Houston to open cooling centers amid heat advisory | Texas

Houston, Texas – The city of Houston will open 63 cooling centers this weekend to help residents escape the heat, officials said.

The centers will be available on Saturday June 29 and Sunday June 30. People participating in the Pride Parade or other outdoor activities are advised to bring water, fans, cooling towels and umbrellas, and to be aware of their surroundings to avoid the heat . -related issues.

Libraries across Houston will serve as cooling centers during normal business hours Saturday, with the exception of the downtown Central Library, which is closed due to street closures. Some community centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, with the Moody Community Center at 3725 Fulton and the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center at 1475 W. Gray St. open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On Sundays, the following locations will be open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.:
– Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, 6719 W. Montgomery Rd.
– Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, 4410 Reed Road.
– Kashmir Multi-Service Center, 4802 Lockwood Dr.
– Moody Community Center, 3725 Fulton Street (2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
– Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 W. Gray St. (2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

Additionally, the YMCA of Greater Houston will open its locations both days for those who need relief from the heat.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Saturday, with heat index values ​​expected to reach triple digits Sunday. The city of Houston is activating its public health emergency plan if excessive heat is forecast for two or more consecutive days.

Residents without adequate transportation to a cooling center can call 3-1-1 to request free transportation, although transportation is limited to and from centers only.

During the summer months in Houston, officials recommend drinking plenty of water, avoiding drinks containing caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar, and engaging in outdoor activities during periods the coolest of the day. It is also advisable to wear loose, light-colored clothing and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned places.

Residents are reminded not to leave infants, children, elderly people or pets unattended in parked vehicles, even with windows open. Wearing wide-brimmed hats and applying sunscreen can help prevent sunburn and heat-related illnesses.

For those who do not have air conditioning at home, it is recommended to look for accommodation in air-conditioned premises such as relatives’ homes, multi-service centers, shopping malls, cinemas and libraries. Taking frequent cool baths or showers can also help.

Statistical analyzes of the past two summers indicate that some community members begin to experience heat-related illnesses requiring emergency room visits when the daily maximum heat index is as low as 80 degrees. Vulnerable populations, including young people, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, should be especially careful.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include weakness, dizziness, excessive sweating, cool or clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, and a rapid, weak pulse. People with these symptoms should seek a cooler place, drink water, take a cool shower or bath, and rest.

Signs of heat stroke include a throbbing headache, red, hot, dry skin, extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees), nausea or vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, and pulse rapid and strong. If these symptoms occur, call 9-1-1 immediately and try to lower the person’s body temperature until help arrives.

For more information or to find the location of the nearest cooling center, residents can call 3-1-1.