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Extreme heat can be dangerous for every person, animal, ecosystem and crop in Texas. People with disabilities, especially those with underlying health conditions and those with service and emotional support animals, must be prepared. Learn about the dangers and how you can be better prepared.
Texas is hot
Climate change has increased the risk for extreme sustained temperatures across Texas. High temperatures make people more likely to experience heat exhaustion and heat stroke. High temperatures strain our infrastructure and can disrupt power sources, supply chains and damage our roads. High temperatures can damage crops, livestock, and shift the balance in our ecosystems. Also, extreme heat and drought create conditions that are favorable for wildfires.
In 2023, there were 450 heat-related deaths, the highest on record and an increase from 2022 when there were 279 heat-related deaths.
Be in the know
It’s important to know when extreme heat is coming so you can prepare and limit your exposure. Make sure you understand the different heat-related warnings and what actions you should take when one is issued. You can be alerted about extreme heat in various ways. One is to get alerts through the FEMA app or a weather app. Another is to watch the weather where you live, either by regularly watching the news, listening to the radio, reading the newspaper, etc.
Prepare for the heat
You can do a number of things to your home to keep the hot air out and the cool air in. Whether there’s a specific heat warning in place or if it’s just the extended summer we experience these days, it’s good to do what you can do ahead of time.
Stay cool at home
Some examples include covering windows with drapes or shades, weather stripping doors and windows, and adding insulation. Learn more about what you can do to prepare your home for extreme heat.
Utility providers might also have programs to help you cool your home. Also, if you are experiencing financial hardship and can’t pay your utility bills, look into programs like Texas Utility Help or the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs’ Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program.
Find out where you can cool off
There may be resources available or places you can go to stay cool and avoid the heat. Below are examples of things you can do.
- Ask your local emergency management department about their heat plans.
- Identify cooling centers in your area. These could be at places like local libraries or Salvation Army centers. To find information about cooling centers, check with your city or county government, connect with 2-1-1 Texas, or contact your local United Way.
- Utility providers might partner with local organizations to operate cooling centers. For example, Reliant’s Beat the Heat program is available in Corpus Christi, Houston, and North Texas. Ask your utility provider if they have a similar program.
Understand heat-related illness
Exposure to extremely hot temperatures can be dangerous for everyone, including people with disabilities and pets. For people, extreme heat can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke, which can be fatal. Be familiar with the warning signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.
Understand the impact if you work outdoors or in conditions where high temperatures influence your working environment. Talk to your employer and understand what activities can be provided to mitigate the risks and keep employees safe and productive. Educate yourself on your rights as an employee in these situations.
Extreme heat and mental health
Extreme temperatures can make anyone irritable and can exacerbate mental health conditions. Excessive heat causes changes in sleep patterns, emotions, and behavior that can result in feelings of anger, irritability, aggression, discomfort, stress, and fatigue. If you take medications, consult with your provider before mixing your dose with excessive heat. Climate changes, including droughts and extreme changes in temperature, can cause negative effects by increasing pollutants and allergens and worsening air quality. These worsen mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Be sure to talk to your provider about preparing for extreme temperatures.
If you are being affected by excessive heat and you need immediate crisis counseling, you can call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
Wildfire safety
High temperatures and drought can create conditions that are favorable for wildfires, so it’s important to be prepared.
Have a plan
You may know well ahead of time that extreme heat is coming, but a wildfire can pop up out of nowhere, so prepare now. Have a home fire escape plan (that includes your pets), and have an exit strategy for when you’re out and about in the community. Learn about more precautions you can take before a wildfire.
Stay alert
If conditions are favorable for wildfires, the FEMA app and weather apps will communicate advisories. If a wildfire is in your area, you should receive notifications through weather and emergency alerts.
Air quality
Wildfires create smoke that can affect the air quality many miles from where the fire is happening. The smoke can include ash and other substances that can be harmful to breathe, especially for people who are sensitive to poor air quality.
Whether there’s a wildfire in your area or hundreds of miles away, it can be a good idea to monitor the air quality so you know when it’s safe to go outside and when you should stay in. One way to monitor air quality is with the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow mobile app.
Protect your home
You can take proactive steps to protect your home and the surrounding area from wildfires. For example, keep your roof and gutters free from dead leaves that could catch fire, and utilize fire resistant landscaping to prevent fire from reaching your home.
Use the tips and checklists in Ready, Set, Go! to create your own personal wildfire action plan.
Additional resources
- Tools & info from HEAT.gov
- Working in Outdoor and Indoor Heat Environments (OSHA)
- Evacuation Chairs – National Disability Rights Network (webinar)
- Extreme Heat Safety – American Red Cross (includes Extreme Heat Safety Checklist in multiple languages)
- Heat & Health Tracker (CDC)
- Air quality index (EPA)
- Extreme Heat – Ready.gov
- Wildfires – Texas Ready
Last updated: June 27, 2024
Publication Code: DPR16
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Disclaimer: Disability Rights Texas strives to update its materials on an annual basis, and this handout is based upon the law at the time it was written. The law changes frequently and is subject to various interpretations by different courts. Future changes in the law may make some information in this handout inaccurate.
The handout is not intended to and does not replace an attorney’s advice or assistance based on your particular situation.
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