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Weather Safety





Heat safety | Wildfire risks | Firework dangers

HEAT SAFETY:

Keep healthy during Austin's sweltering summer heat with these safety suggestions:

  • Slow down. Reduce your level of physical activity; your body can't work as well in high temperatures. Rest to allow your body's cooling system to do its work. A few minutes of sweat-free rest every hour will help restore your physical and mental energy. 
  • Drink plenty of liquids while exposed to continuous heat. Remember that while beer and alcoholic beverages appear to satisfy thirst, they actually cause further dehydration. 
  • Don't let elderly or disabled persons be exposed to the sun's full heat. They should be checked frequently for heat-related problems if they don't have air conditioning. 
  • Never leave small children or pets alone in a vehicle, even with the windows partially rolled down.
  • WARNING SIGNS:
    • Heat exhaustion: Symptoms include dizziness, nausea and headache. Lay person down in a cool place, slightly raise feet, give sips of water.
    • Heat stroke: Life-threatening condition with symptoms including temperature of 104 degrees or more, diminished sweating, shallow breathing. Call 911 and sponge person continually with cold water.

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    The above is a heat index (or apparent temperature) chart showing various combinations of air temperature versus relative humidity which can produce a high heat stress index.

    To use the chart, locate the air temperature along the left-hand column and the relative humidity along the top row. Where the two intersect on the chart is the heat index.

    For example, with an air temperature of 90 degrees fahrenheit and a relative humidity of 60 percent, the intersection of these two values on the chart will give a heat index of 100 degrees. In other words, this is what the temperature would feel like with this temperature-humidity combination.

    • With a heat index between 80 and 90 degrees, fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
    • With a heat index between 90 and 105 degrees, sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion is possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
    • With a heat index between 105 and 130 degrees, sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion is likely. Heatstroke is possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
    • With a heat index of 130 degrees or higher, heatstroke/sunstroke is highly likely with continued exposure.

    Heat index values were devised for shady light wind conditions, exposure to full sunshine can incresae heat index values by up to 15 degrees fahrenheit.

    First aid treatment suggestions for heat-related illnesses can be obtained from local Red Cross offices, hospitals and clinics, public health agencies, and physicians.


    WILDFIRE RISKS:

  • During prolonged periods of lack of rainfall, high temperatures and gusty winds, there can be an extreme danger of wildfires. There are many wildlands right next to subdivisions in Austin and Travis County that can fuel dangerous wildfires.

    Observe the following precautions during these periods:

    • Do not burn trash, leaves, or brush outdoors. There is a permanent ban against such burning within the City of Austin.
    • Clear a 30- to 50-foot safety zone around your home if you live next to open pastures or woods. If your home sits on a steep slope, you need to clear a larger area. 

    FIREWORKS:

    In the United States each year, fireworks account for 10,000 injuries serious enough to require emergency room visits and for 51,000 fires causing about $36 million in damage. Some things to keep in mind, especially during our current drought:

    • It is illegal to possess fireworks within the City of Austin or within 5,000 feet of the city limits.
    • It is also illegal to transport fireworks through Austin.
    • Although fireworks are legal in some areas outside of the City of Austin, their use anywhere is extremely dangerous. Fire experts recommend that fireworks be left to professional displays.

    Source: The Austin Office of Emergency Managment

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