Extreme heat is deadly and kills more people than any other weather event. When high temperatures are expected for several days, make sure to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Heat Safety
Stay hydrated
Drink water regularly, even when not thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Children should be encouraged to frequently drink fluids, as they are at a higher risk of becoming dehydrated.
Stay indoors
Limit outdoor activity. If you must work outside, work early or late in the day. Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible.
Stay cool
Wear lightweight, loose clothing and take cool showers or baths. Keep curtains and blinds closed and utilize fans. If the power goes out, find alternative locations where you can stay cool.
Never leave people or pets in parked vehicles
It is never safe to leave a person or pet locked in a car. Temperatures can rise to deadly levels in minutes. Lock your cars, even in your own driveway, to prevent children from getting inside.
Prevent heat illness
Anyone can develop heat illness, and it progresses quickly. Check on your friends, family and neighbors, especially older adults, infants, children, pregnant women and people with medical conditions. Learn how to treat heat illness on TexasReady.gov.
Protect from the sun
When outdoors, apply sunscreen every two hours, and wear hats and light-colored clothing. Take regular breaks in the shade.
Outdoor worker safety
Outdoor workers can be at a higher risk of heat illness. Drink water often, rest and cool down in the shade, and gradually increase workload for new workers or those who have been away from work.
What to Do During a Drought
A drought occurs when there is a prolonged absence of precipitation. Always follow state and local restrictions on water use and burn bans during a drought.
Practice Fire Prevention
- Check to see if a local burn ban is in effect.
- Deposit cigarette butts in the proper receptacle to avoid starting a fire.
- Pour water over campfires and fire pits to ensure they are completely out.
Indoor Water Conservation Tips
- Only utilize your washing appliances when they have a full load.
- Consider turning off your faucet while you brush your teeth or while lathering your hands with soap.
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips
- Always follow your local guidelines on water usage or scheduling.
- If your lawn requires watering, do so early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler.
- Water in several short sessions rather than one long one, in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture and avoid runoff.
- Avoid leaving sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours.
- In extreme drought, allow lawns to die in favor of preserving trees and large shrubs.
- If you need to wash your car, use a commercial car wash that recycles water. Or if you plan to wash it yourself, use a shut-off nozzle that can be adjusted down to a fine spray on your hose.
Contact Us
Emergency Management
- Phone: 979-821-1030
- Email Emergency Management Coordinator