Staying Cool in Denton Heat: Important Info Here
It’s no secret that it’s sweltering hot outside. If this triple-digit weather has you wanting to stay under an AC unit all day, you should know you’re not the only one.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an excessive heat warning for a majority of North Texas, and Denton County is included in the affected counties. The warning is said to end Sunday evening, according to NWS.
So what does this mean, and how should you protect yourself (and your pets) until then?
Read on for ways to stay safe and beat the heat.
What is an excessive heat warning?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s website, an excessive heat warning is issued within 12 hours if it meets any of the following criteria; “heat index of at least 105°F for more than 3 hours per day for 2 consecutive days, or heat index more than 115°F for any period of time.”
What health risks can arise from it?
According to NWS, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious risks that can derive from this warning. People who work outside should take “extra precautions” by wearing “light weight and loose fitting clothing” and drinking water.
NWS also strongly advises affected areas to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat strokes.
How to stay cool
Jennifer Rainey, public information officer for Denton County Public Health (DCPH) said residents should “drink plenty of water, limit time spent outdoors, and check on friends and neighbors at high risk for heat-related illnesses.”
Rainey also cited the Center for Disease Control for the three steps you should take during these conditions; avoid, spot, and treat.
How to keep your pet safe
Rainey said that pets share similar heat-safety tips with their owners.
“Ensure pets have access to cool water and shade and only take pets on walks early in the morning or late in the evening, as temperature for concrete and asphalt in the sun can be much higher than outdoor temperatures,” Rainey said.
Where to stay cool in Denton
DCPH not only strives to educate people on safety tips for combating heat, but they also provide resources for locals to take shelter from the weather.
“DCPH works to educate residents of heat-related safety measures, spotting signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, and connecting residents within Denton County to local resources available as a reprieve from the extreme heat,” Rainey said.
The City of Denton has provided an extensive list of cooling stations that are open to locals during the businesses’ operating hours. These cooling stations offer shelter, water, and cool air to those who need it. Some local cooling stations include Our Daily Bread, Salvation Army, and the public libraries along with many others.
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