August 2, 2004

The City of Houston's Heat Emergency Plan will go in effect Monday, August 2. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory expected to remain in effect for southeast Texas through at least Tuesday, August 3 . A heat advisory is issued when the heat index, a computation of the air temperature and humidity, reaches 108 degrees for two consecutive days.

During a heat emergency, everyone is urged to take extra precaution to protect themselves from heat illness and death. High-risk groups such as adults age 55 and older, children under the age of five and people with chronic illness are urged to stay inside air-conditioned buildings between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., the hottest part of the day. Anyone living without air-conditioning can seek air-conditioned shelter at any City of Houston library, Parks and Recreation facility or Houston Department of Health and Human Services multi-service center.

People involved in outdoor labor or recreation should also consider altering their schedule to reduce heat exposure during the hottest part of the day. Prolonged heat exposure or strenuous physical activity may result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Outdoor workers should drink plenty of water or electrolyte replacement beverages and rest frequently in the shade or in an air-conditioned facility.

Houstonians needing transportation assistance to a city-cooling center may call 311 and ask for cooling centers. Metro will provide transportation to regional cooling centers.