What you need to know
According to data provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services, 334 people in Texas died from heat-related illnesses in 2023, more than any other year on record. The state started recording heat-related death records in 1989.
San Antonio Metropolitan Health District officials said it is important for people—especially kids under age 4; adults over age 65; and individuals with existing medical conditions, such as heart disease—to have immediate access to air conditioning and drinking water, particularly on days when temperatures hit the high 90s or 100s. The National Weather Service-Austin/San Antonio office forecast highs over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on May 25 and 26 during Memorial Day weekend.
According to a city news release, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat strokes are possible health effects. Symptoms of a heat stroke include:
- High body temperature
- Hot, red, dry or damp skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Losing consciousness
People tending to individuals exhibiting heat-related illness should use cool rags and cold packs, encourage that person to drink water, fan the individual, and inform the person of status while awaiting paramedics.
Metro Health representatives also urged community members to check on neighbors and loved ones who might be at high risk during extreme heat, and make sure they have quick access to heat relief and hydration.
Additionally, Metro Health officials encouraged people working outside to drink plenty of water, take rest breaks, find shade or a cool location, dress for the heat and check on their coworkers.
The release contained other steps for keeping cool this summer:
- Drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol or liquids containing large amounts of sugar or caffeine.
- Take cool showers or use a spray bottle to provide a mist.
- Wear lightweight or loose-fitting clothing.
- Limit use of the oven to maintain a cooler temperature inside the home.
City officials said residents lacking air conditioning at home may cool off at public facilities, such as city libraries, senior centers, community centers, and swimming pools and splash pads.
City officials also said qualified local seniors may call 211 and select Option 1 to request a free box fan, which is made possible via Project Cool, a collaborative effort between the city and local nonprofit and corporate partners.
Additionally, community members are reminded to never leave children or pets alone in a vehicle. Anyone who sees a child or a pet alone in a vehicle or in the back of truck should record a description of the vehicle and call 911, the release stated.
Community members finding a pet alone in a car are urged to call city’s animal care services department at 210-207-6000; the release stated San Antonio police and animal care officers are authorized to break a vehicle’s window if they find an endangered child or pet inside the vehicle.
Other pet summer safety tips offered by the city include:
- Pets are required by local law to have access to shaded shelter and fresh water, and not be kept on chain tethers.
- Keep tabs on young, elderly and overweight pets; those with short muzzles; or those with thick or dark-colored coats as they are at a higher risk of overheating.
CPS Energy officials shared energy-saving tips, such as using an oscillating fan and keeping the thermostat at 78 degrees.
CPS Energy customers can sign up for energy use alerts. Additionally, CPS Energy’s Casa Verde program helps income-qualifying homeowners and renters reduce energy loss and costs with free energy-efficiency improvements.
