What is a heat wave?
Heat waves occur when there has been a period of high temperatures in a localized area for a prolonged period of time. In recent years, the frequency of heat waves has increased across North America, causing some Americans discomfort, illness, and in the worst case — death. Heat waves are caused by high-pressure systems that trap hot air and push it downwards towards the surface of the Earth. As heat waves become more frequent in North America, knowing how to prepare for one and how to keep yourself safe is important information for Americans living in high-risk zones, such as Texas.
What to do before a heat wave
Knowing how best to prepare for a heat wave can reduce potential risks when it actually hits. Below are tips and guidance to ensure your safety during the next heat wave.
- Buy a portable AC unit
- Stock up on fans
- Make lots of ice cubes or buy ice bags
- Prepare pet-cooling techniques like ice pads & small pools
- Weather-strip your windows to keep cool air in and hot air out
- Update your first aid kits to have instant cooling packs
- Cover outdoor spaces with awnings, umbrellas, or tarps to limit direct sunlight
What should I do during a heat wave in Texas?
Texas has seen high temperatures for the last few months. During a Texas heat wave, stay safe by following the below tips:
- Stay inside with air conditioning
- Stay hydrated by drinking an 8oz glass of water every hour
- Turn on fans inside of indoor spaces
- Stay away from the sun to avoid sunstroke and sun burns
- If you need to be outside, reapply SPF every 2 hours
- Keep pets cool with ice mats and cold baths
Potential risks
Being in such extreme heat can be dangerous for people who are not exposed to it often. For people who live in hot climates, they may not be as impacted by the hot temperatures. However, if you live in an area that does not see super high temperatures all year round, heat waves can be concerning. The most common risk from heat waves is sunstroke, which you may also know as the term “heatstroke”.
Sunstroke symptoms
Symptoms of both mild sunstroke and severe sunstroke can be noticeable. Below are the most common symptoms for mild sunstroke and severe sunstroke. If you begin to notice any of these symptoms during extreme heat patterns in your area, be sure to consult your doctor right away for treatment.
- Headache
- Excessive sweating
- Dizziness or confusion
- Cramping in extremities
- Extreme thirst
- Loss of appetite or feeling nauseous
The bottom line
Heat waves can be concerning for many populations, and it’s important to know the steps you can take to keep yourself and your family safe. If you have any questions or concerns about an upcoming heat wave in Texas, feel free to contact us for more information.