Here in Central Texas, we’re certainly no strangers to hot summers. But there comes a point when the heat goes beyond simply being uncomfortable and becomes dangerous.
Milam County, including Rockdale and Cameron, is under an Extreme Heat Warning today, August 23, with the National Weather Service warning of dangerously hot conditions. The heat is expected to continue into the coming week, making this an especially important time to check on our homes, ourselves, and the people around us.
Check on the Seniors in Your Life
One of the first things that comes to my mind during extremely hot weather is our senior citizens.
Many of us have an older parent, relative, friend, or neighbor living alone. During periods of extreme heat, it only takes a phone call or a quick visit to make sure they’re doing all right.
Ask whether their air conditioner is working properly and whether the house feels comfortably cool. Make sure they have something available to drink and aren’t spending unnecessary time outside during the hottest part of the day.
The National Weather Service specifically recommends checking on relatives and neighbors during extreme heat.
Sometimes a simple “Are you doing okay?” can be more important than we realize.
Keep the House as Cool as Possible
Your air conditioner has a difficult job when Central Texas temperatures climb this high.
Closing blinds or curtains against direct sunlight can help reduce some of the heat entering the house. Avoid unnecessarily heating the house during the hottest part of the afternoon, and make sure air-conditioning vents aren’t blocked by furniture or other items.
If you notice that your air conditioner isn’t cooling the house normally, don’t ignore it and hope the problem will go away. During extreme heat, a cooling problem can quickly become much more serious, particularly in a home occupied by an older adult.
Save Outdoor Work for a Cooler Time
There will always be grass to mow, something that needs repairing, or another outdoor job waiting for us. On days like these, some of those jobs can wait.
If outdoor work has to be done, try to schedule it for early in the morning or later in the evening rather than during the hottest part of the afternoon. Take frequent breaks, get into the shade or air conditioning when possible, and drink plenty of water.
The National Weather Service advises limiting strenuous outdoor activity and notes that the hottest portion of the day is typically from about 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. during this extreme heat event.
Know When the Heat Is Becoming Dangerous
It’s important to recognize when someone may be experiencing more than ordinary discomfort from the heat.
Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating, weakness or tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea and other symptoms. A person experiencing these symptoms should be moved to a cooler environment and monitored carefully.
Heat stroke is much more serious. Confusion, loss of consciousness and an extremely high body temperature are among its warning signs. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate emergency assistance.
Knowing the difference can be especially important when you’re checking on an elderly family member, friend or neighbor.
Don’t Forget About Pets
Our pets depend on us during extreme weather too.
Make sure outdoor animals have plenty of fresh water and access to shade. Avoid leaving pets outside unnecessarily during the hottest part of the day, and never leave a pet—or a person—in a parked vehicle.
Vehicle temperatures can rise to dangerous levels very quickly, even when you only intend to be gone for a short time. The National Weather Service specifically warns against leaving children or pets in an enclosed vehicle during extreme heat.
A Little Extra Attention Can Make a Difference
Extreme heat is part of living in Central Texas, but that doesn’t mean we should become careless about it.
At Driscoll Home Services, much of what we do revolves around helping people remain comfortable and safe in their homes. Through Carol’s Senior Care, that is especially true when it comes to helping older adults with some of the everyday things that can become more difficult as we age.
During this period of extreme heat in Milam County, take a few minutes to check your home, check on your pets, and most importantly, check on the people in your life who may need a little extra help.
Sometimes something as simple as a phone call, a glass of water, closing a curtain, or noticing that an air conditioner isn’t working properly can prevent a much bigger problem.
And in weather like this, looking out for one another is simply the neighborly thing to do.
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