The city of San Antonio is offering safety tips as local weather forecasts call for high temperatures to reach more than 103 degrees Fahrenheit this weekend. According to a July 7 city news release, adults 65 and older; children age 4 and younger; and people with existing medical conditions, such as heart disease and those without access to air conditioning, are at higher risk on days with high temperatures and heat indexes. City officials on July 7 issued tips for residents and pets to keep safe and cool during the extreme heat wave:
- Limit outdoor activity. Outdoor workers should take breaks in the shade as often as possible.
- Stay hydrated—drink plenty of water.
- Check on the elderly and those with medical conditions.
- Don’t leave child or a pet in the vehicle.
The city urges residents to beware of warning signs of heat stroke, such as red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, nausea, confusion or acting strangely. If a child exhibits any of these signs, cool the child rapidly with cool water and call 911 or your local emergency number immediately, the city said. The city said it will be operating public cooling centers during normal hours throughout this weekend and into next week. According to the city, if a child or pet is found alone in a vehicle, residents are encouraged to write down the car’s description, including license plate number, and call 911. If the situation involves an animal, call Animal Care Services at 311. Per city ordinance, both police and animal care officers have the right to break a car’s window if a child or animal is endangered inside a vehicle, the city said. Regarding animal safety, residents are urged to ensure their pet has access to fresh water, shade or shelter. The city reminds pet owners that chain tethers or having dogs ride unsecured in the back of a truck is illegal and puts the animal at risk of prolonged exposure to sunlight. According to the city, symptoms of pet heat stress include excessive thirst, heavy panting and drooling, glazed eyes, vomiting, restlessness, fever, dizziness, a rapid heartbeat and unconsciousness. For pets showing these signs, gradually lower their body temperature and get them to a vet immediately, the release said. People keeping livestock are reminded to mind their cattle, horses, pigs and other livestock during extreme temperatures. The Bexar County Fire Marshal reminds residents that the county is under a burn ban, and that outdoor burning is not recommended at this time. To report a suspicious fire being used improperly in unincorporated Bexar County, call 210-335-0300, the county said. CPS Energy offers energy conservation tips, and encourages customers to sign up for energy alerts. The Energy Reliability Council of Texas, which oversees the state’s power grid, said in a statement July 7 that it expects high demand statewide through July 11. ERCOT added that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will exercise “discretion” in enforcing pollution limits on power plants to ensure the power grid keeps pace with demand.
