🌡️ Heat Safety

  1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water—even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine in extreme heat.
  2. Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Try to stay indoors between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is at its strongest.
  3. Use Fans and AC: Use air conditioning when possible. If you don’t have AC, visit public cooling centers (libraries, malls, etc.).
  4. Dress Smart: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat.

🌞 Sun Protection

  1. Apply Sunscreen: Use SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
  2. Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
  3. Check the UV Index: Limit outdoor exposure when the UV index is high.

🚗 Vehicle Safety

  1. Never Leave Kids or Pets in Cars: Temperatures can soar quickly inside vehicles, even with windows cracked.
  2. Check Back Seats: Always look before you lock.
  3. Car Maintenance: Ensure your car’s AC, tires, and cooling system are in good shape to prevent breakdowns.

🌿 Outdoor & Wildlife Awareness

  1. Watch for Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, dizziness, and nausea. Move to a cooler area and hydrate immediately.
  2. Be Snake Aware: Texas heat brings out snakes—watch your step in tall grass and around rocks or logs.
  3. Mosquito Control: Use insect repellent and remove standing water to reduce mosquito breeding grounds (and prevent West Nile/Zika viruses).

🧯 Grill & Fire Safety

  1. Supervise Grilling: Never leave grills unattended. Keep them away from dry grass and overhanging trees.
  2. Observe Burn Bans: Check local regulations before lighting any outdoor fire.

🏊 Water Safety

  1. Supervise Children: Never leave kids unattended near pools, lakes, or rivers.
  2. Wear Life Jackets: Required for children under 13 on boats in Texas; recommended for all weak swimmers.
  3. Know Water Conditions: Be cautious of currents in lakes and rivers, especially after storms.

🐶 Pet Care

  1. Limit Walks: Walk dogs early or late to avoid hot pavement that can burn paws.
  2. Provide Shade and Water: Pets need a cool, shaded space and constant access to fresh water.
  3. Never Leave Pets in Cars: Even a few minutes can be deadly.