Heat wave hits Hays County

News Reporter

Heat has been severely affecting Hays County. Heat indices have unexpectedly been between 108-114, which can make day-to-day routines difficult to comprehend. During these dog days, it’s important to be cautious and take safety precautions to prevent a misadventure to occur.

On June 20, ERCOT issued a voluntary conservation notice. Due to extreme temperatures, ERCOT was asking Texans to voluntarily reduce electricity use. This voluntary conservation notice took effect between 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Why should we reduce electricity usage?

Texas is experiencing very high temperatures for an extended period which creates a great deal of demand for electricity as residents are doing what they can to stay cool. Although this is all voluntary, this conservation is a widely used tool to help lower demand for a specific period of demand time. Thermal generation power plant outages are higher than normal, which creates a major loss in energy.

A heat wave can create a dangerous situation to humans and to pets. Heat can cause a person to overheat and can even be fatal. According to the Texas State Environmental, Health, Safety, Risk and Emergency Management Department, the body is constantly working to make sure a consistent internal temperature is being produced. When the body temperature starts to increase, it will release excess heat in the form of sweat and circulate more blood to the skin to help the body cool off.

Who is at risk?

Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat. People who are dehydrated due to not drinking enough water or binging on alcoholic or caffeinated drinks can increase their chances of developing heat illnesses. Individuals who have heart conditions, high blood pressure, fatigue, fever, poor physical health, obesity, mental illness, poor circulation and/or sunburn are also at greater risk. Prescription drugs can also increase the threat of heat illnesses.

Heat Stress Dangers

Extreme heat exposure can cause four primary forms of heat illnesses which include heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Heat-Related Illness	Symptoms and Signs	Treatment
Heat Rash occurs when exposed to too much heat. This causes the skin to become irritated due to excessive sweating, particularly during humid times when moisture cannot evaporate well.	Red cluster of pimples or small blisters Often appears on the neck, upper chest, groin, under breasts, and in elbow creases	· Move to a cooler environment. · Keep area dry and do not wash with water unless it is immediately toweled.
Heat Cramps are cramps or muscle spasms that are felt in the abdomen, arms, and legs. They usually occur in conjunction with strenuous activity. They occur when depletion of the body’s salt and fluids through excessive sweating and can also lead to heat exhaustion.	Muscle spasms or pain Usually in legs, arms, or trunk	· Stop activity and rest in a cool place. · Replenish with a sports drink, juice, or electrolytes to replace the fluids and salts. · DO NOT take a salt pill unless directed by a doctor. · Seek medical attention if you are on a low-sodium diet. · Continuing to work too soon puts you at serious risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. · Rest for several hours after the heat cramps have gone away. · Seek medical attention if the heat cramps have not subsided within one hour of resting.
Heat Exhaustion occurs when the body is unable to regulate its internal temperature. It can occur after several days of exposure to high temperatures and not replacing fluids and salts sufficiently, which means it can take place at the beginning of a shift, even if not much has been done that day or the temperature does not seem unreasonable.	Fatigue Irritability Thirst Nausea or vomiting Dizziness or lightheadedness Heavy sweating Elevated body temperature or fast heart rate	· Stop working immediately and get somewhere much cooler or even take a cool shower or bath. · Drink cool beverages that are nonalcoholic. · Remove heavy or tight-fitting clothing, change into something lightweight and airy. · Wait several hours after the symptoms subside before returning to activities. · Seek medical attention, if the symptoms get worse during treatment or if they last longer than one hour. · Ignoring treatment can lead to more severe heat stroke.
Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat illness and is considered a medical emergency. Heat stroke may occur, but not always, as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat syncope, and heat exhaustion. Heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain or other internal organs.	Confusion Slurred speech Unconsciousness Seizures Heavy sweating or hot, dry skin Very high body temperature Rapid heart rate	· Quickly get the victim to a cool place, even if it is under a shady area, and call 911. · Do whatever you can to cool the person down quickly, dousing them in water. · Maintain efforts to cool them until help arrives or their temperature drops down to 101°F or lower. · If medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital for further instructions.

Preventative Measures

Increase the number of fluids you drink. Replenish electrolytes with sports drinks. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks; experts recommend drinking 2-4 glasses of cool fluids each hour.
Be sure there are cool places around and take frequent breaks in them. Bring an umbrella along if shade is not available.
Wear light-colored clothing not dark colors. Dark color clothing absorbs heat.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing and wear light materials such as linen and light cotton.
Use sunscreen rated at SPF15 or higher and reapply often.
Use a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your head.
Take plenty of breaks to cool down and replenish with fluids.
Check weather updates.
Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
Pace yourself.
Use a buddy system. Check-in on friends and family and have someone do the same for you.
Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles even if windows are cracked open.
Keep your pets hydrated and protected from the heat.
Limit exercise for you and even for pets to early morning or evening hours.
During extreme heat, avoid walking pets on hot asphalt.

On June 23, ERCOT issued a weather watch from June 25-30 due to forecasting higher temperatures and extreme demand for electrical usage. Grid conditions are expected to be stable, but operating reserves may be affected due to conditions. ERCOT encourages everyone to sign up for grid condition notifications through the Texas Advisory and Notifications System (TXANS). https://www.ercot.com/txans.