Austin Area Under Heat Advisory For 2nd Straight Day

AUSTIN, TX — For the second day in a row, the National Weather Service has placed Austin — and much of Central Texas for that matter — under a heat advisory as temperatures are expected to reach about 100 degrees.

Like the previous advisory issued on Wednesday, the latest one is in effect from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Officials were prompted to issue the advisory as the heat index is expected to make the temperature feel like it's between 108 to 114 degrees.

Such scorching climate brings with it potential health risks due to dehydration, including heat stroke. It's worth repeating that under such conditions, residents are highly urged to drink copious amounts of water when outdoors.

Related story: Heat Advisory Issued For Austin Area

Particularly vulnerable are children and the elderly, and the former should never, under any circumstances, be left alone inside hot parked cars. This goes for pets too. Residents are urged to check in on their elderly neighbors to make sure they're safe.

The American Red Cross offers tips on how people can stay safe during days of such extreme heat as outlined below.

What to do before a heat wave:

• Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.

• Be aware of both the temperature and the heat index. The heat index is the temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined.

• Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for wherever you spend time— home, work and school—and prepare for power outages.

• Check the contents of your emergency disaster kit in case a power outage occurs.

• Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.

• If you do not have air conditioning, choose places you could go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls).

• Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.

• Get trained in First Aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.

• Ensure that your animals' needs for water and shade are met.

What to do during a heat wave:

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).

• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

• Eat small meals and eat more often.

• Avoid extreme temperature changes.

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun's rays.

• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

• Postpone outdoor games and activities.

• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.

• Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.

• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.