Heat Safety
Summers in North Texas can be hot. Really hot! In fact, heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year and even more heat-related illnesses. To help you keep your cool and make sure that you and your family stay safe, we put together the following important heat safety information.
STAY HYDRATED! - Probably the most important rule of the bunch as being hydrated and having water with you will make a world of difference. Even if you aren’t thirsty, you should continue to drink water, sports beverages, or coconut water to stay hydrated. Avoid soda, alcohol (save it for when you’re out of the heat), and coffee as those drinks cause dehydration.
Find Some Shade - It may not seem like much, but taking a few minutes in the shade can provide the relief you need on a hot day. Not everywhere will have access to shade, but getting out of the sun for a few minutes will help cool you off.
Invest In A Portable Cooling Product - From fans you can plug into your phone, cooling towels, and water bottles with built-in misters, there are plenty of cooling products that’ll help you stay cool.
Wear Light, Breathable Clothing - Opt for lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing. Flowing garments allow air circulation and light-colored fabrics reflect light and heat. This will keep you cooler. Use natural fiber fabrics; cotton, linen, and silk work best in absorbing sweat and allowing the skin to breathe.
Take A Break - Being outside in the heat can be exhausting so be sure to take frequent breaks to hydrate, reapply sunscreen, and relax. The common adage “it’s a marathon, not a sprint” is especially pertinent during periods of extreme heat.
When in Doubt, Seek Medical Attention - If you begin to experience any of the following heat exhaustion symptoms, please stop by so a friendly paramedic can check you out. Better to be safe than sorry.
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale, and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Brief fainting (passing out)
Heat Safety For Pets:
- Always have fresh water when outside.
- Never leave animals alone in a parked car.
- When temps are high, keep your pet off the hot asphalt.
- Try to limit long walks to early morning and late evening hours.
- Monitor your pet for signs of overheating.
Energy Conservation Tips at Home from Ercot:
- Turn thermostat up 2 to 3 degrees.
- Set programmable thermostats to higher temp when no one is home.
- Use fans to feel 4 to 6 degrees cooler.
- Limit use of large appliances (i.e., dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc.)
- If you cook indoors, use a microwave or slow cooker.
- Schedule pool pumps to run in the early morning or overnight hours.
- Unplug devices when you're not using them.
- Turn off any unnecessary lights.
- Close blinds and drapes during late afternoon.
Other Resources:
Tracking the power grid capacity: https://www.ercot.com/
How to track power outages/report power outages: