While Tropical Storm Bertha might be heading toward Texas, a majority of the state is under a heat advisory by the National Weather Service (NWS).
Major cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio are forecast bythe weather serviceto see temperatures in the 100s on July 23, with conditions lasting well into next week.
The weather service is issuing warnings urging people to drink plenty of fluids, stay inside and watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke during this period of high heat.
From the Texas Panhandle to South Texas, here's what you need to know on how to stay safe during a Texas heat advisory.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion, heatstroke
Heat exhaustion can present the following symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Dizziness.
- Thirst.
- Nausea.
- Weakness.
If left untreated,
heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, in which a person's internal body temperature reaches 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can lead to permanent body damage and death if left untreated.
Symptoms of heat stroke are:
- Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech.
- Loss of consciousness (coma).
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating.
- Seizures.
- Very high body temperature.
After calling 911, the CDC advises getting those affected by heat stroke to a cooler environment or shade and removing outer clothing. Also, try to cool down the person in one of the following ways:
- Give a cold-water or ice bath, if possible.
- Wet the skin.
- Place cold, wet cloths on the skin.
- Soak clothing with cool water.
- Circulate air around the person to speed cooling.
Tips to lower energy bills on hot days in Texas
There are a few ways to lower energy bills on hot days and keep individuals cool. According to Reliant Energy, some energy-saving tips are:
- Set your thermostat four degrees higher when you’re away from home for more than four hours.
- Change your ceiling fan setting to counterclockwise.
- Use blinds or curtains to block the sun and reduce room heating.
- Schedule an HVAC checkup, check air filters monthly and replace as necessary.
- Reduce the temperature on your electric water heater to 120 degrees.
- Switch out your old light bulbs for new LEDs.
- Avoid using heat-producing appliances like the clothes dryer, dishwasher or oven during the hottest times of day.
- Use microwave and toaster ovens or grill outside to help reduce heat produced in the home.
- Install a programmable thermostat.
Texas watches, warnings
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to stay safe as Texas temperatures soar past 100 degrees
