The Heat Is On
June 8, 2020 - San Antonio
Hot tamale. “With the heat and humidity forecast for today and tomorrow, it is important for the community to keep in mind that excessive heat can pose a health threat,” said Dr. Dawn Emerick, director of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. Photo: Jade Esteban Estrada.
By Jade Esteban Estrada - Staff Writer, San Antonio Sentinel
On Monday, the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District alerted local residents of a June 8 Ozone Action Day and high temperatures just over 100 degrees for today and Tuesday.
At present, San Antonio continues to be at a Level III heat advisory, which means that either the heat index is expected to reach between 90 to 108 degrees or the temperature reaches 100 degrees or higher for a 48-hour period. Atmospheric conditions in the Bexar County area are also expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone air pollution.
“With the heat and humidity forecast for today and tomorrow, it is important for the community to keep in mind that excessive heat can pose a health threat,” said Dr. Dawn Emerick, Metro Health Director, who is at the helm of monitoring the Covid-19 pandemic for the San Antonio community. “Those with respiratory issues can also be impacted by our air quality. Adults over 65, children under 4, and people with existing problems such as heart disease, and those without access to air conditioning are at highest risk.”
According to Metro Health, some outward signs that an individual is experiencing a heat stroke include red, hot, moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong, rapid pulse or a noticeably weak pulse, nausea, confusion or a sudden change in behavior. If a child exhibits any of these signs under these temperatures, it is advised to cool the child immediately with cool water, however, not in an ice bath, and to then call 911.
The Health Department also reminded the public to never leave children or pets alone in a vehicle. If a passerby sees a child or pet locked in a hot car, they are advised to jot down the car’s description and license plate number and call the San Antonio Police Department at 210-207-SAPD. If a pet is locked in the car, Animal Care Services should be alerted by calling 311. As per city ordinance, both SAPD and animal care officers have the right to break a car’s window if a child or an animal is endangered inside a vehicle.
Because atmospheric conditions could result in the production of high levels of ozone air pollution in the area, young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory health issues, like asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis, should limit outdoor activities as they are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.
Below are six pollution-reducing activities that citizens can do to help keep air quality levels healthy for the San Antonio area:
Refuel cars and trucks after 6:00 p.m.
Work from home, if possible
Walk or ride your bike to work
Take your lunch to work
Avoid drive-through lanes
Keep your vehicle properly tuned
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer at the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. He can be reached at jade@sasentinel.com.