Full Notification

HARRIS COUNTY, TX- The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reminds area residents to take precautions during extreme summer heat. The following information is designed to keep Harris County and Houston area communities safe in Texas heat.

Provided by the City of Houston:

• Wear 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 accomodations 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.

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.

Provided by the Houston Fire Department:

• Place your cell phone, briefcase, purse or other important item in the backseat before driving to your destination. This will get you in the routine of checking the backseat every day.
• Establish a peace-of-mind plan. When you drop off your child, make a habit of calling or texting all other caregivers, so all of you know where your child is at all times.
• Thirty percent of the deaths in the U.S. have occurred when a child climbed into an unlocked vehicle. Before getting out of the car, check to be sure everyone is out and lock all doors.
• Communicate planned absences with daycare providers. Ask them to call you if your child does not arrive on time, and they have not heard from you.
• Educate your children about not playing in and around vehicles.
• If you see a child alone in a car, dial 911 immediately.