After Memorial Day storm damage in Pantego, firefighters are sharing tips with North Texans to prepare during severe weather season.
PANTEGO, Texas — Memorial Day storms left behind minor damage in the Town of Pantego — but firefighters say it serves as a reminder for North Texans to prepare for more potential severe weather this week.
Crews from the Pantego Fire Department and neighboring Arlington responded Monday after strong winds damaged part of a commercial building near a Planet Fitness location.
“We received a 911 call regarding a possible structure collapse at Planet Fitness,” Pantego Fire Lieutenant Jason Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez described the debris field as roughly 50 feet wide and 15 feet tall, made up of steel, aluminum and styrofoam materials. No injuries were reported, and officials said the gym had closed just hours before the storm damage occurred.
With additional storms in the forecast across North Texas, firefighters are encouraging residents to take precautions before severe weather arrives.
Here are some storm safety recommendations from the Pantego Fire Department:
- Treat severe thunderstorms like tornado threats. Firefighters recommend identifying a safe shelter spot inside the home — preferably an interior room away from windows.
- Consider installing a smoke detector in the attic. Rodriguez said lightning strikes during storms can spark fires that may go unnoticed without early detection.
- Stay away from downed power lines and standing water nearby. Firefighters warned that water can become electrically charged if a power line falls into it.
The warning comes after firefighters recently responded to a dangerous situation involving energized water caused by a downed line.
“There was a downed power line. It was draped over a trail of water,” Rodriguez said.
Monday’s storms also caused flooding concerns at the Pantego fire station as water crept into the bay.
Creek waters also rushed nearby. “And I mean, that water’s probably moving like 25, 30 miles an hour,” Rodriguez said.
Fire officials say preparation before storms arrive can make a critical difference once severe weather moves in.