts is a risky gamble. Cell networks can drop, phones can lose battery, or you might simply be asleep. Protect yourself and your family with multiple overlapping layers of ways to receive flood/flash flood alerts:
✅ Wireless Emegency Alerts (WEA) enabled on your phone and phone fully charged
👀A recent study found that 30 percent of Texans have turned WEAs off, visit weather.gov/wrn/wea for more info.
✅ NOAA Weather Radio with a battery backup incase of power outages
✅ Local TV & Radio broadcasts
✅ Trusted Weather Apps with push notifications
❌ Outdoor sirens are for the outdoors! Don’t rely on them indoors

05/22/2026

Historically, Memorial Day Weekend is one of the riskiest times of the year for boating and water-related activities. Sadly, many water-related fatalities occur during the holiday weekend. Following these simple tips can help ensure that you have a good and safe Memorial Day weekend. Remember Life Jackets Worn…Nobody Mourns so .