Beat the Heat: City shares information about staying cool

Published on June 14, 2023

SAN ANTONIO (June 14, 2023) – The City of San Antonio reminds all residents to prepare now to stay cool during extreme heat. Ensuring all residents, especially vulnerable populations, and pets are safe during a heat event is a top priority for the City of San Antonio.

Who is at risk?

Adults over 65, children under four, and people with existing medical conditions, such as heart disease and those without access to air conditioning are at highest risk on days with high temperatures.

What can you do?

Drinking plenty of water and protecting oneself from the sun are critical precautions. Additionally, people should call and check on their neighbors who may be at high risk and ensure they have access to heat relief and hydration.

During the summer months, it is important to remind outside workers to take precautions. Outside workers should drink plenty of water, take rest breaks, find shade or a cool location, dress for the heat and check on their coworkers.

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat strokes are possible health effects. Warning signs of a heat stroke include red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, nausea, confusion, or acting strangely. If a child exhibits any of these signs, cool the child rapidly with cool water (not an ice bath) and call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles. 

If you see a child or pet locked in a hot car or in the back of a truck, act immediately. Write down the car’s description (including a license plate number). Call 911 immediately. 

If regarding a pet, call Animal Care Services at 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000. Per City ordinance, both Police and Animal Care Officers have the right to break a car’s window if a child or animal is endangered inside a vehicle.

Keep Cool

Take cool showers or use a spray bottle to mist yourself with cool water and wear light colored and loose-fitting clothing. Identify places close to home to keep you cool.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Remember to avoid alcohol or liquids containing large amounts of sugar or caffeine.

Be Prepared

Check local news for weather forecasts, extreme heat alerts and preparedness tips to safely plan outdoor activities. 

Prepare your Pets

Extreme heat can easily put your pet at risk for overheating. The following are some tips to help pets beat the heat:

• Fresh water and shelter should always be available. 
• Shade is not just a good idea for outdoor pets. It’s the law. As is access to fresh water and shelter beyond the all-day available shade. Chain tethers of any type are not allowed at any time of year.
• Pets most at risk from overheating include young, elderly, or overweight pets, those with a short muzzle, or those with thick or dark-colored coats.
• Symptoms of heat stress include excessive thirst, heavy panting, glazed eyes, vomiting, restlessness, lethargy, fever, dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, profuse drooling or salivating, and unconsciousness. If an animal does show signs of heat stress, gradually lower their body temperature, and get them to a vet immediately.

Resources

Places to Stay Cool

When temperatures rise to potentially dangerous levels, it is important to stay inside an air-conditioned space whenever possible. There are currently more than 30 San Antonio locations that are open to the public as places to stay cool. The City maintains an interactive map of places to stay cool at SA.gov. These include:

• City Libraries
• Senior Centers
• Community Centers

Additional places to stay cool include the City’s following free facilities:

• Splash Pads
• Swimming Pools

For locations, visitor information, and hours of operation, please visit the Parks & Recreation Department.

Project Cool 

A collaborative between the San Antonio Department of Human Services (DHS) and Fire Department, along with Catholic Charities of San Antonio, Inc., United Way of San Antonio & Bexar County, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and other community or corporate partners.

• Provides heat relief to senior residents 60 years of age and older across the city through donation and free distribution of 20-inch box fans to seniors in need. 
• Fans can be donated to any San Antonio Fire Station or the St. Stephens CARE Center on 2127 Zarzamora Street.  
• Seniors who are 60 years of age and older, current San Antonio residents, that show critical need for a box fan are eligible to receive a fan free of charge.
• Qualified seniors may call 2-1-1 or 210-227-4357 (United Way Helpline) to request a box fan. Supply is limited by donations received during the summer.

For more information about how you can Beat the Heat, visit SA.gov or call 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000.