EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso's extremely hot summers and cold winters have proven deadly in the past, but especially for the elderly who are more susceptible. The Extreme Weather Taskforce, which is made up of 25 local, state and federal agencies, announced a new initiative to keep the elderly safe during the winter months.

Thursday the task force said it plans to issue a Buddy Alert Day before severe weather strikes. The Buddy Alert Day will be broadcast through local media to make the public aware.

"We stress others to be calling neighbors, checking on your family members that are elderly just to make sure that they're OK," said Julie Lozano, city of El Paso spokeswoman.

"Every year, whether it's summer or during the winter months, we get calls of elderly being affected by the extreme weather," said John Concha, spokesman for the El Paso Fire Department.

The task force is also handing out free blankets to those in need. Officials said the requests have doubled in the past year, and they urge to public to help by donating a new blanket and dropping it off at any fire station.