Metro Health issues heat advisory for San Antonio over next week

Residents urged to take precautions to stay cool

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District issued a heat advisory due to forecasted high temperatures at or above 100 degrees starting later this week and into next week.

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Metro Health is reminding people not to leave children or pets alone in vehicles. If you see a child locked in a hot car you’re advised to write down the license plate number and car description and call police immediately. If you see a pet in a hot car call Animal Care Services at 311. City ordinance allows police and animal care officers to break a car’s window to rescue an endangered child or animal.

If you need a place to get out of the heat, you can go to one of the city’s 28 cooling centers.

Metro Health also urges residents to take the following precautions:

  • Spend time in public/private locations with air-conditioning such as public libraries, recreation centers, senior centers, shopping centers/malls during their business hours. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death.
  • Stay well-hydrated, regardless of your activity level.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and appropriate sunscreen.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine intake.
  • Avoid heavy and/or hot foods -- they add heat to your body.
  • Limit outdoor activities during the heat of the day. Exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Monitor those at high risk such as the elderly, infants, young children and people who are ill or have chronic diseases, such as heart disease or high blood pressure.
  • Do not leave children or pets unattended in a closed, parked vehicle.

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Sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion are likely health effects resulting from this heat level and heat stroke is likely with prolonged exposure.

The following are warning signs of heatstroke:

  • Red, hot and moist or dry skin.
  • No sweating.
  • Strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse.
  • Nausea.
  • Confusion or acting strangely.

If a child exhibits any of these signs after being in a hot vehicle, cool the child rapidly (not an ice bath, but by spraying them with cool water or with a garden hose).

Call 911 immediately.


About the Author:

David Ibañez has been managing editor of KSAT.com since the website's launch in October 2000.