Heat Precautions in Texas
From the Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
The National Weather Service is forecasting high temperatures and humidity over the weekend, with heat indices reaching up to 112°. Residents are advised to take precautions when working or spending time outside.
Excessive temperatures will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
In response to these conditions, the City of Corpus Christi will make several cooling centers available to the public from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The cooling centers will be located throughout the city.
Last Updated September 8, 2023
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View a list of cooling centers »
The City would also like to remind everyone about precautions you can take to reduce your risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The Texas Department of State Health Services advises:
- Never leave anyone, including animals, in a closed, parked vehicle.
- Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar.
- Don't wait until you are thirsty, drink fluids at least 30 minutes before going outside.
- Plan strenuous outdoor activity for early mornings or evenings when it’s cooler.
- Take frequent breaks when working outside.
- Signs and symptoms of heat illness include dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, headaches, and muscle cramps. If signs and symptoms begin to emerge move to a cooler location, rest a few minutes and slowly drink a cool liquid. Immediately seek medical attention if conditions do not improve and tell someone to observe you
- Eat meals that are well balanced, cool, and light.
- Frequently check on the elderly, the ill, and others who may need help.
- Adjust to the environment. A sudden change in temperature – an early heat wave or travel to a hotter climate – will be stressful to the body. Limit physical activity until you become accustomed to the heat.
- Check with a doctor or pharmacist about the effects of sun and heat when taking prescription medications, especially diuretics or antihistamines.
Overall, the best defense against heat-related illness is prevention; stay cool, drink plenty of fluids, wear cool clothing and monitor strenuous outdoor activities, and stay informed.
For more information, contact the call center at 361-826-CITY (2489), or if it’s an emergency, call 911.
NWS Heat Index Tools
The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. The National Weather Service offers a Heat Index Calculator and a Heat Index chart for the public.
CDC Heat Tips
Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with actions that help the body cool itself to prevent heat-related illness.
FEMA & Ready.gov Tips
Prepare now and if you do not have air conditioning, find places in your community where you can go to get cool.
The City of Corpus Christi adopted a tax rate that will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year's tax rate. The tax rate will effectively be raised by 4.69 percent and will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $16.87.
