Heat, Drought & Wildfire

EXTREME HEAT

HOT WEATHER

results in hundreds of fatalities each year
ELDERLY & CHILDREN

MOST LIKELY

to suffer when the temperature rises
DROUGHTS

WILDFIRES

can also be the result of super-hot temperatures
SWEAT

MEN

sweat more, making them susceptible to heat illness but anyone at any age can be affected by heat stress

HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES

High temperatures, like the kind we experience in the North Texas Region in the summer, along with high humidity, can cause heat-related illnesses which range in severity from mild heat cramps, to heat exhaustion, to potentially life-threatening heatstroke.

Illness

Description

Signs & Symptoms

Safety Tips

Heat Cramps

Painful, involuntary muscles spasms. They may occur during heavy exercise and are often caused by dehydration.

Spasms that feel like nighttime leg cramps, only more severe. They often occur in the abdomen and back.

Cool down and rest.
Drink an electrolyte-containing sports drink or clear juice
Gently stretch and massage the affected muscles
Call your doctor if your cramps don’t go away in one hour

Heat Exhaustion

Exhaustion that begins suddenly and is sometimes caused by heavy exercise, sweating and dehydration.

Low blood pressure
Cool, moist skin
Low-grade fever
Feeling faint
Nausea
Heavy sweating
Rapid, weak heartbeat

Move the person to a shady area
Lay them down and keep their legs and feet slightly elevated
Loosen or remove their clothing
Give them cool water (not iced) or a sports drink containing electrolytes to drink
Fan the person and spray or sponge them down with cool water
Remember: Heat exhaustion can quickly turn into heat stroke. If fever greater than 102˚F, fainting, confusion or seizures occur, dial 9-1-1

Heatstroke

A potentially life-threatening, heat-related problem that often results from heavy work and dehydration. The body’s normal mechanisms for dealing with heat stress, such as sweating and temperature control, stop working. Older adults, people who are obese and people born with a physical disability are at greatest risk.

Body temperature, generally greater than 104˚F, with changes in mental status like confusion and even coma
Skin may be hot and dry, although in heat strokes caused by exertion, the skin is usually moist
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid and shallow breathing
Elevated or lowered blood pressure
Sweating stops
Irritability, confusion or unconsciousness
Fainting, which may be the first sign in older adults

Move the person into the shade or air-conditioned space
Dial 9-1-1
Wrap the person with damp sheets or spray them with cool water

SAFETY TIPS

When you are at home

Caution

Avoid
The Sun

Stay out of the sun as much as possible and use sunscreen (SPF 25 or higher)
HYDRATE

Drink
Water

Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic and caffeine-free fluids.
Prepare

Check
Your A/C

Install window air-conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary. Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
Seal

Save
Money

Weather-strip doors and window sills to keep cool air in

Drought Info

Get up-to-date drought information for North Texas Region

Drought Impact Reporter

SAFETY TIPS

WHEN YOU ARE OUTSIDE

Water

BE
MINDFUL

Help prevent drought by watering your lawn only when necessary and adhering to local weather restrictions
SAFETY

NO
BURN

Help prevent wildfires by respecting “no burn” days
TOBACCO

PROPERLY
DISPOSE

Avoid roadside fires by disposing of cigarettes responsibly
Charcoal

HOSE
DOWN

Dispose of hot charcoal in a non-flammable container or hose down before discarding

Take the Quiz

Question 1

In addition to high temperatures, what is a factor that causes heat related illness?
Dry weather Humidity

Correct!

It's not the heat, it's the humidity

Incorrect

Humidity can sap your strength
Question 2

You can help prevent drought by watering your lawn only when necessary and adhering to local weather restrictions.
True False

Correct!

Overusing water during a shortage can cause an even greater shortage

Incorrect

Overusing water during a shortage can cause an even greater shortage
Your Results

0 Correct, 0 Wrong
Retake the Quiz?

Make a Plan

Make a Plan

A little preparation could protect your life and the lives of those around you. It only takes a few minutes to develop a plan. When finished, you'll have a pocket-size emergency plan at hand.
Build a Kit

Build a Kit

Remember how long it took to pack for your last vacation? The last thing you want to worry about in a disaster is packing. That’s why everyone should have an Emergency Supply Kit ready to go. Use this checklist to help you assemble your kit.

Find out about local alerts and warnings by contacting your local emergency management or visiting their website.

Heat, Drought & Wildfire

EXTREME HEAT

HOT WEATHER

ELDERLY & CHILDREN

MOST LIKELY

DROUGHTS

WILDFIRES

SWEAT

MEN

HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES

SAFETY TIPS

Caution

Avoid The Sun

HYDRATE

Drink Water

Prepare

Check Your A/C

Seal

Save Money

Drought Info

SAFETY TIPS

Water

BE MINDFUL

SAFETY

NO BURN

TOBACCO

PROPERLY DISPOSE

Charcoal

HOSE DOWN

Take the Quiz

Question 1

Correct!

Incorrect

Question 2

Correct!

Incorrect

Your Results

Make a Plan

Build a Kit

/// Find out about local alerts and warnings by contacting your local emergency management or visiting their website. ///

Avoid
The Sun

Drink
Water

Check
Your A/C

Save
Money

BE
MINDFUL

NO
BURN

PROPERLY
DISPOSE

HOSE
DOWN