Release Date: July 09, 2009
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
Heat Advisory – Level II
San Antonio and Bexar County are officially in a Level II Hot Weather Health Warning. The warning is activated when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory and the following criteria are met: daytime heat index values of 105 degrees or higher and an actual nighttime temperature of 80 degrees or higher for two consecutive days.
Residents are warned that very high temperatures and humidity will create conditions that may cause heat exhaustion or a heat stroke. Individuals who do not live in a home with operational air conditioning or cannot visit one during the severest heat of the day are encouraged to call one of the community resources below to seek relief.
City of San Antonio: Community Initiatives, Community Action Division 207-7830
Salvation Army 352-2020
American Red Cross 224-5151
Catholic Charities 433-3256
Society of St. Vincent de Paul 225-7837
For seniors and the disabled, information and referrals about transportation, shelters, etc.– Alamo Service Connection 477-3275
In addition, there are 24-hour help lines* available as indicated below:
United Way HELP Line 211
Non-Emergency Information 311
Methodist Healthcare System—
call a nurse for children 226-8773 (22NURSE)
*available 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m. Monday-Friday and 24-hours on weekends
Metro Health urges employees of agencies and businesses who routinely visit homes to provide services or assistance to check on individuals at risk. At risk groups include the elderly, disabled, individuals with chronic health conditions, and young children. If at risk individuals are identified, they should be informed of appropriate community resources and encouraged to seek relief.
The following health precautions continue to be recommended under a Level II alert to avoid dehydration, heat-related illnesses or more severe consequences:
• Drink non-alcoholic and caffeine-free liquids, such as water and juices. Avoid other products that dehydrate the body such as energy drinks and sodas.
• Be aware of those at high risk, such as the elderly, infants and children up to 4 years of age or individuals who are overweight. Check on elderly parents, relatives, acquaintances and neighbors often.
• 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 any other hot environment.
• Plan to exercise and do other strenuous activities early or late in the day when it is cooler. Do not attempt to spend extended periods of time in the heat, especially if your body has not been acclimated to the conditions. Acclimatization to extreme weather conditions normally takes 10 – 14 days.
• If you must be outdoors, use an umbrella or hat and sun screen and wear loose-fitting and light clothing. Rest frequently in a shady area.
• Ask your physician whether you are at particular risk because of medication. Some medicines dehydrate the body.
• 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.
• Remember to leave fresh water in the bowl for pets kept outdoors and provide as much shade as possible. Change the water frequently to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Recommendations for pet care, outdoor athletic training, and special events are included in the City’s Heat Plan.
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 at 207-7830 or Bexar County Direct Client Services Division at 335-6770.
• For non-emergency information, call 311.
Metro Health encourages the public to contact the National Weather Service for the most current weather conditions at 830-606-3617, or visit its website for current hourly weather. For more information about the Heat Plan, click here or call 207-2145.
