Monsoon Safety Awareness Week: Extreme Heat
Extreme heat might not be the first hazard you think about when it comes to the monsoon season, but it accounts for more deaths every year than any other severe weather hazard.
El Paso typically sees more than 15 triple-digit days every summer.
Even with very little moisture in the air, the heat can still cause problems.
“When it’s 100 degrees, even with low humidity it can still be oppressive and dangerous to your health if you don’t take the necessary precautions,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist Joe Rogash.
June is the hottest time of the year in the borderland, which means it’s the best time to take health precautions to stay safe.
When the heat is in full force, make sure to check on the elderly and other susceptible family members frequently.
For those without fans, call 211 for the Extreme Weather Task Force, who may be able to provide those in need.
For those with extra fans, simply drop them off at local fire stations.
Stay out of the sun from noon until 5 p.m. when the sun is at its harshest angle and can do the most damage.
Wear light-colored clothing, which absorbs less solar radiation than darker colors.
Drink plenty of water.
If you have an outdoor pet, the Humane Society recommends making sure the pet is not chained up, always has access to shade, and plenty of water.
Those experts also warn that dogs can knock over water bowls easily, so using a kiddie pool instead is recommended.
Pets should never be left in cars for any period of time in the summer, even if the car is parked in the shade or the windows are cracked.
“The inside of a car can heat up to over 120 degrees in seconds, and parking that car under the shade is not the answer in the heat. Never ever ever leave a pet in the car during the summer,” said Humane Society spokeswoman Betty Hoover.
Hot cars can also kill small children in the summer heat. Leaving a child in the car, even for a short time, can be extremely hazardous.
“It’s dangerous. It’s illegal, and it’s potentially deadly. It seems really like a no-brainer, but it happens. Last year in Texas we had 13 hot car deaths, one of those happened here in Socorro,” said Department of Family and Protective Services spokesperson Paul Zimmerman,
If you see a pet or a child locked in a car, call 911 immediately.
