DALLAS (Monday, July 18, 2022) – Triple-digit temperatures are forecast throughout the week for North Texas, with temperatures on Wednesday climbing to near-record highs, according to the National Weather Service. To help keep everyone safe during this recent heat wave, the American Red Cross is urging people to take care and follow our heat safety tips.
Extreme heat is the most dangerous type of severe weather event in the country. Every year, thousands of people suffer from heat-related injuries, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Individuals should stay hydrated, adhere to weather and heat advisories, seek cooling centers if necessary, and make a plan to address heat-related emergencies.
“Given the constant extreme heat in Texas, heat stress can happen quickly. While outside, people should drink plenty of water and take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas,” said Ariane Einecker, interim CEO, American Red Cross North Texas Region. “Heat waves also may cause power outages. If affected, residents should have a plan to go elsewhere with an air conditioner to avoid the elements until power is restored.”
The Red Cross is working with partners in North Texas to support the cooling centers. Red Cross volunteers are already staffing some centers—providing water, ice and food supplies—and are standing by to help as they open. The Red Cross is currently supporting operations at the cooling centers in the following locations:
600 Wilson Creek Parkway, McKinney, TX 75069 (Monday – Friday, 10am – 9pm)
HEAT SAFETY TIPS
- Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The car’s interior temperature can quickly reach 120 degrees.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors who don’t have air conditioning, spend most of their time alone, or are more likely to be affected by the heat.
- If you don’t have air conditioning, seek relief from the heat during the hottest part of the day in places like schools, libraries, theaters, shopping malls, etc.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes
- Wear loose, light, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb sunlight.
- Slow down, stay indoors and avoid vigorous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
- Postpone games and outdoor activities.
- Use a friendly system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if you work outside.
- Check the animals often to make sure they are not suffering from heat. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water and shade.
SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EMERGENCIES
Heat-related symptoms may include:
- Cold, clammy, pale or flushed skin
- Profuse sweating
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness
- weakness
WHAT TO DO
If you see someone suffering from heat stress, follow these steps:
- If you lose consciousness or are vomiting, call 9-1-1 immediately
- Move to an air-conditioned or shaded area
- Drink fresh water slowly
- Apply ice or a cold towel to the head, neck, groin, wrists, ankles, and underarms
DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS
The Red Cross Emergency app can help keep you and your loved ones safe by putting vital information at your fingertips. Download from any app store or at redcross.org/apps for more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts. You can also learn First Aid and CPR/AED skills (redcross.org/takeaclass) to help keep your loved ones safe in an emergency.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to disaster victims; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches life-saving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to carry out its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/northtexas or cruzrojaamericana.org or visit us on Twitter at@RedCrossNTX
