Extra care needed as heat increases

07/14/04
Texas City Sun
by: T J Aulds

It seems that only in Texas would you have such a thing as the heat index. Not sure what the heat index is? You have heard of the chill factor. Just flip it around and prepare to sweat. Today, the temperature is expected to reach 93 degrees, but thanks to our pal humidity it will feel more like 103 degrees.

Strike that, it will feel like you are a barbecue brisket on the pit. It is indeed hot out there.

And while it is fun to complain about the heat and talk about how much perspiration will pour out of one's skin on a summer day in these parts, this is a good time to remind people to stay safe out there.

With each passing summer, we read more and more the stories of heat related deaths. The elderly and those who work in the outdoors are the most susceptible.

That's why during these first really hot days of summer, it is good to remind one another to not take the heat for granted and do all you can to keep yourself and the ones you know cool this summer.

The most vulnerable on these sweltering days are the elderly. Many of our senior citizens live on fixed incomes and do all they can to shave costs. That often means not running the air conditioner, even when the heat index reaches above 104 degrees.

All to often these seniors will run a fan instead of the AC. Health officials tell us this is not enough to protect someone from heat stroke. So, if you know of a senior who could use a place to cool off, invite him or her over or offer a ride to the nearest senior citizens center.

And because so many seniors are on fixed incomes, may we suggest as well you contact the local electric company about programs that are designed to help fixed income families pay their electric bills. Most of our local utility providers feature such programs, and you can assist by giving money or pointing out when you know of someone who could take advantage of the program.

Summertime is also the active time for families and that means the kids will often be in tow when mom and dad run errands.

Never, and we mean never, live your child in a hot car even for a minute. Even if you think you have left the doors unlocked and the windows cracked, don't do it.

Sit in our newsroom on a hot summer day and listen to how many police calls there are for kids locked in a car. You would be surprised. Fortunately most of those calls are answered in plenty of time to avoid injury. But there are those stories when the call comes too late and a child is severely injured or dead.

Many in our community work outdoors: Contractors, yard workers, heavy equipment operators and more.If you work outside or have employees who work outside, make sure there is plenty of water on hand to prevent dehydration. Also, find ways to work in the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or early evenings.

Still, the most important thing to remember is to keep plenty of water on hand. That goes, too, for those who are outdoors for sporting events such as our Little League baseball and youth softball leagues.

Again, never leave a young child in a hot car unattended.

The same goes for your pets, as well. They need just as much care as anyone.

The best way to deal with the heat is to be smart. Think first and don't let the distractions of the summer get the best of you.

Lend a hand to a senior in need. Keep your eyes on your kids. If you are working outside or have employees who are doing do, make sure there is plenty of water and try to schedule work in the cooler parts of the day. Don't leave pets in a car unattended.

Simple tips that would prevent a majority of the heat related injuries and deaths if everyone followed them.

T.J. Aulds
Sun managing editor

Read the press release