DALLAS — Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) reported Thursday the first confirmed heat-related death in the county this year. 

What You Need To Know

  • The person who died was a 79-year-old Dallas woman who had no pre-existing medical conditions. The department released no more information on the woman

  • While this is the first confirmed death in Dallas, heat-related deaths have been reported all across Texas, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl

  • Along with the announcement, DCHHS released guidance on how to protect yourself from extreme heat and what are the signs of heat-related illnesses

  • The department recommends staying in air-conditioned places as much as possible and to limit outdoor activities, but if you have to be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade and drink plenty of water

The person who died was a 79-year-old Dallas woman who had no pre-existing medical conditions. The department released no more information on the woman.

“We are very saddened to report our first confirmed heat-related death this season,” said Dr. Philip Huang, director of DCHHS, in a news release. “We encourage everyone to take precautions to protect themselves and their children from heat-related illness as temperatures remain high throughout the summer. Hydrate constantly and limit your time outdoors to protect against the intense heat.”

While this is the first confirmed death in Dallas, heat-related deaths have been reported all across Texas, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. At least half of the deaths attributed to the storm in Harris County, where Houston is located, were caused by the heat during the prolonged power outages. As of July, there have been 26 confirmed heat-related deaths in the state, according to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Along with the announcement, DCHHS released guidance on how to protect yourself from extreme heat and what are the signs of heat-related illnesses. 

The department recommends staying in air-conditioned places as much as possible and to limit outdoor activities, but if you have to be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade and drink plenty of water. 

“If your home does not have air conditioning, you may qualify for an emergency A/C window unit,” the release said and listed a phone number, 214-819-1976, to call for more information. 

Some signs of a heat-related illness include confusion, loss of consciousness, hot and dry skin or profuse sweating, seizures, headache, nausea and an elevated body temperature. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information about heat-related illness on its website.

Related Stories