Stay Safe During Summer Heat

As summer temperatures soar, it’s crucial to stay informed and safe during these hot days. With temperatures reaching record highs, being aware of the risks associated with extreme heat and taking necessary precautions is more important than ever.

Residents are urged to protect themselves and their loved ones from extreme heat by staying hydrated, limiting time in the sun, and using air-conditioned spaces when possible. Without these measures, the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke significantly increases.

“As a situation occurs and begins to happen, there are things that are important for us to start to notice. One is heavy sweating. Heavy sweating is an indicator of the body’s ability to start trying to regulate its temperature as heat rises,” said Brownsville firefighter Hector Martinez.

Other symptoms of heat exhaustion include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, fainting, nausea, cool moist skin, and rapid and weak pulses. These symptoms can occur in any activity, not just strenuous work. “This can happen to a child at a baseball game or a parent attending the game. Sometimes these events are running in the middle of the day, like the Games of Texas, so proper preparation is going to be the key for us,” Martinez added.

Hydrating before heading to any outdoor event is essential, and it’s important to avoid drinks containing caffeine, which can cause dehydration. Wearing sunscreen is also crucial. “Sunscreen is very important. It doesn’t have to be super sunny for you to experience the effect of the sun. Most people are not aware that just because it’s cloudy doesn’t mean the sun isn’t bearing down on you, so we must take these steps to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” Martinez emphasized.

By following these simple tips, you can stay safe and healthy during the hot days ahead.