Heat advisory today
Heat advisory (FOX 26 News)
HOUSTON - Provided by the Houston Health Department
Houston residents are advised to immediately take precautions to guard against extreme heat. This includes:
- Wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing if you're going to be outdoors.
- Drink plenty of water, and avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can cause dehydration
- Conduct outdoor work, such as lawn care in the early morning or evening when it is cooler.
- NEVER leave Children, Seniors or pets unattended in vehicles
- Wide-brimmed hats help prevent sunburn as well as heat-related illness. Sunscreen reduces the risk of sunburn.
- If your home is not air conditioned, seek accommodations in air-conditioned facilities such as libraries, multi-service centers, malls , movies theatres, etc.
- Take frequent cool baths or showers if your home is not air conditioned
- Be informed about changing conditions. The National Weather Service usually declares a Heat Emergency when the heat index, a computation of the air temperature and humidity, reaches 108 degrees on two or more consecutive days. A heat index of 108 is a potential health threat for all people and is particularly dangerous for high-risk groups.
Symptoms and Steps to Take
Provided by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
If you experience the symptoms of HEAT EXHAUSTION, which are:
- Heavy Sweating
- Weakness
- Cold,pale, and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Fainting
then,
- Move to a cooler location.
- Lie down and loosen your clothing.
- Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.
- Sip water.
- If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately.
If you experience the symptoms of HEAT STROKE, which are:
- High body temperature (above 103°F)*
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Possible unconsciousness
then
- Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency.
- Move the person to a cooler environment.
- Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath.
- Do NOT give fluids.