The report, titled 2024 Health Impacts of Excessive Heat in Harris County, examined the state of excessive heat in the county and the social determinants of health that impact heat-related health outcomes. The report also outlined recommendations for addressing excessive heat and protecting oneself from excessive heat.
“Excessive heat is a serious and growing public health concern,” Jennifer Kiger, director of the Office of Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Emerging Diseases at HCPH, said via news release. “This report provides critical data to help policymakers, health care professionals, employers, and community leaders make informed decisions to mitigate the dangers of heat-related illnesses and improve health outcomes for all community members.”
Some context
According to the report:
- Excessive heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two consecutive days
- Heat index is the measure of what the temperature feels like in the shade
Per the report, HCPH found that 61% of heat-related illnesses occurred at a heat index of 103 degrees Fahrenheit, and there were 17 consecutive days with a heat index higher than 103 in June 2023.
Additionally, between 2019 to 2023, there were 7,627 total heat-related illnesses reported in Harris County, according to the report. Of the total heat-related illnesses:
- 14% were job-related
- 47% occurred in individuals between 18 to 44 years old
- 73% occurred in males
- 33% occurred in the Hispanic or Latino population
After Hurricane Beryl hit the Houston region in early July, Harris County had 553 storm-related heat-related illness encounters between July 8-15, according to the report.
Quote of note
“The rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves are not just environmental challenges; they are urgent public health issues that significantly affect our most at-risk community members—outdoor workers, older adults, children, and those with preexisting health conditions,” Dr. Ericka Brown, local health authority for HCPH, said via news release. “Hopefully, this report will be a critical tool for all of us to take meaningful steps toward protecting our community and reducing health disparities.”
What residents should know
In the call to action portion of the report, HCPH lists several recommendations to address excessive heat, including:
- Enhancing communications
- Continuously evaluating the effectiveness of the local heat health warning system
- Expanding heat relief collaborations
- Offering additional support to populations experiencing vulnerability
- Promoting community assistance programs
- Developing and implementing long-term mitigation measures
- Staying hydrated throughout the day
- Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colors
- Limiting outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day
- Using fans or air conditioning to cool indoor spaces
- Understanding the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke
To read HCPH’s report, visit https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/media/reports.
