SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District issued a heat advisory due to forecasted high temperatures at or above 100 degrees starting later this week and into next week.
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Metro Health is reminding people not to leave children or pets alone in vehicles. If you see a child locked in a hot car you’re advised to write down the license plate number and car description and call police immediately. If you see a pet in a hot car call Animal Care Services at 311. City ordinance allows police and animal care officers to break a car’s window to rescue an endangered child or animal.
If you need a place to get out of the heat, you can go to one of the city’s 28 cooling centers.
Metro Health also urges residents to take the following precautions:
- Spend time in public/private locations with air-conditioning such as public libraries, recreation centers, senior centers, shopping centers/malls during their business hours. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death.
- Stay well-hydrated, regardless of your activity level.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and appropriate sunscreen.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine intake.
- Avoid heavy and/or hot foods -- they add heat to your body.
- Limit outdoor activities during the heat of the day. Exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Monitor those at high risk such as the elderly, infants, young children and people who are ill or have chronic diseases, such as heart disease or high blood pressure.
- Do not leave children or pets unattended in a closed, parked vehicle.
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Sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion are likely health effects resulting from this heat level and heat stroke is likely with prolonged exposure.
The following are warning signs of heatstroke:
- Red, hot and moist or dry skin.
- No sweating.
- Strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse.
- Nausea.
- Confusion or acting strangely.
If a child exhibits any of these signs after being in a hot vehicle, cool the child rapidly (not an ice bath, but by spraying them with cool water or with a garden hose).
Call 911 immediately.