As temperatures soar, the Houston Fire Department (HFD) emphasizes the importance of taking precautionary measures to avoid heat-related medical emergencies. Whether you're indoors or outdoors, following these safety tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy during the summer months.

Beat the Heat: Hydration and Cooling Tips

To prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke, HFD recommends:

-Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-replacement beverages before feeling thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or high sugar content.

- Timing is Everything: Plan outdoor activities or work for the early morning or evening when it’s cooler.

- Dress Smart: Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing to allow perspiration to evaporate and cool your body.

- Cool Showers and Wet Towels: Take cold showers or baths to cool down. Use wet towels on your neck, underarms, and feet for additional cooling.

Look Before You Lock: Child and Pet Safety

HFD urgently reminds caregivers to "Look Before You Lock" to prevent children from being left in vehicles. Leaving children unattended in cars, even for a few minutes, can lead to severe heat-related illnesses or death. If you see a child left alone in a car, call 911 immediately and stay until help arrives.

Pets are also vulnerable in hot cars. Even short periods can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, or death. Ensure your pets are never left in vehicles.

Pool and Water Safety: Supervision Saves Lives

As families head to pools to beat the heat, HFD stresses the importance of vigilant supervision:

- Active Supervision: Always have an adult closely monitor children in and around pools. Most child drownings occur in backyard pools.

- Learn CPR: Parents and guardians should learn CPR. In the event of a drowning, performing CPR quickly can save lives.

Generator Safety: Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

With the increased use of generators during power outages, HFD provides these critical safety tips:

- Proper Placement: Never run generators inside your home or in poorly ventilated areas like garages, small side patios, or covered porches. Place generators at least 20 feet away from homes, windows, doors, and vents.

- CO Detectors: Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of your home if you use generators, gas or wood-burning fireplaces, or any other fuel-burning appliances. If your CO alarm sounds, ventilate the house immediately by opening windows and doors.

For more detailed information and additional resources, visit the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management’s response and recovery website  at http://www.houstonoem.org/pages/response.

Stay Safe, Stay Cool, Houston

By following these guidelines from HFD, Houstonians can enjoy a safer summer, free from heat-related hazards and emergencies. Let's work together to keep our community safe and healthy during these hot months.

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