Hot Weather Precautions
Heat Wave Safety Tips & Cooling Center Locations
Safety Tips
(adapted from the City of Fort Worth website August 1, 2011)
◦Drink plenty of water regularly
◦Don’t wait until you are thirsty; drink continuously
◦Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks as they can worsen the effects of heat
•Cool your body
◦Stay in the shade or air conditioning if possible; go swimming
◦Keep air moving around your body
◦Wear loose clothing
◦Place cool, wet cloths or ice on the neck, under the arms or in groin area
◦Use an umbrella or wide brim hat to limit exposure to direct sun
•Limit or avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day
•Take extra care with children and the elderly
◦Bodies of the young and old do not cool as effectively as those of adults
◦Supervise children to ensure proper hydration and limit activity
◦Check on elderly neighbors regularly and help reinforce these tips
Warning Signs of Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body loses its ability to regulate temperature due to exposure in a hot environment. If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately:
•High body temperature – over 103
•Fast heartbeat
•Fast and shallow breathing
•Changes in mental status such as confusion, irritability or personality changes
•Fainting or extreme fatigue; feeling dizzy or weak
•Hot, dry skin or lack of sweating
•Headache, nausea
How to Keep Pets Healthy
•Never leave an animal alone in a vehicle, even if windows are partially opened, as it can quickly become a furnace.
•Dogs and cats need a cool, shady place to sleep during the hot weather with plenty of clean, fresh water accessible at all times.
•Feed animals in the cooler hours of the day.
•Heatstroke is life threatening for dogs and cats. Signs to watch for are: heavy/loud breathing, a staggering walk or a bright red tongue.
Remember to watch out for animals in your neighborhood or in public places.
Dial 2-1-1 to connect with United Way's information and referral service for details about available weather-related health and human services. (Please be patient, as the number of callers may be unusually high.)
Our Vision
Tarrant County will be a place where children, individuals and families thrive, where neighbors care for each other and where people willingly share the responsibility of ensuring a safe and healthy community for all.
Our Mission
To improve lives across our diverse communities by:
- Prioritizing needs in education, income and health
- Forming innovative and effective partnerships with other organizations
- Strategically raising and investing resources to make lasting change
Our Diversity Statement
United Way of Tarrant County values and seeks diversity by respecting the knowledge, abilities and experience of all individuals. Our commitment is to support an inclusive environment reflecting our United Way communities and accomplishing our mission.
