Herminia Palacio, MD, M.P.H.

Executive Director

Public Health & Environmental Services

2223 West Loop South

Houston, Texas 77027
 
Phone: (713) 439-6000

Fax: (713) 439-6080

 

 

August 5, 2003

 

** HEAT ADVISORY and  HEALTH ADVISORY**

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Rita Obey

(713)439-6293

 

Sandy Kachur

(713)439-6292

 

Heat Index to Reach 103-111 Degrees in Harris County

 

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory for southeast Texas for today through Thursday, August 5-8, 2003. The NWS issues a Heat Advisory when the heat index is expected to reach or exceed 108 degrees for two consecutive days. (The heat index shows how hot a particular combination of heat and humidity feels. High humidity makes heat more dangerous because it slows the evaporation of sweat – the body's natural cooler.)  

 

In conjunction with the Heat Advisory, Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services is issuing an Heat/Health Advisory to provide information that will help people reduce their risk of heat illnesses. 

 

The NWSpredictsthatheat indices in Harris County will peak at around 104 to 109 on today.  On Wednesday and Thursday heat index values are expected to reach 103 to 111 degrees.  Also, based on current weather projections, it is possible that the Heat/Health Advisory will remain into Saturday. 

 

Heat-related illnesses occur when the body is unable to properly cool itself.  Those who are elderly, very young (age 0-4), obese, taking prescription drugs or drinking alcohol are most at risk of becoming the victim of a heat illness. Having a fever, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn or being dehydrated also limits the body’s ability to control body temperature. 

 

Air conditioning is the number one defense against heat-related illnesses and death.  If you have an air conditioning unit – turn it on. Those who do not have air-conditioning at home should periodically go to the mall, public library, or go to a friend’s or relative’s house or their local Harris County Community Center for a few hours to cool off.  Exposure to air-conditioning for even a few hours will reduce the risk for getting a heat-related illness.  If air conditioning is not available, pull shades over windows, close blinds and use fans to cool rooms.  If you have a box fan, place it next to a window and open another window on the opposite side of the room to create cross ventilation.  In addition to staying in a cool space, drink plenty of water.  Staying cool and drinking water are the best ways to prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

 

It is very important that people learn the warning signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion because very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.  To learn more about the warning signs of heat-related illnesses and Harris County heat relief sites, go to http://www.hcphes.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Pets

 

 

§         NEVER stay or leave anyone else in closed, parked vehicles during hot weather.

 

§         Drink a lot of water (even when you are not thirsty).  By the time you realize you are thirsty, your body’s water supply is already lower than it should be.  Drinking sports drinks can replace the salt and potassium that may be lost by sweating.  WARNING:  If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.

 

§         At the first signs of heat illness, get out of the sun or your body temperature will continue to rise.

 

§         Do not drink alcohol or drinks with caffeine because they speed up water loss.

 

§         Limit outdoor exercise and outdoor work, if possible.

 

§         If you must go outside, try to do so either in the morning or in the evening.  While outside, take frequent breaks and find air-conditioned places or shady areas where you can rest.  This will give your body a chance to recover.

 

§         Use the Buddy System.  If you have to go out in the heat, go with someone.  Heat illnesses can cause confusion and a loss of consciousness.

 

§         Wear light, loose fitting clothing and a hat with vents such as straw hats.

 

§         Take cool showers to cool off.

 

§         If your heart begins to pound, you become lightheaded, confused, weak or faint, STOP ALL ACTIVITY!!  GET IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE!!  Go to a cool area or get in the shade and rest.

 

§         Pets can also suffer from excessive heat.  Make sure your pets have adequate drinking water and a shady place to rest.

 

§         Do not keep pets in cars with windows rolled up.  Temperatures inside a car with the windows rolled up can reach over 150 degrees quickly.