Summer Heat Watch: Where To Cool Off In Dallas

DALLAS, TX – Summertime is more than just outdoor fun — for many, including those who walk to and from work, summer means dangerous outdoor conditions that could cause heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.

The Dallas Office of Emergency Management Thursday activated a Level 2 Heat Alert that will continue until Sunday. The alert is accompanied by daytime temperatures that meet or exceed 100º Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures at or above 80º.

As a result of the heat alert, the city has made the following resources available for all residents and guests:

• The Martin Luther King Community Center and West Dallas Multipurpose Center will operate on their normal schedule Thursday and Friday and will have water available for those residents seeking relief from the heat; the MLK Center will be open Saturday as well.
• The Reverchon Park Recreation Center will operate on its normal schedule on Saturday and will have water available for distribution to residents.
• The Salvation Army has graciously donated water that will be distributed to the above centers for those seeking relief from the heat.
• All other City Facilities will operate on their normal schedules and residents or guests seeking relief from the heat may visit any open facility.
• Additional cooling centers operated by the Salvation Army will remain open during their regular operating hours.

It is important for everyone to take appropriate precautions this weekend, including:

• Stay out of the blazing heat (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
• Drink a lot of water & low-sugar juices
• Keep shades drawn shut
• Turn on the air conditioner
• Keep lights turned low/off
• Avoid alcoholic beverages
• Avoid coffee & cola
• Avoid heavy meals
• Avoid high physical activity
• Avoid tight fitting clothing
• Avoid using fans without air conditioning running

“We strongly encourage our residents to check-in on each other and recognize the signs of heat related illness.” said Rocky Vaz, Director of the Office of Emergency Management. “Any sign of a heat related illness should be addressed immediately by getting out of the elements, hydrating, and resting.”

Signs of Heat Related Illness can include:

• Easily fatigued
• Muscle cramps and pain in the legs
• Agitation and later listlessness in children
• Dry mouth
• No tears
• Sunken soft spots
• Red skin
• Fever
• Disorientation
• Not sweating
• Fever above 105 degrees
• Headaches
• Convulsions

Residents that need additional information or City services during the weekend can contact Dallas 311, OEM at 214-670-4275, or 911 in case of emergency.

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