North Austin News

Austinites pride themselves on staying active and enjoying local green spaces, even during the region's infamously hot summers. To protect oneself from the heat, staying hydrated and taking measures to keep cool can help prevent heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. When outdoors, it is advisable to wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, apply sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps is crucial for heat preparedness.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

What to do for someone experiencing heat exhaustion:

If symptoms do not improve, last longer than an hour, or if the victim begins vomiting, medical help should be sought immediately. Heat exhaustion can quickly lead to heat stroke within minutes.

Heat stroke symptoms include:

Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency that can cause death or permanent damage if emergency treatment is not given promptly. If you or someone you are with experiences symptoms of heat stroke: move them to a cooler place, cool them down as much as possible, and call 911.

Heat cramps are another heat-related illness that can progress into heat exhaustion or heat stroke if untreated. If muscle or abdominal cramps occur in the heat, it is important to stop physical activity, move to a cooler location, drink water and wait for the cramps to subside before resuming any physical activity. If the cramps last longer than an hour or signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke appear, call 911.

To prevent heat-related illness, drinking water throughout the day is essential. Sugary or alcoholic beverages should be avoided in the heat. Those working, exercising or playing outdoors for prolonged periods should consider adding an electrolyte beverage to their regular water breaks. It is recommended to drink water regularly even without feeling thirsty to avoid dehydration and have a shady spot nearby for frequent breaks.

For those with pets outdoors, bringing plenty of drinking water for them is also important. A collapsible bowl can make it easier for pets to stay hydrated. Asphalt and dark pavement can become very hot and may burn pets' feet; walking pets on grass whenever possible and avoiding walks on hot pavement during peak temperatures are advised.

Regarding car safety: never leave people or pets unattended in a closed car on a warm day as temperatures inside vehicles climb rapidly and can reach dangerous levels within minutes. On an 80-degree day outside, temperatures inside a vehicle can reach 94 degrees in two minutes and more than 120 degrees in less than an hour. Cracking windows open does not significantly reduce how high temperatures inside vehicles can get.

To avoid leaving children or pets in vehicles unintentionally: place something needed upon arrival at your destination (like a purse or phone) in the back seat as a reminder to check before locking up.

For more information on staying safe during extreme temperatures visit ReadyCentralTexas.org.

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