As the scorching temperatures continue to rise here in DFW, we recognize the importance of looking out for one another, especially those who are most vulnerable to extreme heat.
Check on your at-risk neighbors. If you know anyone who cannot get out of the heat, there cooling centers set up nearby no matter where you are in DFW:
- Dallas: https://dallashomelesssolution...
- Denton County: https://www.dentoncounty.gov/1738/Cooling-Centers
- Tarrant County: https://tarrant.tx.networkofcare.org/ph/services/subcategory.aspx?tax=TH-2600.1900-180&targetgrp=&k=cooling%20center&z=
- The Salvation Army has set up cooling centers in five local counties: https://salvationarmyntx.org/north-texas/heat-relief/
Street Outreach Teams are also handing out ice cold water and offering services to those who cannot or refuse to get out of the heat. Call 3-1-1 if you see someone who needs assistance: Street Outreach – City of Dallas: Office of Homeless Solutions (dallashomelesssolutions.com)
Here are other ways that you can help those who are most vulnerable to extreme temperatures:
- In Dallas, the ministry of Our Calling reaches out to the homeless in Jesus’ Name. It is accepting donations of sunblock, new and gently-used sunglasses and new, reusable water bottles to fill and distribute to the homeless. Learn more here: Hot Life-Threatening Weather | OurCalling
- In Tarrant County, Mission Arlington accepts fans that it distributes to families. Learn more here: Mission Arlington | Mission Metroplex » Summers
You may love the heat, but it doesn't love us back. Your body shouldn’t be too hot for too long, as too much heat can harm your brain and other organs. Please click this link for some great tips: National Institutes of Health.
The experts say to: drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine. Get out of the sun and into a cool place. If you have to work outside, use a cold washcloth on your neck or wrists. Dress for the weather, choosing light-colored, loose fitting clothing. Close your window shades, or block windows especially those that face direct sunshine. It can help cool your home by 30%, and help with your electric bill too. Turn your thermostat up a few degrees if your home is empty. Take a cold or cool shower if you're feeling overheated.
Here are the warning signs of heat-related illnesses:
If you have a dog: A dog can overheat, and suffer from dehydration or heatstroke just like a human can. These are some early warning signs if your dog is suffering in the heat. Signs of a dehydrated dog include sunken eyes and dry mouth, gums and nose. Poor skin elasticity is another dehydration symptom, which you can test by gently pulling up on the skin at the back of your dog’s neck. Ice cubes in their water does help, but make sure you're monitoring your pup because ice can be a chocking hazard. And hot pavement can injure your dogs paws. On a day where it's 100 degrees heat index, that pavement can hit 160-170 degrees and ulcerate their pads and create more heat exhaustion, heat stroke issues as well. So keep it real early in the morning and really late in the evening.
The weather in North Texas is a blessing with so many sunny and warm days, but it can also be dangerous. Please be safe.