Carrie Little is the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Grapevine.
Do you KnoWhat2Do during extreme heat?
The North Texas area, including the City of Grapevine, is experiencing an extreme heat emergency. Temperatures have been recorded in excess of 100°F. The current forecast calls for temperatures to exceed 100°F at least through Sunday, August 3, 2007.
The City of Grapevine Office of Emergency Management would like to make sure that you are aware of the problems associated with extreme heat. Heat can affect anyone, although young children, elderly, and people with health problems are most likely to be affected. Some individuals may be more susceptible to heat sickness than others. Therefore, it is important for everyone to be prepared for heat emergencies. Heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity. The National Weather Service (NWS) increases public alerts during periods of excessive heat. If a heat wave is predicted or happening there are several steps that an individual can take to lessen the effects of extreme heat on the body.
First, slow down. Avoid strenuous activities. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, typically between 5:00 am and 8:00 am.
Second, stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body. If you do not have air conditioning in your home, try to go to a public building with air conditioning such as a mall, public library, the City of Grapevine Senior Activities Center, or City of Grapevine Community Activities Center, for several hours each day.
Third, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy.
Fourth, drink plenty of water regularly and often. Your body needs water to help keep cool. Drink plenty, even if you do not feel thirsty. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good initially, but these beverages increase the effect of heat on your body.
Finally, eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
Talk with your family members about what to do during heat emergencies. Complete your family disaster plan and disaster supplies kit. Deciding what to do before a disaster or emergency strikes is your best defense.
KnoWhat2Do!
The City of Grapevine is pleased to partner with Emergency Management agencies throughout North Central Texas in the KnoWhat2Do! Disaster Preparedness Campaign. This regional public education effort is aimed at getting you to Think about the hazards we face in North Central Texas, Prepare yourself and your family against disaster effects, and Act by taking action within your community to get involved in volunteer opportunities and disaster related training. Please click on the underlined link to visit the KnoWhat2Do website.
The National Weather Service has collectively joined resources together from all forecast offices in the State of Texas to develop a severe weather awareness webpage. You can find disaster specific weather information at the underlined link to the National Weather Service website.