NORTH TEXAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – With temperatures expected to top out around 106 degrees this week, first responders are advising North Texans on ways to protect themselves from a potentially dangerous situation.
The elderly, the sick and the very young are especially susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
Trooper Lonny Haschel with the Texas Department of Public Safety urges anyone planning to spend a lot of time outside need to follow a few simple rules to be safe from the scorching temperatures.
“Make sure you drink plenty of water and really pay attention to the temperature outside. Pay attention to your body so you know the signs of heat exhaustion,” he said.
The temperatures can escalated quickly from morning until afternoon, so Haschel said keeping an eye on the local weather conditions is key.
“Make sure you monitor local weather to see if there is any ozone activity happening. Wear light colored loose fitting clothing, a hat and sun screen if you have to spend time outdoors,” he said.
Haschel also warned residents about the dangers of this extreme heat and cars. He said the inside of a car can heat up 20 degrees in just 10 minutes and that a child or animal should never be left alone inside a car.
Medstar said it has been busy dealing with heat related calls over the past few days. The Tarrant County agency took to Twitter to educate residents on the symtoms of the most common heat-related illnesses.
MedStar crews have treated 264 patients with a heat-related primary or secondary clinical impression since May 1st vs. 180 last year. Long period of temps over 100 degrees predicted this week. Prolonged exposure to hot temperatures can be life threatening – Be careful! pic.twitter.com/cSGNzFSGVj
— MedStar EMS Alerts (@MedStarEMSInfo) July 16, 2018
Medstar said it has about 50 ambulances and crews out at any given time during this heat wave.
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