Heat warnings plus consistent temperature’s in the 90’s are prompting health organizations to share heat safety tips for Texans.
Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Community members are encouraged to take measures to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed. Individuals should stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. Airconditioning is the number one way to protect oneself against heat-related illness and death.
If a home is not airconditioned, reduce the risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are airconditioned and using air conditioning in vehicles. Community members can contact a local health department or locate an air conditioned shelter in the area.
Do not rely on a fan as a main cooling device during an extreme heat event.
It is also important to drink more water than usual and do not wait until becoming thirsty to drink. It is good practice to also check on a friend or neighbor.
Never leave children or pets in cars. Never leave infants or children in a parked car, even if the windows are open. Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Even when it feels cool outside, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly. Leaving a window open is not enough; temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open.
Children who are left unattended in parked cars are at greatest risk for heat stroke, and possibly death. When leaving a car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car. Do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car.
Working in hot temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses, so it’s crucial to prioritize safety and prevention.
This includes staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing, taking frequent breaks and being aware of symptoms of heat illness.
Employers should also take steps to protect workers, such as implementing acclimatization programs and providing access to shade and cool areas.
Even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.
It is encouraged to limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is the hottest; pace activity while starting activities slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.
If someone is playing a sport that requires practice during hot weather, protect one’s self and look out for teammates. Schedule workouts and practices earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler.
Monitor a teammate’s condition and have someone do the same for everyone. Seek medical care right away if a teammate has symptoms of heatrelated illness. Make sure they are drinking plenty of fluids. Stay away from really cold drinks or drinks with too much sugar.
Everyone should take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries and death during hot weather. Check the local news for health and safety updates.
Signs of heat stroke include high body temperature of 103 degrees or higher; hot, red, dry or damp skin; fast, strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and loss of consciousness.
In regard to heat exhaustion, symptoms include: heavy sweating, cold, pale and clammy hands, fast or weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache and fainting.
Individuals can combat heat exhaustion by moving to a cool place, loosening clothes, putting cool, wet clothes on the body or taking a cool bath and sip water. People are encouraged to seek medical attention if throwing up, symptoms get worse or they last longer than one hour.
Heat cramps may happen if an individual is sweating heavily during intense exercise and muscle pain or spasms may be apparent.
To remedy those symptoms, stop physical activity and move to a cool place, drink water or a sports drink, wait for cramps to go away before doing any more physical activity. Medical attention may be needed if the crams last longer than an hour, on a low-sodium diet or have heart problems.