TEXAS – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is warning Texans to be extra careful as temperatures rise over 100 degrees this week.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat events or heat waves are among the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the United States.
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“Heat-related injuries and deaths are often preventable if we take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and others,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said.
During this time, children are also put at a greater risk if they are left in an unattended vehicle—even if windows are left slightly open. In 10 minutes, temperatures inside a car can rise more than 20 degrees. Slightly open windows do not significantly decrease heat in a car and DPS advises children should never be left unattended in a vehicle.
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These periods of excessive heat are taxing on your body’s ability to cool itself. This can lead to heat exhaustion and strokes, which can be fatal.
DPS offers the following tips for staying safe and managing the heat:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day even if you do not feel thirsty. You may not realize you’re dehydrated until it’s too late. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided during periods of long outdoor exposure.
- Pay attention to your body. Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop quickly.
- Check on others, especially the elderly, sick, pets and very young and those without air conditioning.
- Monitor local weather updates.
- Limit exposure to the sun and stay indoors as much as possible. If possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
- Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and hats are recommended while spending time outdoors.
- Wear sunscreen. Protect yourself during periods of sun exposure by putting on sunscreen SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going outside.
- Be extra careful when cooking outdoors, building campfires or driving off-road to avoid igniting dry vegetation. Stay aware of burn bans in your area and always abide by restrictions on outside burning.
“We have already experienced extreme heat in most parts of the state this summer, and DPS wants to remind all Texans that the dangers from sustained high temperatures should not be taken lightly,” McCraw said.
For more information on how to prepare for extreme heat, visit ready.gov.
Real-life stories from excessive heat victims can be found on the National Weather Service website.