Release Date: June 18, 2008
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
Heat Advisory
Level I Hot Weather Health Watch in Effect
San Antonio and Bexar County are officially in a Level I Hot Weather Health Watch. For the second time in two consecutive days, the National Weather Service is reporting a heat index reading of 95 degrees. Under the City’s Heat Plan, those conditions warrant the Level I activation.
The following health precautions are recommended under a Level I alert to avoid dehydration and heat-related illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children:
• Drink non-alcoholic and caffeine-free liquids, such as water and juices.
• Be aware of those at high risk, such as the elderly, infants and children up to 4 years of age, someone who is overweight or someone on medication. Rest frequently in a shady area.
• Do not leave infants, children, the elderly or pets unattended in a parked car (even if the windows are down or the air conditioning is on) or other hot environment.
• Plan to exercise and do other strenuous activities early or late in the day when it is cooler.
• Use an umbrella, hat or sun screen to protect your skin from the sun and wear loose-fitting and light clothing to help heat escape away from your body.
• Ask your physician whether you are at particular risk because of medication.
• Remember to leave fresh water in the bowl for pets kept outdoors and provide as much shade as possible.
• If you feel any symptoms of heat illness such as dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps or headache, immediately stop all activity and move to a cooler area to rest and drink fluids. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms do not improve.
During the hot summer days, the Hot Weather Health Watch (Level I) will not be deactivated. Metro Health encourages the public to contact the National Weather Service for the most current weather conditions at 830-606-3617, or visit their website for current hourly weather at http://www.srh.noaa.gov.
For Further Assistance:
If you have an emergency, call 911
For utility assistance, call CPS Energy: 353-2222
For Project COOL fan assistance call the United Way Help Line: 211 or 227-4357
For emergency utility help (electric, gas, water, etc), call the City of San Antonio Department of Community Initiatives: 207-7830
For non-emergency information, call 311
For information about the Heat Plan, call Metro Health at 207-2145 or visit http://www.sanantonio.gov/health/HeatPlan-main.html.
