El Paso Health Authority to call heat emergency for Monday

The City and County Health Authority will be issuing a heat emergency after sustained high temperatures have led to several heat-related deaths.

The city’s Extreme Weather Task Force will be reminding the public about safety measures in a news conference on Monday.

Four heat-related deaths have happened this summer, so far, and the city and county want remind everyone these temperatures can be life-threatening.

Saturday evening borderland residents stepped out to enjoy some cool weather,
but El Pasoans won’t hesitate to tell anyone how hot the recent weeks have been.

“Extremely hot; hotter than I can remember,” Tyler Cloud said.

The region has experienced 34 days of triple-digit temperatures this summer, so far.

The Extreme Weather Task Force will be declaring the heat emergency on Monday.

Officials with the task force say they have been consulting with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and concluded the extreme heat is an emergency situation.

“You know, where I work it’s a 112,” Carlos Rivas said.

Rivas, like many other El Pasoans say they have their own methods for keep cool.

“I have little cold drink,” Rivas said.

While many don’t have the luxury of frolicking in a splash pad or a pool, the El Paso City and County Health Authority recommends drinking more fluids, even if your not thirsty and regardless of your activity level.

The authority suggests finding shade in extreme heat, and if needed seek a heat shelter like a library or shopping mall.

The authority also recommends doing what Kenneth Latimer does when it’s hot.

“My main way is to stay cool is stay in the house,” Latimer told ABC-7.

Officials from the Extreme Weather Task Force recommend staying indoors during the afternoon hours and frequently check on the elderly, children and those who have mental illness.