Beat the heat: Take steps for a safe summer
It is hot outside — in fact the temperature has been in the 90s the past few weeks and it may go higher before fall. The City of Houston, Houston Fire Department, Reliant and others are providing safety tips on how to stay cool, cooling facilities and assistance with high utility bills.
Those working or exercising outside may become overheated, which can create serious health problems, or even death. If you work outside, stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade; if your abode is not air-conditioned, go to a cooling center; drink plenty of water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty; avoid caffeine and alcohol; and wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat.
Light colors reflect heat and sunlight and help your body maintain normal temperatures. Check on seniors, children, and those who are ill because they are vulnerable to excessive heat, and ensure that your pets are provided with shade and adequate water.
One of the most important tips is to “look
before you lock,” so children or pets will not be left in vehicles. National statistics indicate that even on “mild” days or if the window is “cracked” the inside of a vehicle can reach nearly 120 degrees. Children and pets are more sensitive to heat, and heat stroke is a possibility if they are left in a hot vehicle.
The Houston Fire Department recommends that parents and caregivers place their purse, phone, computer or wallet in the back seat as a reminder that they have a person or pet in the car. If anyone sees an unattended child or pet in a car, call 911 and stay until help arrives. The symptoms
Heat exhaustion signs include profuse sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, a weak-but-rapid pulse and fainting. The skin may be cool and moist. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke.
“The county’s excessive heat plan goes into effect when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues an Excessive Heat Warning. This warning is issued when an excessive heat event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. The warning is made effective by the local NWS office within 12 hours of the onset of the following conditions: Heat index values greater than 113 degrees Fahrenheit or ambient air temperature greater than 105 degrees,” said Tanya Makany-Rivera, interim press secretary, Mayor’s Office of Communications, City of Houston.
However, prior to the Excessive Heat Warning, people may still find it too hot for their comfort, and there is one place the public is welcome year round — the local library.
“Houston Public Library has 38 locations. We have many programs for those of all ages. Not only are people able to cool off, but also to check out their favorite books. We have hundreds of programs for all ages,” said Marjorie D. Gonzalez, communications division of the Houston public Library.
Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery and Galveston counties’ libraries are also welcoming the public during the hot summer to cool down. On each of these county library system’s websites, a host of activities pack their calendars for all ages to enjoy, while they are beating the heat or simply visiting. Find a local branch library by visiting Fort Bend’s website: www.fortbend.lib.tx.us/; Montgomery County: http://countylibrary. org/; Galveston County: http://galvestoncounty.org/resources/Library.html; Harris County: www.hcpl.net/; and Houston: http://houstonlibrary.org.
Reliant Beat the Heat Center locations return for the 12th consecutive year to keep Houstonians cool as temperatures and electricity usage begin to rise. Designed to provide residents with a safe and comfortable environment and to reduce home electricity use during the hottest days of summer, Reliant has announced that five Beat the Heat Centers in Houston will operate through Sept. 30.
“Keeping residents safe in the Texas heat is a priority for us at Reliant, and the Beat the Heat Centers will provide valuable relief that’s accessible right in the community,” said Elizabeth Killinger, president of Reliant and NRG retail. “Our mission is to power, protect and simplify life, and we thank Houston and agency partners for helping make each center a place where residents can stay cool.”
Each Reliant Beat the Heat Center is open to the community free and features airconditioned space, bottled water, light snacks and entertainment.
In Fort Bend County, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels also offers a cooling center. All Fort Bend Seniors’ 11 senior centers are open 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday, and registration is required.
“The only senior center that has been designated as a “Cooling Center” for senior citizens is the Rosenberg Center, at 1330 Band Road. Once we begin having (people) inquiring about coming to the center to beat the heat, we will open to accommodate the seniors from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. While they are at the center they will receive a snack. All seniors must be registered and are asked to call in advance to participate. If they arrive in the morning and are registered they will receive a lunch. They will need to have their own transportation,” said Manuela Arroyos, CEO, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels.
For other area cooling centers, call 311. Utility bill assistance
Those seeking assistance with higherthan-normal utility bills during the summer are asked to call 311 for a list of agencies. Another resource for utility bill assistance is Catholic Charities, 713-526-4611. It provides help to all people regardless of faith. Northwest Assistance Ministries at 281-583-5600 and West Houston Assistance Ministries at 713-977-9942 also are available.
Reliant also will assist seniors and lowincome residential customers with paying their Reliant electricity bills via the CARE program’s contributions to social services agencies, along with payment extensions and deferred payment plans. And Reliant will once again donate $25,000 to the City of Houston to help provide eligible seniors with new air conditioning units.
Reliant customer service agents are available to help residents identify social services agencies that can aid with electricity bills.
Reliant Home Energy Checkup is a free service available to Reliant customers to provide a detailed evaluation of their home’s energy efficiency and offer recommendations for improvement.
For information about programs, customers can call 1-866-RELIANT.